Bibliography of Beach Science

Norma Longo

Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences | Nicholas School of the Environment
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, USA 27708

The following is a list of books that should be of interest to those who love beaches

These books, arranged alphabetically by author or editor, range from technical presentations for specialists to books intended for a lay audience.

Publication dates of these references range from 1866 to 2014. The list is not a complete catalog of beach books and does not include individual articles or journal issues except for some special issues related to a specific beach topic. Accompanying each reference is a short description of the contents, sometimes based on personal readings, or in some cases on descriptions from reviewers, publishers, book-sellers or other on-line sources, or the book flyleaf or preface. These descriptions are not intended to be endorsements of the books or comments on the quality of the publications.

This Bibliography is lacking in beach books that are not in English. We would appreciate contributions from the readership of Coastal Care of additional items in any language (including English) for the list.

Additional references may be sent to Norma Longo at nmlo2@duke.edu. ©Santa Aguila Foundation, all rights reserved.


Allen, J., no date. Beaches — An Island’s Treasure: An Environmental Guide to the Recreational Beaches of the North Irish Coast. Coleraine Borough Council.
A public-information guide to the beaches of Northern Ireland that is designed to introduce the amateur naturalist and the curious beachcomber to the basic ecology of the beach habitat and to instill in them a greater appreciation for this colourful seascape. The booklet answers a variety of questions and includes color photographs of flora and fauna found on and around the beaches.

Alongi, D.M., 1998. Coastal Ecosystem Processes. CRC Press, 419 pp.
Explains how pelagic and benthic food webs, from beaches and tidal flats to the continental edge, process energy and matter and how food webs are closely intertwined with the geology, chemistry, and physics of coastal seas.

Anthony, E., 2008. Shore Processes and Their Palaeoenvironmental Applications. Elsevier, 519 pp.
Describes shore processes and deposits across ranges of wave energy and tidal environments, sediment supply, sea-level change, and climate change. Intended as a comprehensive reference source for professionals in a wide range of coastal science fields.

Awosika, L.F., A.C. Ibe, P. Shroader (eds.), 1993. Coastlines of Western Africa. American Society of Civil Engineers, 399 pp.
One of a series of volumes on Coastlines of the World (O.T. Magoon, Series Editor). These technical papers on coastal management planning, conservation, citizen participation and other relevant coastal topics were presented at Coastal Zone ’93 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Barnes, B. and B. Truitt, 1997. Seashore Chronicles: Three Centuries of the Virginia Barrier Islands. University of Virginia Press, 248 pp.
A history of the people and storms of the barrier islands and beaches of the Virginia portion of the Delmarva Peninsula, from the 1650s to the 1990s. The authors use personal accounts and stories from other writers to describe these islands and their settlements.

Barth, M.C. and J.G. Titus (eds.), 1984. Greenhouse Effect and Sea Level Rise: A Challenge for This Generation. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 325 pp.
Based on papers presented in 1983 at a conference on sea level rise; includes information about climate change, greenhouse gasses, methods for controlling erosion and inundation, and estimates the magnitude of future sea level rise and its effects.

Bascom, W., 1980. Waves and Beaches: The Dynamics of the Ocean Surface. Anchor/Doubleday, 366 pp.
A well-known classic in the study of waves and beaches that explains how waves and beaches behave under all kinds of conditions, and includes information on rogue waves and wave energy; aimed at a general readership.

Beatley, T., D.J. Brower and A.K.A. Schwab, 2002. Introduction to Coastal Zone Management, 2nd Edition. Island Press, 352 pp.
Revised edition of a reference book that is useful for anyone working or interested in coastal management. The authors discuss population and growth trends, disaster assistance and other coastal expenditures, legislation and mitigation, and damage from hurricanes and coastal storms.

Bird, E., 2010. Encyclopedia of the World’s Coastal Landforms. Springer, 1498 pp.
Provides information on the coasts of each country along with explanations of the various landforms and how they came to be; contains numerous color illustrations and photographs.

Bird, E., 2001. Coastal Geomorphology: An Introduction. John Wiley, 322 pp.
Offers a broad view of coastal geology, ranging from reefs, deltas, estuaries, and marshes, to beaches, rocky shores, and includes information on sea level change; a good introduction to the changing coastline.

Bird, E.C.F., 1993. Submerging Coasts: The Effects of a Rising Sea Level on Coastal Environments. John Wiley, 184 pp.
The author takes on the then somewhat controversial subject of sea level rise and explains how the expected changes at the coastline require certain responses by the inhabitants of coastal areas. Useful for coastal planners, developers, and anyone concerned with our submerging coasts.

Bird, E.C.F. and M.L. Schwartz (eds.), 1985. The World’s Coastline. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1071 pp.
Encyclopedia that covers all aspects of the world’s coastlines, including coastal geomorphology and geology, and features seen along the coastline. It divides the world’s coastlines into 135 chapters, presenting counterclockwise sequences from Alaska to Iceland, and Norway to Russia. Also included are the Great Lakes, the Caspian Sea, and the islands of the world, such as Britain, Madagascar, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and finally Antarctica. A revised and evolving version of the encyclopedia is available electronically (Eric Bird, ed., 2003. The World’s Coasts: Online. Springer Publications, www.springeronline.com).

Bird, E.C.F., 1985. Coastline Changes: A Global Review. John Wiley, 219 pp.
Detailed information and descriptions for the coast of each country in the world; describes categories of coastal change, and emphasizes the importance of monitoring coastline changes.

Black, K.S., D.M. Paterson and A. Cramp (eds.), 1998. Sedimentary Processes in the Intertidal Zone. Geological Society Special Publication 139. Geological Society of London, 400 pp.
Comprehensive descriptions of the intertidal zone, its importance in beach and dune evolution, and its role in the coastal system, plus information about ecology, fauna, erosion, sediment processes, and fluid movements.

Cambers, G., 1998. Coping with Beach Erosion. UNESCO Publishing, 119 pp.
Useful for beach users, builders and homeowners; covers coastal hazards, how to select coastal property, and how to protect beaches.

Cambers, G. (ed.), 1991. Coastlines of the Caribbean. American Society of Civil Engineers, 187 pp. Part of the Coastlines of the World Series, edited by Orville T. Magoon.
Compilation of technical papers regarding coastal and ocean management that were presented at Coastal Zone ’91 at Long Beach, California.

Carey, A.F. and F.W. Oliver, 1918 (reprint 2010, Nabu). Tidal Lands: A Study of Shore Problems. Blackie & Son Ltd., 284 pp.
This book includes everything from beach problems, erosion, biology, marshes, tides, and coastal engineering to history.

Carter, R.W.G., 1988. Coastal Environments: An Introduction to the Physical, Ecological and Cultural Systems of Coastlines. Academic Press, 617 pp.
This volume draws on the author’s own research experiences in Ireland, Britain, France, Canada, and the United States to present a guide of coastal environments relevant for shoreline and environmental management. Topics include: coastal development, water supply and waste disposal, energy resources and coastal water management, coastal water management for recreation, coastal management of storm hazards, and sea-level rise.

Carter, R.W.G. and C.D. Woodroffe (eds.), 1994. Coastal Evolution: Late Quaternary Shoreline Morphodynamics. Cambridge University Press, 517 pp.
A guide to coastal environments from a physical basis, through their ecology to their cultural, economic and social development, concentrating on at-risk coastal environments.

Case, G.O., 1914 (2010 reprint, Nabu Press). Coast, Sand Dunes, Sand Spits and Sand Wastes. St. Bride’s Press, 76 pp.
A book with no photos or figures but much interesting discussion of sand formations and “sandwastes.”

