coastal

Coastal refers to the zone where land meets the ocean, sea, or large lake, encompassing the shoreline and adjacent inland areas that are directly influenced by marine processes. This region is shaped by tides, waves, and currents, which create diverse landforms such as beaches, cliffs, dunes, estuaries, and lagoons. The coastal environment supports distinctive ecosystems, including salt‑marshes, mangroves, and seagrass beds, which provide habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna and serve as critical nurseries for many fish species.

Human populations have historically concentrated along coasts because of the access they provide to transportation, trade, and food resources. As a result, coastal zones are often densely populated and host major urban centers, ports, and tourism infrastructure. Economic activities in these areas include fishing, shipping, recreation, and offshore energy production.

Coastal regions are vulnerable to natural hazards such as storm surges, erosion, sea‑level rise, and tsunamis. Climate change intensifies many of these threats, prompting the development of adaptation measures like shoreline protection, managed retreat, and the restoration of natural buffers such as wetlands and dunes. In addition, coastal areas face pressures from pollution, habitat loss, and over‑exploitation of marine resources, leading to worldwide efforts to implement integrated coastal zone management and marine protected areas.

Scientific research on coastal dynamics integrates oceanography, geology, ecology, and socio‑economic studies to inform policies aimed at balancing development with the preservation of coastal ecosystems and the services they provide to human societies.