ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the underlying geomorphic processes/dynamics of the southern African coastal zone and seeks to illustrate the key processes shaping the geomorphology of this coastline over a range of spatial and temporal scales. Over geological timescales the propensity for coastal regression/progradation will reflect the combined roles of relative sea level change and sediment supply. While broad patterns in littoral drift are apparent, temporal variability is less well-understood as much of the southern African coastline is ungauged. Large sections of the South Africa coastline comprise sandy beaches; in fact, Tinley estimated that 80% of the South African coast consists of sandy beaches. Issues associated with the stabilisation of headland bypass systems illustrate a more general management issue for coastal dune systems: namely, the major disruption to dune mobility and natural biodiversity by alien pioneer vegetation species, such as Marram Grass and Australian Wattle.