Challinor, H., et al., 1999. A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s Seashore. Sherkin Island Marine Station, 206 pp.
Illustrated, pocket-sized book ideal for those who enjoy a stroll on beaches. Descriptions are detailed enough to be useful to both the amateur and the professional.

Chen, J. and 3 others (eds.), 2002. Engineered Coasts. Springer Netherlands, 310 pp.
Discusses the variety of changes already made, due to population, coastal erosion, building, beach replenishment, etc., along the coastlines of the world. The case studies presented are mainly from China, Japan, The Netherlands, and the United States, all countries with extensively engineered shorelines.

Chough, S.K., H. J. Lee, and S. H. Yoon, 2000. Marine Geology of Korean Seas (2nd edition). Elsevier, 313 pp.
Explorations of the subsurface geology, islands of the South Sea, and continental margins of Korean seas, including the Yellow Sea (or West Sea), the East Sea (Sea of Japan), the Ulleung Basin, the South Sea and East China Sea, plus the geology of the Korean Peninsula.

Clayton, T., 2012. How to Read a Florida Gulf Coast Beach: A Guide to Shadow Dunes, Ghost Forests, and Other Telltale Clues from an Ever-Changing Coast. University of North Carolina Press, 212 pp.
A comprehensive look at the geology of Florida’s Gulf Coast, from the “sugar-sand” Panhandle beaches to the southwest Florida shell beaches. The author also informs about the risks of living next to this shore.

Coast Alliance, 1981. Coast Alert: Scientists Speak Out. Friends of the Earth, 181 pp.
A collection of six essays by respected scientists writing for the public, dealing with the plight of America’s beaches and coasts.

Coates, D.R., (ed.), 1980. Coastal Geomorphology (3rd edition). State University of New York at Binghamton, 404 pp.
Proceedings of the Third Annual Geomorphology Symposia Series, held at Binghamton, New York, September 28-20, 1972.

Cooper, J.A.G. (ed.), 2011. Lough Swilly: A Living Landscape. Four Courts Press, 208 pp.
A collection of papers on Lough Swilly, an estuary of the Irish coast, off the Atlantic Ocean. Includes geology, biology, archeology, oceanography and aquaculture; illustrated in color.

Cooper, J.A.G. and O.H. Pilkey (eds.), 2012. Pitfalls of Shoreline Stabilization: Selected Case Studies, Coastal Research Library, Volume 3. Springer, 333 pp.
A series of case studies from around the globe exploring the pitfalls of a variety of efforts to stabilize developed shorelines in an effort to protect beachfront property from shoreline erosion and storm damage.

Cornish, J., 2008. The Northumberland Coast. Frances Lincoln Ltd., 128 pp.
Collection of photos of the picturesque English coast of Northumberland.

Cornish, J., 2005. Scotland’s Coast: A Photographer’s Journey. Aurum, 159 pp.
Scenes from around Scotland’s coast, with textual descriptions of the geology, flora, history, or other interesting aspects of each landscape.

Coulombe, D.A., 1990. The Seaside Naturalist: A Guide to Study at the Seashore. Touchstone, 256 pp.
A handy book that can be used for just about any age group to learn more about and to enjoy the wonders of the seashore. Illustrations and quizzes are included.

Courteau, C., 2001. Marées: La Vie Secrete du Littoral. Glénat, 114 pp.
Describes the tides and life at the interface between the marine and terrestrial environments. Includes photographs of birds and marine species.

Cracknell, B.E., 2005. “Outrageous Waves” — Global Warming & Coastal Change in Britain through Two Thousand Years. Phillimore, 302 pp.
A volume with over 180 illustrations gives a wide-ranging look at Britain’s coasts, including estuaries and outer islands, from changes due to medieval global warming to the effects of groynes and erosion. Discusses sea level changes, temperature changes, and the fact that the whole world faces the problem of global warming.

Cronkite, W., 2001. Around America: A Tour of Our Magnificent Coastline. W.W. Norton, 211 pp.
Cronkite describes history, people, islands, bird sanctuaries, forts, and more from his travels around the coasts, both as a sailor and a land-lubber. His travelogue has interesting stories and “little-known facts about the coastline he loves.”

Crossland, C.J., H.H. Kremer, H.J. Lindeboom, et al. (eds.), 2005. Coastal Fluxes in the Anthropocene: The Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone Project of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme. Springer, 231 pp.
A more technical book about the ever-changing and threatened global coastal zone; identifies issues that need to be addressed in the world; the final chapter considers the ramifications of such findings for policy- and decision-makers involved in governing and managing the coastal zone.

Davidson, B. (author), P. Strand (photographer), 2005. Tir A’Mhurain: The Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Aperture, New Ed, 152 pp.
A photographic journey around the island of South Uist off the west coast of Scotland, depicting landscapes and people.

Davidson-Arnott, R., 2010. Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology. Cambridge University Press, 442 pp.
Consists of three parts. Part I, Introduction; Part II, Coastal Processes including sea level fluctuations, waves and sediment transport; and Part III, Coastal Systems, which includes the beach, dunes, coral reefs, salt marshes, barrier islands and rocky coasts.

Davis, R.A., Jr., 2014. Beaches of the Gulf Coast. Texas A&M University Press, 233 pp.
Including beaches of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Mexico and Cuba, Davis explains the dynamics of beach formation, how beaches change, and compares natural beaches with those that have been replenished or engineered in other ways.

Davis, R.A., Jr., 2011. Sea Level Change in the Gulf of Mexico. Texas A&M University Press, 171 pp.
Written for the general public; a global view of sea level rise, causes and rates of sea level change; discusses shoreline processes along the Gulf of Mexico.

Davis, R.A., Jr., 1996. Coasts. Prentice-Hall, 274 pp.
Provides the reader with an understanding of coastal environments and the fundamental principles that govern the nature and development of coastal environments. Includes chapters on sea level change, coastal processes, estuaries, sandy coasts, river deltas, rocky coasts, and human intervention in coastal environments.

Davis, R.A., 1994. Geology of Holocene Barrier Island Systems. Springer-Verlag, 465 pp.
Describes all types of barriers in all geologic settings while concentrating on the coast of the United States.

Davis, R.A., Jr., 1993. The Evolving Coast. Scientific American Library, 233 pp.
Explores the evolution, nature, and dynamics of coastal systems — from rugged cliffs to wide sandy beaches, to deltas, coastal bays, estuaries, lagoons, and barrier islands. Davis focuses on influences that shape coastlines, including sea level changes and plate tectonics.

Davis, R.A., Jr., and D. M. Fitzgerald, 2004. Beaches and Coasts. Blackwell, 448 pp.
Textbook that provides an exhaustive treatment of the world’s different coasts and details the highly varied processes that have shaped them. Though designed for introductory students, it is appropriate for many upper level courses.

Dean, C., 1999. Against the Tide: The Battle for America’s Beaches. Columbia University Press, 296 pp.
Offers a journalist’s impressions of the debate over U.S. beach management as of the late 1990s. It illustrates how we rescue buildings at the expense of beaches and puts the problem in a national perspective.

Dean, R.G. and R.A. Dalrymple, 2002. Coastal Processes with Engineering Applications. Cambridge University Press, 275 pp.
A broad view of nearshore processes from an engineering viewpoint; sprinkled with equations; discussions of coastal engineering structures.

Devoy, R.J.N. (ed.), 1987. Sea Surface Studies: A Global View. Croom Helm, 649 pp.
A pioneering book about sea level changes, coastal changes, and geodynamics, useful for anyone with an interest in climate change, geology, marine science and related topics.

Douglas, S.L., 2002. Saving America’s Beaches: The Causes of and Solutions to Beach Erosion. World Scientific, 104 pp.
Explains how coastal engineering has caused beach erosion and suggests a three-part prescription for healthy beaches: “backing off,” “bypassing sand,” and “beach nourishment.”

