COASTAL GEOGRAPHY
Key Definitions & Terminology
■ SYSTEMS & ZONES
Littoral zone
The area of the coast affected by wave action, including zones from the backshore to offshore, and is constantly
changing due to land and sea processes.
Coast as a system
The idea that the coast functions as a system with inputs (e.g. sediment, energy), stores (e.g. beaches, dunes), transfers
(e.g. longshore drift), and outputs (e.g. eroded material).
Dynamic equilibrium
The balance the coastal system tries to maintain, with constant adjustments between inputs and outputs.
Open system
A system that exchanges both energy and matter with its surroundings (e.g. the coast receives sediment and energy
from outside sources).
Closed system
A system where only energy is exchanged, not matter. In coastal studies, sediment cells can be treated as closed
systems for management purposes.
Sediment cell
A stretch of coastline where sediment movement is largely contained, with minimal transfer in or out.
Positive feedback
A process that amplifies change (e.g. cliff erosion produces debris, which increases further erosion).
Negative feedback
A process that reduces change (e.g. eroded material forms a wave-cut platform, absorbing wave energy and slowing
erosion).
Coastal Geography Reference Guide
Key Definitions & Terminology
■ SYSTEMS & ZONES
Littoral zone
The area of the coast affected by wave action, including zones from the backshore to offshore, and is constantly
changing due to land and sea processes.
Coast as a system
The idea that the coast functions as a system with inputs (e.g. sediment, energy), stores (e.g. beaches, dunes), transfers
(e.g. longshore drift), and outputs (e.g. eroded material).
Dynamic equilibrium
The balance the coastal system tries to maintain, with constant adjustments between inputs and outputs.
Open system
A system that exchanges both energy and matter with its surroundings (e.g. the coast receives sediment and energy
from outside sources).
Closed system
A system where only energy is exchanged, not matter. In coastal studies, sediment cells can be treated as closed
systems for management purposes.
Sediment cell
A stretch of coastline where sediment movement is largely contained, with minimal transfer in or out.
Positive feedback
A process that amplifies change (e.g. cliff erosion produces debris, which increases further erosion).
Negative feedback
A process that reduces change (e.g. eroded material forms a wave-cut platform, absorbing wave energy and slowing
erosion).
Coastal Geography Reference Guide
