Geomorphology is the study of the Earth's diverse physical land surface features and the dynamic processes that shape these features. Examining natural and anthropogenic processes, The SAGE Handbook of Geomorphology is a comprehensive exposition of the fundamentals of geomorphology that examines form, process, and history in the discipline. Organized into four sections, the Handbook is an overview of foundations and relevance, including the nature and scope of geomorphology, the origins and development of geomorphology, the role and character of theory in geomorphology, the significance of models and abstractions to geomorphology; techniques and approaches, including geomorphological mapping, field observations and experimental design, remote sensing in geomorphology, quantifying rates of erosion, measuring fluid flows and sediment fluxes, dating surfaces and sediment, GIS in geomorphology, and modelling landforms and processes; process and environment, including rock weathering, the evolution of regolith, hill slopes, riverine environments, glacial environments, periglacial environments, coastal environments, desert environments, karst landscapes, environmental change and anthropogenic activity; and environmental change, including geomorphology and environmental management, geomorphology and society, and planetary geomorphology.

Coastal Environments

Coastal Environments

Coastal environments
Colin D.Woodroffe, Peter J.Cowell and Mark E.Dickson

Coastal geomorphologists study one of the most dynamic and changeable parts of the earth, the coastal zone. Coasts evolve, in profile and planform, as a result of the depositional or erosional outcome of predominantly marine processes acting on the shoreline. The operative processes often leave a vivid imprint and even a casual observer can postulate why a beach may be undergoing erosion, speculate on the pattern of future deposition along an accreting shore, or hypothesize the next stage in the retreat of an undercut cliff. Understanding the way that the shoreline changes is of considerable importance to society because so many people live along the coast, and it is the site of intensive agricultural, aquacultural, industrial, ...

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