Duck, R., 2011. This Shrinking Land: Climate Change and Britain’s Coasts. Dundee University Press, 208 pp.
Presents a serious message in a fun manner; blends a factual account of the shrinking fringes of “island Britain” with earth science, historical and cultural records, myth and even romance, explaining what “we must learn from the past in order to manage the future of Britain’s coasts.”

Dutt, W.A., 1910. The County Coast Series: The Norfolk and Suffolk Coast. Unwin, pp.
This volume of the series explains this English coastal region’s history, geology, and some details of the author’s travel experiences.

Dyer, K.R., 1986. Coastal and Estuarine Sediment Dynamics. John Wiley, 342 pp.
Textbook; discusses the three general approaches to sediment transport: geological, oceanographic, and engineering; explains the concepts and complex interactions of waves, currents, the particles (mud, sand, gravel), and the sea bed from the continental shelf to the nearshore zone.

Emery, K. O. 1960. The Sea off Southern California: A Modern Habitat of Petroleum. John Wiley, 366 pp.
This book with over 200 figures offers an in-depth look at the interrelationships of geography, topography, and lithology, plus sediments, organic matter, and production potential of the continental shelf and beaches.

Fabri, P. (ed.), 1989. Coastlines of Italy. American Society of Civil Engineers, 179 pp.
The authors of this collection of papers, a volume of the Coastlines of the World Series (O. Magoon, series ed.), discuss the history of the Italian coastal settlements, plus coastal processes, hazards, planning and management, and shore defenses.

Fisher, S. (ed.), 1997. Recreation and the Sea. University of Exeter Press – Exeter Maritime Studies, 160 pp.
Essays discuss the history of maritime recreation and leisure travel, with photographs and diagrams included.

Fitzgerald, D.M. and P.S. Rosen (eds.), 1987. Glaciated Coasts. Academic Press, 364 pp.
The geomorphology of various complex glaciated coasts, with their related embayments, such as estuaries and fjords, and gravel beach environments is discussed. Areas covered include parts of Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Maine and Massachusetts.

Fox, W.T., 1983. At the Sea’s Edge: An Introduction to Coastal Oceanography for the Amateur Naturalist. Prentice-Hall, 317 pp.
An excellent, non-technical, illustrated introduction to coastal processes, meteorology, environments, and ecology.

French, P.W., 2001. Coastal Defences: Processes, Problems and Solutions. Routledge, 384 pp.
A survey of the hard and soft methods that engineers use to protect the coastline, along with a case for and against each method.

Funnell, C.E., 1975. By the Beautiful Sea: The Rise and High Times of That Great American Resort, Atlantic City. Knopf, 209 pp.
Describes the first 40 years in the high life of Atlantic City, on the New Jersey shore — a look at a “piece of American social history.”

Gambolati, G. (ed.), 1998. CENAS – Coastline Evolution of the Upper Adriatic Sea due to Sea Level Rise and Natural and Anthropogenic Land Subsidence. Kluwer Academic Publishers, 344 pp.
A technical volume that addresses all aspects of the coastline of the upper Adriatic, such as flooding, storm surge and winds, sediment transport, sea level rise prediction using models, modeling natural land subsidence, coastal morphodynamics, and controlling coastal erosion.

Gibson, J. and F. Bradford, 2008 (revised, 2012). Rising Tides (Revisited): The Loss of Coastal Heritage in Orkney. Northings, 122 pp.
A colourful guide about the wild Orkney coast; text and photos.

Gilbert, E.W., 1954. Brighton: Old Ocean’s Bauble. Methuen, 275 pp.
History of the English seaside resort town of Brighton, sometimes known as London by the Sea; describes the life and times of the town, the shingle beach, the famous pier, the weather, and just about everything else about the town on the Sussex coastal plain.

Gillis, J., 2012. The Human Shore: Seacoasts in History. University of Chicago Press, 241 pp.
A broad account of more than 100,000 years of seaside civilization, with some interesting photographs and illustrations.

Godfrey, P.J. and M.M. Godfrey, 1976. Barrier Island Ecology of Cape Lookout National Seashore and Vicinity, North Carolina. National Park Service, 160 pp.
This pioneering book has been around for decades and now is available on-line; discusses barrier island evolution, Cape Lookout and its inlets, dunes, marshes, and maritime forests.

Gornitz, V., 2013. Rising Seas: Past, Present and Future. Columbia University Press, 360 pp.
The most up-to-date, comprehensive and well-written survey of the causes and effects and the future of sea level rise; includes discussions of past sea level changes and relates them to the present situation.

Green, R.J., 2010. Coastal Towns in Transition: Local Perceptions of Landscape Change. VIC, Australia: CSIRO. 188 pp.
Looks at how changes due to unsympathetic development and modification of the natural landscape are perceived to negatively impact on the character of small coastal towns; of interest to planners, environmental designers, and scholars.

Greenberg, G., 2008. A Grain of Sand: Nature’s Secret Wonder. Voyageur Press, 112 pp.
Combining art with science, Dr. Greenberg studied and photographed grains of sand with microphotography. The author writes: “Every grain of sand is a jewel waiting to be discovered… With this captivating volume, you will never look at a beach the same way again.”

Griggs, G., 2010. Introduction to California’s Beaches and Coast: California Natural History Guides. University of California Press, 328 pp.
Explores the state’s coastline from the perspective of a scientist who has spent 45 years studying it; discusses waves, rain and wind, tectonics, changing climates and sea levels, human impacts, and coastal erosion, all forces that affect coastal dynamics. (An earlier version: Griggs, G. and L. Savoy (eds.), 1985. Living with the California Coast. Duke University Press, 394 pp.)

Hannah, I.C., 1912. The County Coast Series: The Sussex Coast. Unwin, 409 pp.
This volume of the County Coast Series describes local history and lore, formation of this southern length of the English coast, geology, shoreline changes, and the like.

Hannah, I.C., 1913. The County Coast Series: The Berwick and Lothian Coasts. Unwin, 368 pp.
A look at this eastern part of the Scottish coast includes the famous sites of Edinburgh, including Arthur’s Seat, with information on travel, geology, beaches, history, and legend.

Hayes, M.O., 1999. Black Tides. University of Texas Press, 287 pp.
A discussion of oil spills all around the world, interspersed with personal adventures, including survival from a plane crash near Petersburg, Alaska. The author even includes poetry and a good deal of philosophical thinking.

Hayes, M.O. and J. Michel, 2014. A Tide-swept Coast of Sand and Marsh: Coastal Geology and Ecology of Georgia. Pandion Books, 299 pp.
Everything you’ve wanted to know about the Georgia USA coast, its coastal processes, barrier island evolution, and future.

Hayes, M.O. and J. Michel, 2010. A Coast to Explore: Coastal Geology and Ecology of Central California. Pandion Books, 352 pp.
Details the geological evolution of central California’s coast from Bodega Bay to Point Conception, including the effects of erosion during El Niños, the impacts of tsunamis, the birth of the San Andreas Fault system, and the formation of spectacular raised marine terraces; covers the origins of coastal features, such as wave-cut rock cliffs, sea caves and sea stacks, sand and gravel beaches, and coastal dunes.

Hayes, M.O. and J. Michel, 2008. A Coast for All Seasons: A Naturalist’s Guide to the Coast of South Carolina. Pandion Books, 286 pp.
Investigates the changing face of the South Carolina coastline through erosion, hurricanes and climate change; explores the origins of coastal features such as barrier islands, estuaries, and the mysteries of Carolina bays. Everything you want to know about the SC coast written by the team that knows it best.

