Coasts

Environmental conditions

Salinity, waves, tides and exposure vary between shores and through the year.

Distribution and scope

They border continents and islands; the width of the coastal zone depends on local conditions.

Structure

Beaches, dunes, cliffs and intertidal zones form distinct mosaics, not a single habitat type.

Ecological processes

Erosion, sediment deposition and exchanges between land and sea reshape these settings.

Seasonal changes

Tides alternate immersion and exposure in the intertidal; storms and seasons move sediment. Local wave exposure and topography also matter.

Threats

Development, pollution, trampling and disrupted sediment transport can damage shores and dunes. Sea-level rise adds site-specific pressure.

Conservation

Keep links between beach, dune, cliff and shallow water, and preserve natural sediment processes where possible.

Responsible observation

Check tides and safety. Observe high and low shore without detaching organisms, crossing fragile dunes or approaching cliff edges.