seacoast

Seacoast is the zone of contact between land and a sea or ocean. It includes the shoreline and adjacent environments influenced by waves, tides, and storm surge. In practice, the term denotes both the geographic coastline and the coastal zone used for planning, which often extends inland and offshore to nearshore waters.

Coasts show diverse forms shaped by energy and sediment, including sandy beaches and barrier systems, rocky cliffs, and estuaries. Sediment is redistributed by longshore drift and waves, creating dunes, spits, and tidal flats. The intertidal and nearshore zones host organisms adapted to regular immersion and exposure.

Ecologically, seacoasts support diverse habitats such as beaches, dunes, salt marshes or mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs in suitable climates. These areas provide breeding and feeding grounds for birds, fish, and invertebrates, and act as buffers against storms and erosion.

Humans rely on seacoasts for recreation, fishing, shipping, and settlement. Development can increase economic activity but also disrupt processes and degrade habitats. Coastal planning emphasizes balancing protection, habitat conservation, and sustainable use.

Hazards include storms, erosion, and sea-level rise. Management uses hard stabilization (seawalls, groins) and soft approaches (dune restoration, beach nourishment), plus land-use planning and protected areas, to reduce risk while maintaining ecosystems and coastal resilience.