Heath, S.H., 1910. The County Coast Series: The South Devon and Dorset Coast. Unwin, 413 pp.
This antique book, illustrated with a few photographs, gives a colorful history of this English coast from a traveller’s perspective and includes geology, flora and fauna, and more.

Hildebrand, L.P. (ed.), 1993. Coastlines of Canada. American Society of Civil Engineers, 224 pp.
This volume is one of a series on Coastlines of the World, edited by Orville T. Magoon and published by the American Society of Civil Engineers; technical papers from Coastal Zone ’93; covers Canada from sea to sea to sea and lakes.

Hinrichsen, D., 1998. Coastal Waters of the World: Trends, Threats, and Strategies. Island Press, 275 pp.
Explores coasts throughout the world and discusses population growth, fisheries, pollution, coastal management, sustainability, sustainable development, and how humans are altering and largely degrading the coastal ecosystems. Each regional profile includes a Conclusions section offering management recommendations.

Jones, A. and M. Phillips (eds.), 2011. Disappearing Destinations: Climate Change and Future Challenges for Coastal Tourism. CABI, 273 pp.
Includes international case studies illustrating how popular tourist destinations may be lost to climate change and increased tourism. Of interest for coastal management, ecotourism, and marine conservation.

Kelley, J.T., O.H. Pilkey and J.A.G. Cooper (eds.), 2009. America’s Most Vulnerable Coastal Communities, Geological Society of America Special Paper 460. Geological Society of America, 179 pp.
Collection of case studies of individual beaches; provides a look at the mismanagement of our shoreline and some unanticipated outcomes of such management, with emphasis on the barrier-island shoreline of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts; can provide a basis for managing coastal development in the face of a rising sea level.

King, C.A.M., 1972. Beaches and Coasts. St. Martin’s, 567 pp.
This classic and ground-breaking book offers a comprehensive description of beaches and coastal systems, including discussions of geomorphology, longshore currents, spits, barrier islands, and tides.

Knight, J. (ed.), 2002. Field Guide to the Coastal Environments of Northern Ireland. University of Ulster, 204 pp.
Field guide for the excursion component of the International Coastal Symposium (ICS), hosted by the Coastal Research Group of the University of Ulster at Coleraine, Northern Ireland, 25-29 March 2002; includes information on low and high energy coasts, the geology and physical aspects of the coasts, and the effects of glaciation and sea level change.

Komar, P., 1998. Beach Processes and Sedimentation, 2nd edition. Prentice Hall, 544 pp.
Includes information gathered from two decades of science and engineering in the field, reflecting the vast increase in knowledge since the first edition; a highly quantitative volume; discusses the rise of coastal zone management, wave patterns, and sediment movements that change the beach profile.

Komar, P.D. (ed.), 1983. CRC Handbook of Coastal Processes and Erosion. CRC Press, 305 pp.
The CRC Series in Marine Science (J.R. Moore, Editor-in-Chief) discusses the processes that produce coastal erosion, including physical processes such as waves, currents, and sand transport; erosion caused by jetties and breakwaters; and sea cliff erosion; provides discussions of beach replenishment and computer models of shoreline changes.

Kos’yan, R. (ed.), 1993. Coastlines of the Black Sea. American Society of Civil Engineers, 573 pp.
A volume of the Coastlines of the World Series (O. Magoon, series ed.) that describes the general characteristics, the engineering and ecology of the Black Sea Coast and includes articles on the coasts of the various countries bordering the Black Sea: Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey.

Krumbein, W.C. and F.J. Pettijohn, 1938 (Reprinted by SEPM, 1988). A Manual of Sedimentary Petrography. SEPM Reprint Series, #13, 549 pp.
The bible of techniques for studying beach sand, including heavy minerals, grain size analysis, and classical statistical analysis. A must for those studying sedimentology of beaches.

Landrin, A., 1866. Les Plages de la France. Librairie de L. Hachette ET Cie., 511 pp.
This antique book deals particularly with the flora and fauna of French beaches and the nearshore waters, e.g., algae, shellfish, zoophytes, and includes 108 interesting illustrations. Out of print.

Leatherman, S.P. and J. Fletemeyer (eds.), 2011. Rip Currents: Beach Safety, Physical Oceanography, and Wave Modeling. CRC Press, 293 pp.
Presents research from numerous scientists and others that describe the technical aspects of rip currents, hydrodynamic processes, and rip current hazard mitigation.

Leatherman, S.P. (ed.), 1997. Island States at Risk: Global Climate Change, Development and Population, Journal of Coastal Research Special Issue #24. Coastal Education and Research Foundation, 242 pp.
The results of scientific studies by the authors; describes various islands that are vulnerable to sea level rise, including those in the Caribbean and the Pacific and Indian oceans. Numerous photos included.

Leatherman, S.P. (ed.), 1979. Barrier Islands from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico. Academic Press, 325 pp.
A compilation of articles by various experts including Miles Hayes, Duncan Heron, and George Oertel covers the physical aspects of barrier island evolution, morphology, and sedimentary processes of barriers along the east and Gulf coasts of North America. Out-of-print.

Leatherman, S.P., 1979 (and subsequent editions). Barrier Island Handbook. National Park Service, 101 pp.
Basic handbook about barrier islands describes their features, environments, development and evolution, beaches, and development potential.

Leopold, A., 1949. A Sand County Almanac. Ballantine Books (1986 reprint), 320 pp.
Written by a conservationist, this book includes essays on mountains, prairies, deserts and beaches. The author wrote about upsetting the balance of nature. According to a review by Gregory McNamee, Leopold held that nothing that disturbs the balance of nature is right.

Lencek, L. and G. Bosker, 1998. The Beach: The History of Paradise on Earth. Penguin, 310 pp.
This account of “paradise on earth” begins with the geology of beaches and describes accounts of fashion, health, social encounters, and beach architecture; looks at the ancient history of the beach and continues through our “love story” with the world’s coastlines.

Lencek, L. and G. Bosker, 2000. Beaches. Chronicle Books, 131 pp.
This book is essentially a photo essay, with all-color beaches mostly but not entirely in the United States, that also includes bits of history and science.

Lewis, A.D., 1911. The County Coast Series: The Kent Coast. Unwin, 320 pp.
A look at the coast of County Kent in England; describes history and geography, geology and geomorphology.

Lindbergh, A.M., 1955. Gift from the Sea. Pantheon, 128 pp.
A timeless, inspirational, quiet kind of book that demonstrates how one can draw strength and peace from the sea.

Liu, P. L-F. (series ed.). Advanced Series on Ocean Engineering. World Scientific Publishing Company.
A series of books published between the 1980s and the 2000s consisting of undergraduate and graduate textbooks, research and engineering design reference books, useful for scientists and coastal and ocean engineers. Two of the over 15 books are included in this list: Murata, et al. (2009) and Uda (2010).

McKenna, J. and 3 others, 2002. Rural Beach Management: A Good Practice Guide. Donegal County Council, 109 pp.
An informational guide written by University of Ulster faculty members for the benefit of the people of Donegal, Ireland, concerned with local coastal management.

Magoon, O.T. (series ed.). Coastlines of the World.
A wide-ranging book series published by the American Society of Civil Engineers that includes the coasts of Italy, the Black Sea, Canada, and others.

Manley, S. and R. Manley, 1968. Beaches: Their Lives, Legends, and Lore. Chilton Book Co., 383 pp.
Covers everything from the birth of a beach to the protection of beaches and everything in between, including animals on the beach, shells, boardwalks, national seashores, and battles on the beach; many black and white photographs.

