Defining Coasts

About the lecture

In this module, we think about how coasts should be defined and understood, focusing on: (i) why it is better, in terms of both understanding and management, to conceptualise the coast as a zone, rather than simply a border between the land and sea (ii) the three key roles of the coast – as a defence against wave and tidal energy, a habitat for plant and animal species, and a resource for human development (iii) the tendency for major settlements to be located close to the coast, and the reasons for this (iv) the importance of seeing the coast as a system comprising components, inputs and outputs.

About the lecturer

Dr Chris Spencer is Associate Director of Geography and Environment at the University of the West of England. His research focuses on coastal geomorphology and management, the reconstruction of past sea level change, and the impacts of climate change on coastal environments.