Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology

Written for undergraduate students studying coastal geomorphology, this is the complete guide to the processes at work on our coastlines and the features we see in coastal systems across the world. Accessible to students from a range of disciplines, the quantitative approach of this book helps to build a solid understanding of wave and current processes that shape coastlines. The resulting processes of erosion, transport and deposition and the features they create are clearly explained, with over 400 illustrations and photographs. From sandy beaches to coral reefs, the major coastal features are related to contemporary processes and to sea-level changes over the past 25,000 years. Key equations describing or predicting measurements from instruments used to map these processes are all presented in this wide-ranging overview. Davidson-Arnott completes this teaching package with online material that brings the subject to life, including videos of coastal processes and virtual field trips.

Table of Contents:
Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction; 2. Coastal geomorphology; 3. Sea level fluctuations and changes; 4. Wind-generated waves; 5. Waves - wave theory and wave dynamics; 6. Surf zone circulation; 7. Coastal sediment transport; 8. Beach and nearshore systems; 9. Coastal sand dunes; 10. Barrier systems; 11. Salt marshes and mangroves; 12. Coral reefs and atolls; 13. Cliffed and rocky coasts; Index.

About the Author :
Robin Davidson-Arnott completed his Ph.D. in 1975 from the Department of Geography at the University of Toronto. He was appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Guelph in 1976, Associate Professor in 1980, and has served as Professor from 1988 onwards. He has been a member of the Task Force of the International Joint Commission (Canada/USA) Great Lakes Water Levels Reference Study Phase 1 (1987–9), and has been seconded as a Scientist to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Development of Ontario Shoreline Management Policy and Technical Guideline (1992–5), and to the International Joint Commission (Canada/USA) Upper Great Lakes Water Level Regulation Study (2007–11). He has worked as a consultant for a number of studies for Ontario Conservation Authorities and Parks, Canada, and been awarded the R. J. Russell Award from the Coastal and Marine Specialty Group of the Association of American Geographers in 2000. His research interests are in coastal geomorphology - on beach and nearshore processes on sandy coasts, nearshore erosion of cohesive coasts, coastal saltmarshes, aeolian sediment transport and coastal dunes - and he has received continuous support in this from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada for over 30 years. He has authored and co-authored many books and journal articles on the subject, including a contribution to Geomorphology and Global Environmental Change (Cambridge University Press, 2009).

Review :
'… written with the undergraduate student in mind, providing an in-depth and fresh perspective on the key topics and debates in coastal geomorphology. This ambitious text is well written and devoid of jargon, making some of the more difficult concepts accessible to a range of levels, from undergraduate to graduate. Robin Davidson-Arnott brings together a wealth of contemporary research on coastal systems in a clear and well structured book that provides a solid foundation for understanding coastal processes and landforms. The online materials will provide students with access to real data, and the numerous photographs and figures provide a welcome and much needed discussion of the field methods and data analysis tools. I'm sure that the book will become the standard text for coastal geomorphology classes, and I for one will certainly adopt it.' Chris Houser, Texas A & M University 'This excellent book is both well-written and illustrated. With an up-to-date and detailed text, it will more than satisfy undergraduate coastal geomorphology students yet it is also clear and accessible enough to be of great use to students from a range of disciplines. Supported by a range of online material, this has to be one of the best coastal geomorphology texts available.' Jim Hansom, University of Glasgow 'Davidson-Arnott manages to provide simple explanations for complex concepts … I particularly liked the information on the current state of knowledge about barrier islands. This is a topic that, in other texts, is often explained very simplistically. [He] addresses a wide variety of factors that explain how barriers develop and evolve. The chapter on coastal dunes and aeolian processes reflects the depth of [his] research … He has clearly given significant thought into how these systems operate, and just as importantly how to present material so that it can be understood by students … The chapters on waves are excellent, ranging from a simple explanation of wave description and measurement to a more complex description of wave theory. There is material for both the beginner and more advanced student.' Paul A. Gares, East Carolina University 'Though intended for an introductory audience, this text offers an excellent, modern synthesis of key concepts and literature that also provides a sound knowledge base for advanced studies and researchers. Supplemented with many international examples from Davidson-Arnott's impressive career, the book covers a wide range of topics from bluff erosion to dune dynamics and is written cleanly. In addition, the author has provided excellent online resources, including field datasets and presentation quality figures and video clips. This text, and its related resources, is a must have for anyone interested in coastal geomorphology.' Ian J. Walker, University of Victoria, Canada 'From the outset, the style is authoritative yet eminently readable. Davidson-Arnott draws on personal experiences from around the globe in a way that modern undergraduates … will surely find appealing … For all those in search of an up-to-date undergraduate text that offers a fresh perspective on contemporary coastal geomorphology, this new offering has so much to commend it. It combines an accessible yet scholarly treatment of the underlying processes with a broad range of interesting case studies. All things considered, Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology would certainly be my current choice for a course text in this field.' Geological Magazine '… this book is well written, updates the research base upon which coastal geomorphology teaching draws, and will undoubtedly be a useful addition to the existing books in this area.' The Geographical Journal