ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the causes and manifestations of, and some possible solutions to, a range of coastal problems working from a physical geographical perspective, but one which tries to integrate social and economic dimensions as well. Coastal problems have been seen within the context of a future, accelerated rise in sea level due to global warming. In simple terms one can regard coastal problems as resulting from stresses on coastal systems. The acknowledgement that many coastal areas are hazardous, threatened and yet valuable environments has led to an increasing need for understanding and solving coastal problems within a general context of coastal management. Coastal problems include beach pollution, shoreline erosion, coastal flooding and the reduction of biodiversity in mangroves and marshes. Patterns of shoreline erosion and deposition are often indicative of changes in the sedimentary budget along a particular stretch of coastline.