Masselink, G., M. G. Hughes and J. Knight, 2011. Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology, 2nd Edition. Hodder Education, 416 pp.
Discusses coastal systems, tides, waves, sediment transport, fluvial deltas, estuaries, beaches, barriers, coastal sand dunes, geologically-influenced coasts such as cliffs, coral reefs, and atolls, and future coasts related to a variety of coastal systems, management, and more.

Merk, C.H., 1911. The County Coast Series: The Normandy Coast. Unwin, 370 pp.
This volume of the County Coast Series describes the local history, defenses, shoreline changes, and beaches of Normandy. Illustrated with black and white photos.

Meyer, P., 2010. Nature Guide to the Carolina Coast: Common Birds, Crabs, Shells, Fish, and other Entities of the Coastal Environment (2nd edition). Avian-Cetacean Press, 240 pp.
A beachcomber’s handbook that explains and illustrates common animals, plants, and the environment of the Carolina coast.

Morgan, N. and A. Pritchard, 2000. Power and Politics at the Seaside: The Development of Devon’s Resorts in the Twentieth Century. University of Exeter Press – Exeter Maritime Studies, 256 pp.
Even though the book is about Devon, its discussions of power, politics, culture, economics, tourism, and geography also can apply to other seaside resorts as holiday locations.

Morrison, H.R. and C.E. Lee, 1981. America’s Atlantic Isles. National Geographic Society, 199 pp.
A light and non-technical discussion of society and nature along the east coast of the U.S. Chapters range from New Brunswick, Nantucket, Rhode Island, and Virginia through Florida.

Moss, G. H., Jr., 1990. Another Look at Nauvoo to the Hook. Ploughshare Press, 153 pp.
A historical reference book with many unusual photographs of the northern New Jersey coast.

Murata, S., F. Imamura and K. Katoh, 2009. Tsunami: To Survive from Tsunami: Advanced Series on Ocean Engineering #32. World Scientific, 302 pp.
Provides scientific knowledge of tsunamis and lessons from actual tsunami disasters. Important knowledge for those who live in or travel to tsunami-prone areas.

Murphy, P., 2009. The English Coast: A History and a Prospect. Continuum, 282 pp.
The author looks back to the earliest evidence for humans in England and forward to the end of this century, to examine the interaction between people and the coast of England; includes archeology, geology, climatology, coastal defense, and trade.

National Research Council, 2012. Sea-Level Rise for the Coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington: Past, Present, Future. National Academies Press, 202 pp.
Explains that sea level along the U.S. west coast is affected by a number of factors, including climate patterns such as the El Niño, effects from the melting of modern and ancient ice sheets, and geologic processes, such as plate tectonics.

National Research Council, 2006. Drawing Louisiana’s New Map: Addressing Land Loss in Coastal Louisiana. National Academies Press, 190 pp.
This report inspired by Hurricane Katrina examines the history and causes of land loss in Louisiana; includes studies of coastal protection systems — levees, deltas, and wetlands. Recommendations for dealing with land loss, and restoration efforts proposed by the US Army Corps of Engineers are described.

National Research Council, 1995. Beach Nourishment and Protection. National Academies Press, 334 pp.
Considers the economic and social role of beaches, the history of beach replenishment projects, and management strategies for shore protection, project design, prediction of outcomes, and environmental impacts of beach replenishment.

National Research Council, 1987. Responding to Changes in Sea Level: Engineering Implications. National Academies Press, 148 pp.
Examines sea level changes and projections, shoreline response, methods for protecting structures from erosion and flooding and adapting to shoreline retreat, consequences for engineering works, and the need for new technologies for mitigation.

Neal, W.J., O.H. Pilkey and J.T. Kelley, 2007. Atlantic Coast Beaches: A Guide to Ripples, Dunes, and Other Natural Features of the Seashore. Mountain Press, 250 pp.
Covers everything about the beach, from microscopic nematodes to the potentially cataclysmic changes occurring along the coastline due to rising sea level; includes illustrative photographs, and instructive diagrams that answer some curious questions, such as why do some sands bark and sing, how do miniature sand volcanoes form, and how do barrier islands migrate?

Neves, C. (ed.), 1989. Coastlines of Brazil. American Society of Civil Engineers, 295 pp.
Part of the Coastlines of the World Series edited by O.T. Magoon, published by the American Society of Civil Engineers. These technical papers that were presented at Coastal Zone ’89 in Charleston, South Carolina, cover many aspects of the Brazilian coast and its management.

Nordstrom, K.F., 2008. Beach and Dune Restoration. Cambridge University Press, 200 pp.
In-depth look at restoration strategies for beaches and dunes that covers a variety of approaches. Management solutions suggested should be useful for a variety of groups.

Nordstrom, K.F., 2000. Beaches and Dunes of Developed Coasts. Cambridge University Press, 338 pp.
Discusses the role of humans in transforming the coastal landscape, with details of the many ways beaches and dunes are eliminated, altered and replaced; emphasizes the importance of retaining naturally functioning beaches and dunes, while accommodating development and use. Will be of value to coastal planners in the face of the rising sea level.

Nummedal, D., O.H. Pilkey and J.D. Howard (eds.), 1987. Sea-Level Fluctuation and Coastal Evolution: SEPM Special Publication 41. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, 266 pp.
This special publication is the result of a symposium in honor of W. Armstrong Price, an investigator of modern sedimentary processes. Articles discuss historical sea level changes and possible causes; coastal engineering in the face of accelerated sea-level rise; stratigraphy; and a number of other factors related to coastal processes.

Ogburn, C., 1966. The Winter Beach: A Naturalist and Man of Rare Wisdom Shares with You His Journeys along the Atlantic Shore. William Morrow, 326 pp.
In winter, the author explored the coastline from Maine to North Carolina during a solitary sojourn and described it in this book, from fishing, weather, and beach shape, to rocks and shells, and man’s place in nature.

Paskoff, R., 1985. Les Plages de la Tunisie: Etudes sur leur evolution. Maison de l’Orient, 198 pp.
Looks at beach evolution in Tunisia, including discussions of erosion and geomorphology.

Pearson, L. F., 1991. The People’s Palaces: Britain’s Seaside Pleasure Buildings. Barracuda Books Ltd., 112 pp.
The author is an architectural historian who describes buildings of English and Welsh seaside resorts from 1870 to 1914, late Victorian and Edwardian structures that housed the pleasurable activities of the shore.

Pilkey, O.H., W.J. Neal, J.T. Kelley and J.A.G. Cooper, 2011. The World’s Beaches: A Global Guide to the Science of the Shoreline. University of California Press, 355 pp.
Comprehensive book that explores one of the planet’s most dynamic environments, from tourist beaches to Antarctic beaches to tropical shores; explains all about beaches: what you see on and in the sand, how beaches work, how vulnerable they are, and more; well-illustrated volume (350 color photos). Readable by both lay persons and professionals.

Pilkey, O.H. and K.C. Pilkey, 2011. Global Climate Change: A Primer. Duke University Press, 142 pp.
Takes on climate change deniers; explains the science and effects of climate change, sea level rise, ocean acidification, glacier and sea ice melting, changing habitats, desertification, and the threats to animals, humans, coral reefs, marshes, and mangroves. Illustrated with Mary Edna Fraser’s batiks depicting the large-scale arenas in which climate change plays out.

Pilkey, O.H. and R. Young, 2009. The Rising Sea. Island Press, 203 pp.
The authors discuss the rising sea in the context of a range of coastal issues, including climate change and adaptation to the rising sea, as well as the politics of coastal planning. Comparing this to Gornitz, 2013, this book is much less technical than her Rising Seas and is useful particularly for lay persons.

