Seashore

Seashore is the area where land meets sea that is directly affected by tidal exchange and wave action. It includes a range of habitats such as beaches (composed of sand or pebbles), dunes, cliffs, and rocky shores, and the intertidal zone, which lies between the high and low tide marks. The seashore is dynamic; its shape and composition are constantly altered by waves, currents, tides, weather, and sediment supply. Processes like erosion, transport by longshore drift, and deposition create and remove beach material and influence dune stability. Beach profiles and dune systems may change seasonally or during storms.

Ecology: The seashore supports diverse life, from shorebirds and nesting seabirds to invertebrates, crustaceans, and algae in the intertidal zone. Dune vegetation stabilizes sands and provides habitat and storm protection.

Human use and management: Seashores provide recreation, tourism, fishing access, and coastal infrastructure. Development can increase erosion risk and habitat loss. Coastal protection measures—such as seawalls, groynes, and beach nourishment—alter natural processes and may have ecological trade-offs. Sustainable management often emphasizes maintaining sediment balance, protecting sensitive habitats, and planning for sea-level rise.

Protection and designation: Many seashores are subject to coastal zoning, environmental protection regulations, or marine protected areas to safeguard habitats and water quality.