Meeresteil

Meeresteil is a German noun that describes the portion of a coastline or maritime area that lies directly adjacent to the sea. In coastal geography and related disciplines, the term is used to distinguish the sea-facing part of a shore or water body from inland sections. The exact scope of the Meeresteil depends on the context, ranging from the foreshore and nearshore zones to open offshore waters.

Etymology and usage: the word is formed from Meer (sea) and Teil (part). It is primarily descriptive rather than an official administrative designation. In technical writings on coastal engineering, hydrography and maritime law, Meeresteil specifies the space that is under the influence or jurisdiction of the sea and is often contrasted with landseitige Zonen.

Applications and examples: in coastal planning and environmental assessments, the Meeresteil is a key consideration for the design of sea defenses, dredging projects, and habitat surveys. In navigational or hydrographic contexts, it may refer to offshore waters or tidal regions, depending on the required level of detail. An example usage might describe erosion or flood risks affecting the Meeresteil of a coastline or the sea-facing part of a harbor.

Frequency and related terms: the term is relatively specialized and common in technical German rather than everyday speech. Related terms include Küstenzone, Seewasserzone, Offshore, Nearshore and Foreshore, which describe adjacent or proximal marine areas at varying distances from the shore.