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Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 251 (2000) 275–276
www.elsevier.nl / locate / jembe
Book review
Beaches and Dunes of Developed Coasts
By Karl F. Nordstrom; Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K.; 2000; pp. 338; US $74.95; ISBN 0 521 470 137 (Hbk)
This book recognises that already considerable proportions of exposed ocean coasts of many countries are ‘developed’, and that for each country the proportion is increasing. Investment in public and private infrastructure, and in protective ‘works’, is anticipated to grow despite an expected increase in the rate of sea-level rise and potential for storm damage and inundation. Populations in coastal areas in developed countries as well as less developed countries will place more and more pressure on decision-makers to agree to further development or re-development with consequential impacts on coastal landforms and habitats. The aim of the book is to synthesize knowledge of the geomorphology of developed coastal systems with an emphasis on the way landforms are transformed as a result of human activities. It does not examine issues related to fields outside of geomorphology, but it does purport to have value to practitioners in those fields (such as coastal ecology) as a reference document.
Where geomorphologists can contribute to environmental debates, and to decision-making on the merits of different types of development, is through an analysis of those driving forces (waves, winds, tidal currents) which create and modify environmental conditions for life in the coastal zone. The dynamics of coastal systems are such as to continuously reconfigure habitat conditions. However, as Nordstrom points out, there is no tradition of research on the geomorphology of developed coasts. He provides an initial context for the book by examining economic and social forces leading to coastal development. Subsequent chapters cover alterations to beaches and dunes as a result of sand nourishment programs; the way physical structures interact with natural processes; how management programs designed to restore natural features are limited by a range of factors; and key guidelines of use in restoring or maintaining natural landform characteristics in developed areas.
Although a reference work in geomorphology, the book has much broader value in drawing to the attention of other coastal scientists, engineers, planners and managers, how human activities have and will continue to modify beaches and dunes on exposed ocean coasts. Many ecologists, for instance, should be aware of why structures are built where they are, and how they interfere with the driving forces to create modified and / or new habitats. Of relevance to various scientists is a need to understand their role in working with those who are tasked to nourish beaches, reconstruct dunes, build seawalls, reposition inlets, take emergency actions during storms, or plan for future use of coastal
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lands. In this connection the book contains 48 pages of references from many different disciplines. This is an invaluable source of literature covering coasts of many parts of the world and offering examples of studies which illustrate different approaches to coastal management impinging on habitat change.
Nordstrom has produced a scholarly work, quite descriptive in style, and highly informative of complexities associated with human use of beaches and dunes. Each chapter offers a systematic account of topics and issues well known to coastal managers at a general level, but oriented in this book to those who should know more about geomorphology of ‘‘disturbed’’ or ‘‘developed’’ beaches and dunes. The message is clear: ignorance of geomorphology at a local and regional level may result in planning disasters, as well as consequential impacts on biodiversity and the sustainability of ecosystems within and beyond the developed area. However, the message could have been reinforced by more detailed and focussed case studies. Such studies would critically evaluate the various management attempts to modify an area’s landforms in relation to environmental consequences. The reader is led to the literature, but the impression remains that more could have been offered if Nordstrom had used key sites (eg Oregon, New Jersey, Netherlands, southern Queensland) to demonstrate how management over time has not (or should have) shown an appreciation of geomorphic principles.
Prof. B.G. Thom Chairman, NSW Coastal Council Level 17 Governor Macquarie Tower 1 Farrer Place Sydney 2000,
