ABSTRACT
The coastal zone has an important influence on the well-being of communities whose homes and industries lie along the coast. Civil engineers are called upon to provide protection against storm or flood damage, to maintain or improve beaches, to construct ports or marinas, or to control pollution. One of the major developments of the last decade has been the use of computers to simulate coastal processes and to model the impact of engineering works. This has occurred in parallel with a better understanding of, and concern for, the environment. Within the confines of this chapter it is possible only to summarize some aspects of wave action and sediment transport, coast protection and sea defence systems. Emphasis has also been placed on considering the environmental impacts and opportunities of coastal defence techniques.