Pilkey, O.H. and L. Pilkey-Jarvis, 2007. Useless Arithmetic: Why Environmental Scientists Can’t Predict the Future. Columbia University Press, 248 pp.
Evaluates the assumptions behind mathematical models; argues that the quantitative mathematical models policy makers and government administrators use to form environmental policies are often seriously flawed; explains how unquestioned faith in mathematical models can blind us to the hard data and sound judgment of scientific fieldwork.

Pilkey, O.H., T.M. Rice, and W.J. Neal, 2004. How to Read a North Carolina Beach: Bubble Holes, Barking Sands, and Rippled Runnels: A beachcomber’s guide to curiosities along the shore. University of North Carolina Press, 162 pp.
A comprehensive field guide to the state’s beaches that can answer questions, decipher the mysteries of the beach, and interpret clues to an ever-changing geological story, this book is for people who wonder about things while walking along the beach.

Pilkey, O.H., with original batiks by Mary Edna Fraser, 2003. A Celebration of the World’s Barrier Islands. Columbia University Press, 309 pp.
Offers a blend of science, natural history, and art in its discussion of barrier islands worldwide. Along with numerous color photographs, colorful batiks capture the beauty and the evolutionary processes of these landforms that make up about 12% of the world’s shorelines.

Pilkey, O.H. and K.L. Dixon, 1996. The Corps and the Shore. Island Press, 286 pp.
Delves into the role of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in U.S. beach management, including dredge-and-fill projects, and documents the need for independent peer reviews of Corps activities.

Pilkey, O.H., and S.J. Fritz (eds.), 1976. A Marine Atlas of Puerto Rico. Privately published by M.J. Cerame Vivas, 139 pp.
A wide-ranging discussion of recreation along the Puerto Rican shore and the science of the shore, including topography, sediment types, and physical oceanography. One widely used section of this book is the list of surfing sites normally kept secret by the surfing community.

Pilkey, O.H., O.H. Pilkey, Sr., and R. Turner, 1975. How to Live With an Island. N.C. Dept. of Natural and Economic Resources, 191 pp.
This is the first Pilkey, Jr. book. Written with his father, Pilkey, Sr, it discusses the principles of barrier island evolution and erosion, and the risks of development on various parts of Bogue Banks, North Carolina.

Pirazzoli, P.A., 1996. Sea Level Changes: the Last 20,000 years. Wiley, 211 pp.
Discusses the main causes of sea-level change, the methods employed to recognize former shorelines, an account of the ice age earth, some significant sea-level histories around the world, present-day sea-level trends, their methods of measurement, and possible relationships with increasing greenhouse effect and other human influences.

Platt, R.H., et al., 1992. Coastal Erosion, Has Retreat Sounded? Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Monograph 53. Boulder, 195 pp.
A discussion from the early stages of thinking about managed retreat along U.S. shores.

Pranzini, E. and A. Williams (eds.), 2013. Coastal Erosion and Protection in Europe. Routledge, 457 pp.
Provides a comprehensive look at the 25 coastal countries of Europe, their coastal erosion problems, and methods they use for beach protection; discusses coastal morphology and wave climate, land use changes, climate change, demographic and economic factors related to coastal erosion, and the evolution of coastal protection.

Pye, K. and W. Ritchie, 2009. The Measurement of Coastal Change. Proceedings of the St. Fergus Symposium. Aberdeen Institute for Coastal Science and Management, University of Aberdeen, 252 pp.
Explains the need for accurate measurement of the rate of coastal change in order to plan and manage coastal protection in the changing coastal environment.

Riggs, S.R., D.V. Ames, S.J. Culver, and D.J. Mallinson, 2011. The Battle for North Carolina’s Coast: Evolutionary History, Present Crisis, and Vision for the Future. University of North Carolina Press, 142 pp.
Describes the geological history of the coast; examines issues that threaten North Carolina barrier islands and wetlands, such as sea-level rise, storms, and development and management policies; and explains the urgency of the environmental and economic problems facing the NC coast and the need to protect our natural coastal resources and preserve our coastal economy. Readable by lay persons and pros alike.

Riggs, S.R., and D.V. Ames, 2003. Drowning the North Carolina Coast: Sea-Level Rise and Estuarine Dynamics. North Carolina Sea Grant, N.C. State University, 152 pp.
Describes the geologic framework of the North Carolina coastal system; estuarine shoreline dynamics and erosion; changes occurring in response to rising sea level and wave action, as well as coastal development and its effects on the habitat. In particular it notes the extent of shoreline changes due to storms in these normally “quiet” waters.

Robbins, L.L., O.T. Magoon and L. Ewing (eds.), 2002. Carbonate Beaches 2000: First International Symposium on Carbonate Sand Beaches: Conference Proceedings, December 5-8, 2000, Westin Beach Resort, Key Largo, Florida, U.S.A. American Society of Civil Engineers, 278 pp.
A collection of technical papers on carbonate (primarily tropical) beaches, including discussions of management strategies, coastal engineering structures, beach rock, reefs, and coastal processes.

Roberts, C.M., 2007. The Unnatural History of the Sea. Island Press, 435 pp.
A definitive history of the sea; recreates the oceans of the past and continues through the decline of fisheries and other marine life forms; describes ways to restore the splendor and prosperity of the seas through smarter management and simple restraint.

Sallenger, A., 2009. Island in a Storm: A Rising Sea, a Vanishing Coast, and a Nineteenth-Century Disaster that Warns of a Warmer World. Public Affairs, 286 pp.
Offers an up-close look at an 1856 hurricane and the events that led to the intersection of people and storm on a slim Louisiana barrier island; a compelling historical account with plenty of coastal geology along the way.

Saumell, E.S. and F.J. Garcia (eds.), 2011. Las Dunas en España. Sociedad Española de Geomorfología. Puerto Real, 747 pp.
Discusses geomorphology of the dunes of Spain, with maps and other illustrations.

Schoenbaum, T., 1982. Islands, Capes, and Shoals: The North Carolina Coast. John F. Blair, 332 pp.
An account of coastal management problems of the state of North Carolina.

Schwartz, M.L. (ed.), 2005. Encyclopedia of Coastal Science. Springer, 1211 pp.
The only book of its kind: a comprehensive and well-illustrated encyclopedia written by hundreds of authors. Not an aspect of coastal science is over-looked. The downside is the cost of $500, but it appears to be on-line at http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F1-4020-3880-1.

Seabrook, C., 2012. The World of the Salt Marsh: Appreciating and Protecting the Tidal Marshes of the Southeastern Atlantic Coast. University of Georgia Press, 367 pp.
Discusses the geologic history of the lower coastal plain of the U.S. southeast, and the sights, plants and animals, sounds, and even the smells of the marshes.

Shepard, F.P., 1973. Submarine Geology (3rd Edition). Harper and Row, 517 pp.
Includes a discussion of some of the pioneering thinking of Frances Shepard about beaches. There’s also a chapter on coral reefs. This book, first published in 1948, is out of date, of course, but is of interest to those studying the evolution of coastal science.

Shepard, F.P., 1969. The Earth Beneath the Sea, 2nd edition: A Marine Geology Primer. Atheneum, 242 pp.
This is the 2nd edition of the 1959 book, intended for the interested lay person, which was the first summary of the geology of the ocean basins. Discussions range from the beaches to the abyssal plains, with additional material on the submarine canyons.

Shepard, F.P. and H.R. Wanless, 1971. Our Changing Coastlines. McGraw-Hill, 579 pp.
A detailed review of the United States coastlines including Hawaii and Alaska; readable and suitable as a textbook; describes physical coastal changes, population evolution, and coastal management, which the authors believed was essential for the coastal lifestyles so many people desired.

Shoettle, T., 1996. A Guide to a Georgia Barrier Island: Featuring Jekyll Island with St. Simons and Sapelo Islands. Watermarks Publishing, 158 pp.
A detailed field guidebook; an important guide to the local flora and fauna and the shores of Georgia’s barrier islands.

