Coastal Systems: The Dynamic Interface Between Land and Sea

Coasts are some of the most dynamic environments on Earth. Their rich resources and appealing scenery mean that many are heavily populated. Coastlines and the adjacent marine zones are threatened by direct natural and anthropogenic stresses as well as land-use and land-cover changes in the catchments. Coasts need to be viewed as interactive systems, including both human and physical components. The sustainability of coastal environments depends on understanding these interactions. The pressures that intense human use brings are exacerbated by climate change, particularly observed and anticipated sea-level rise, which threatens further erosion and inundation. Ongoing studies, many utilising a range of modern sophisticated technologies, are focusing on discriminating natural patterns of change from trends that result from the impact of human activities. Methodological advances include interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary initiatives involving the application of remote sensing to coastal areas and the development of citizen science projects that include coastal communities.