Definitions of coastal terms

To ensure sound communication it is important to define the coastal terms used in coastal engineering and shoreline management. Therefore, definitions of terms for coastal features, processes and management issues are given in the following, see also the coastal profile below.

Definition of coastal terms, mainly from Shore Protection Manual, 1984

Definition of coastal terms:

Note: Under construction: Mathematical formulas have not yet been added

ANGLE OF INCIDENCE

BACKSHORE

BAR

BEACH or SHORE

BEACH BERM

BEACH PARK

BREAKER-ZONE or SURF-ZONE

CLOSURE DEPTH

COAST

COAST EROSION

COAST PROTECTION/DEFENCE

• COAST PROTECTION
• SEA DEFENCE
• SHORE PROTECTION

COASTAL AREA

COASTAL HINTERLAND

COASTAL ZONE

COASTLINE

COASTLINE RETREAT

DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY

DUNE

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

EROSION or PROFILE EROSION

FORESHORE or BEACH FACE

LAND

LITTORAL TRANSPORT

LONGSHORE CURRENT or NEARSHORE CURRENT

MANAGEMENT UNIT

NEARSHORE ZONE

OFFSHORE ZONE

RIP CURRENTS

SEA

SEA LEVEL RISE

SETBACK AREA

SHORE PROTECTION: See COAST PROTECTION/DEFENCE

SHOREFACE or LITTORAL ZONE

SHORELINE

SHORELINE MANAGEMENT

SHORELINE RETREAT

STORM SURGE

TIDAL FLAT

TIDAL WAVE

TIDE or ASTRONOMICAL TIDE

References

• Shore practical manual 1984 (coastal profile image)