Short, A. and B. Farmer, 2012. 101 Best Australian Beaches. University of New South Wales Press, 224 pp.
The authors have been to every beach in Australia and have chosen the “very best of our 11,761 beaches” to describe in this illustrated book. They wrote that no other country in the world “has such a varied shoreline, from the palm-shaded beaches of the tropical north, to the wild wave-washed southern shores.”

Short, A.D. and C.D. Woodroffe, 2009. The Coast of Australia. Cambridge University Press, 302 pp.
Explores the changing coastline of Australia; explains the various coastal systems, including beaches, dunes, estuaries, deltas, rocky coasts and coral reefs. This is the first comprehensive account of the Australian coast, covering 36,000 km of largely undeveloped and highly variable shoreline.

Short, A.D. (ed.), 1999. Handbook of Beach and Shoreface Morphodynamics. John Wiley, 379 pp.
A font of knowledge about beaches, in particular Australian beaches, from several professors; based on scientific observation, experiments and studies of beaches, with an understanding of beach processes, ecology, morphodynamics, and global variation in modes of evolution of beaches.

Simpson, B., 2006. The Inner Islands: A Carolinian’s Sound Country Chronicle. University of North Carolina Press, 219 pp.
With lots of yarns about the inner islands of the North Carolina shore, this book is part history, part travelogue, and an engaging portrait of coastal life.

Snead, R.E., 1982. Coastal Landforms and Surface Features: A Photographic Atlas and Glossary. Hutchinson Ross Publishing, 247 pp.
A photographic compendium of coastal landforms created by waves, currents, and structural movements along the world’s coasts; emphasis on geomorphology; black-and-white photographs with descriptions; extensive glossary.

Snodgrass, M.E., 2005. World Shores and Beaches: A Descriptive and Historical Guide to 50 Coastal Treasures. McFarland & Co., 308 pp.
Reference work offers a topographical description, history, and related folklore of a variety of coastal areas of the world, from Vietnam to North Carolina, to Antarctica, and other unique beach settings; includes contact information and coastal activities of areas, as well as a bibliography and glossary.

Steers, J.A. (ed.), 1971. Introduction to Coastline Development. Macmillan, 229 pp.
A collection of scientific papers on coastal studies, including Per Bruun’s paper on the economic necessity for coastal research, and Jelgersma’s paper on sea-level changes during the last 10,000 years, which even in the 1970s was a complex problem.

Steers, J.S. (ed.), 1971. Applied Coastal Geomorphology. Macmillan, 227 pp.
A compilation of papers on coastal geomorphology, including Dungeness, the Mississippi delta, and Cardigan Bay. It will be useful as a historic reference to coastal landforms in several areas of the globe.

Stilgoe, J.R., 1994. Alongshore. Yale University Press, 443 pp.
Addresses all aspects of the shore, including its socio-environmental history; gives accounts of an extensive variety of coastal objects, including wharves, sand dunes, harbors, salt marshes, and beaches, even bikinis.

Strahler, A.N., 1966. A Geologist’s View of Cape Cod. Natural History Press, 115 pp.
A readable but out-of-date description of the nature and geologic environment of the Cape, including salt marshes, bogs, and barrier islands.

Stuckey, I.H. and L.L. Gould, 2000. Coastal Plants from Cape Cod to Cape Canaveral. University of North Carolina Press, 305 pp.
Describes the coastal ecosystem; numerous color photographs; is well worth reading, if you are interested in plants and their habitat. It primarily features vascular plants such as ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms that are happy growing in salt water or being hit by salt spray.

Tait, L.S. (ed.), 1990. Beaches: Lessons from Hurricane Hugo. FSBPA, 391 pp.
Reports the Proceedings of the Third Annual National Beach Preservation Technology Conference, Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association.

Teal, M. and J. Teal, 1997. Portrait of an Island. Brown Thrasher Books, 175 pp.
This book about Sapelo Island, Georgia, relates observations of the authors from their time living there. They describe the flora and fauna of the island that is a state game refuge and national marine sanctuary.

Teal, J. and M. Teal, 1969. Life and Death of the Salt Marsh. Ballantine Books, 274 pp.
The classic book on salt marshes includes the ecology of marshes and marsh conservation. Out of date, but still interesting.

Thom, B.G., 1984. Coastal Geomorpology in Australia. Academic Press, 372 pp.
The author covers all aspects of Australia’s changing coastlines. A broad view of the evolution of the Australian Coast and continental margin including discussions of beaches, estuaries and coral reefs.

Tooley, M.J., 1978. Sea-Level Changes: North-West England during the Flandrian Stage. Clarendon Press, 232 pp.
Detailed investigations of the north-west coast of England, between North Wales and St. Bees Head, including pollen analysis, methods of dating deposits, and the deposits, such as tidal flats, left by cycles of sea level rise and fall over the last 15,000 years; also discusses the relationship between sea level movements and climate change, particularly for that area.

Travis, J., 1993. The Rise of the Devon Seaside Resorts, 1750-1900. University of Exeter Press – Exeter Maritime Studies, 256 pp.
Discusses the history and development of the Devon shores from small fishing villages into fashionable seaside resorts where various bathing and health cures apparently were popular.

Tunnell, J.W., Jr., et al., 2010. Encyclopedia of Texas Seashells: Identification, Ecology, Distribution, and History. Texas A&M University Press, 512 pp.
A reference book that will be useful for shell collectors and researchers, it features hundreds of color images, along with descriptions, plus an identification guide. Full of facts about the history of use of shells, habitats, distribution, etc.

Turnbull, R., 2011. Sandstone and Sea Stacks: A Beachcomber’s Guide to Britain’s Coastal Geology. Frances Lincoln, 240 pp.
Offers many illustrations of Britain’s coastline along with descriptions of the history, geology and various shore creatures. Described as a celebration of Britain’s coastal geology.

Uda, T., 2010. Japan’s Beach Erosion: Reality and Future Measures. Advanced Series on Ocean Engineering #31. World Scientific, 418 pp. (English)
Originally published in 2004 in Japanese; offers an in-depth look at the eroding coasts of Japan. Most of the erosion, according to the author, is caused by engineering works, such as obstruction of longshore sand transport, construction of breakwaters and revetments, decrease in fluvial sediment supply, offshore sand mining, and other methods. For each category, the author notes which coastal areas are affected by that method.

Van Rijn, L.C., 1998. Principles of Coastal Morphology. Aqua Publications, 1000 pp.
A comprehensive view of coastal morphology and coastal processes from an engineering standpoint; illustrates the Dutch approach to shoreline stabilization.

Viles, H. and T. Spencer, 1995. Coastal Problems: Geomorphology, Ecology and Society at the Coast. Edward Arnold, 350 pp.
Discusses the causes of, and possible solutions to, some of the more pressing problems at the coast, combining concepts of geomorphology, ecology and society, including sea level rise and human impacts at the coast.

Walton, J.K., 2000. The British Seaside: Holidays and Resorts in the Twentieth Century. Manchester University Press, 240 pp.
Part of the Studies in Popular Culture Series, this book discusses the politics, economics, environments, land use changes, and culture of coastal holidays that were so popular in the 1950s and 1960s but have declined in popularity.

Ward, E.M., 1922. English Coastal Evolution. Methuen, 722 pp.
An encyclopedic review of all the kinds of English coasts. Ward notes that many of the features of rocky coasts are inherited from subaerial processes including glaciation.

Weems, J.E., 1957, 1980. A Weekend in September. Texas A&M University Press, 180 pp.
The author’s account of the September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, hurricane includes conversations and correspondence with survivors of that storm. He recreates that fateful weekend when more than 6,000 people were killed, as experienced by those who actually were there, making for a forceful and inspiring book. Interesting photos are included.

Welland, M., 2009. Sand: The Never-Ending Story. University of California Press, 343 pp.
Encompasses every facet of the complex subject of sand, including science, physics, paleontology, and uses, and includes stories about a variety of people, deserts, islands, and the like.

Wilgis, C.K., H. Posamentier, C.A. Ross, et al. (eds.), 1988. Sea-Level Changes: An Integrated Approach: SEPM Special Publication No. 42. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, 407 pp.
This compilation of articles presents discussions related to sea-level change through geologic time; eustatic changes; transgressive-regressive cycles; and the relationship to sequence stratigraphy.

Williams, W.W., 1960. Coastal Changes. Routledge & Kegan Paul, 220 pp.
Describes coastal geology, erosion and deposition, the role of wind, and also land forms and sea defenses.

Witherington, B., and D. Witherington, 2011. Living Beaches of Georgia and the Carolinas: A Beachcomber’s Guide. Pineapple Press, 352 pp.
Satisfies a beachcomber’s curiosity about more than 600 miles of Atlantic coastline; covers beach processes, plants, animals, minerals, and manmade objects; illustrated with hundreds of maps and color photos.

Witherington, B. and D. Witherington, 2010. Florida’s Living Beaches: A Guide for the Curious Beachcomber. Pineapple Press, 326 pp.
Illustrated with maps and color photos, this book covers the highlights of beach features, animals, plants, and minerals, as well as signs of “the hand of man” most everything you’re apt to encounter on your Florida beach walks.

Woodroffe, C.D., 2003. Coasts: Form, Process and Evolution. Cambridge University Press, 638 pp.
Reference work that covers all aspects of the coastal zone, including coastal geomorphology and morphodynamics, landforms, geological settings, sea-level variations, coastal processes including sediment movement, plus extensive in-depth looks at the different types of coasts: rocky, reef, sandy, deltaic, estuarine, and muddy coasts.

Wright, L.D., 1995. Morphodynamics of Inner Continental Shelves. CRC Press, 241 pp.
The author states that the inner shelf is a pathway connecting estuaries and the nearshore zone to the outer shelf and the deep sea; describes problems related to inner continental shelf morphodynamics, as well as waves, tides, currents, the inner shelf profile of equilibrium, and sediment transport and suspension. A basic knowledge of differential equations and fluid mechanics fundamentals will be helpful for reading this book.

Zenkovich, V.P., 1967. Processes of Coastal Development. Interscience (Wiley), 738 pp.
Gives details of shore processes of all kinds of water bodies, including the ocean and inland seas; a great deal of information about Russian coasts and studies by Soviet scientists of the day. This volume is the English translation of the Russian text that was published in 1962.


LIVING WITH THE SHORE SERIES

A series of books published to educate the determined shore dweller (Forbes)
Edited by Orrin Pilkey and William Neal

Bush, D.M., W.J. Neal, N.J. Longo, et al., 2004. Living with Florida’s Atlantic Beaches. Duke University Press, 338 pp. Provides a look at the entire Atlantic coastline of Florida, from Amelia Island to Key West, and offers an introduction to coastal processes and geology. The first volume in the Living with the Shore book series to discuss the significant long-term impact of dredge-and-fill beach construction on living marine resources. Numerous photographs and risk maps; in-depth county-by-county evaluations of coastal hazards and short-sighted human responses are included.

Bush, D.M., N.J. Longo, W.J. Neal, et al., 2001. Living on the Edge of the Gulf: The West Florida and Alabama Coast. Duke University Press, 340 pp. Well-illustrated, non-technical, site-specific introduction to coastal processes and risk assessment and reduction from the point of view of coastal geologists. Provides an introduction to coastal processes, a history of hazards for the region, risk-reduction guidance, county-by-county site evaluations, community mitigation techniques, and storm-resistant construction practices, along with risk maps for individual beaches.

Bush, D.M., O.H. Pilkey and W.J. Neal, 1996. Living by the Rules of the Sea. Duke University Press, 179 pp. This umbrella volume for the Living with the Shore book series discusses coastal hazards, risk assessment, and property damage mitigation, outlining what individuals and coastal communities can do to reduce the impact of storms.

Bush, D.M., et al., 1995. Living with the Puerto Rico Shore. Duke University Press, 216 pp. A “user’s guide” to the coastal zone of Puerto Rico, with discussions of the geology, history, coastal dynamics, and hazards of the island’s coastline; the first in the series to examine a tropical region; gives detailed descriptions of the entire shoreline, noting the specific coastal hazards of each coastal reach, and includes information on the effects of sand mining, seawalls, jetties and other manmade problems.

Canis, W.F., et al., 1985. Living with the Alabama-Mississippi Shore. Duke University Press, 215 pp. (See Bush, Longo, Neal, 2001. Living on the Edge of the Gulf: The West Florida and Alabama Coast, above.)

Clayton, T., et al., 1992. Living with the Georgia Shore. Duke University Press, 188 pp. Describes the coast of Georgia, its history, erosion, how to live with the shore, and more. Maps show each stretch of beach, giving the nitty-gritty details of their state of existence. Has information about various government agencies as well as a history of hurricanes that have affected the Georgia coast.

Doyle, L.J., et al., 1984. Living with the West Florida Shore. Duke University Press, 222 pp. (See Bush, Longo, Neal, 2001. Living on the Edge of the Gulf: The West Florida and Alabama Coast, above.)

Fletcher, C., R. Boyd, W.J. Neal and V. Tice, 2010. Living on the Shores of Hawai’i: Natural Hazards, the Environment, and Our Communities. University of Hawai’i Press, 374 pp. Discusses the paradox of environmental loss under a management system considered by many to be one of the most stringent in the nation; reviews a wide range of environmental concerns in Hawai’i and includes topics such as land-use practices; volcanoes; tsunamis; water issues; coastal erosion; beach loss due to seawalls; climate change; sea level rise; overfishing; ocean acidification; risks and mitigation; and “place-based” management.

Griggs, G. and L. Savoy (eds.), 1985. Living with the California Coast. Duke University Press, 394 pp. Vital information for homeowners, planners, engineers, and so forth; discusses all aspects of the coastal environment: waves, erosion, shoreline protection and engineering, weather, and sand; coastal sections are discussed in detail, with risk maps included. (See Griggs, G., 2010, Introduction to California’s Beaches and Coasts. University of California Press, 328pp.)

Kaufman, W. and O. H. Pilkey, 1998. The Beaches Are Moving: The Drowning of America’s Shoreline. 7th ed. Duke University Press, 336 pp. Evaluates America’s beaches and gives sound advice on how to judge a safe beach development or a dangerous one and how to live at the shore sensibly and safely.

Kelley, J.T., A.R. Kelley and O.H. Pilkey, 1989. Living with the Coast of Maine. Duke University Press, 174 pp. Written for non-scientists who have an interest in the Maine coast; discusses coastal geology and hazards such as sea-level rise, storms, flooding, and erosion. Maps, photographs, and illustrations show sites and designs for safe buildings. Coastal engineering of seawalls and jetties is presented from a geological perspective.

Kelley, J.T., A.R. Kelley, O.H. Pilkey, Sr. and A.A. Clark, 1984. Living with the Louisiana Shore. Duke University Press, 164 pp. The shoreline of Louisiana is an endangered place, at the mouth of the Mississippi River, that consists of sandy beaches and miles of salt marshes. This book contains information about hurricanes, disappearing coasts, and problems the residents faced or will face in the future.

Komar, P.D., 1997. The Pacific Northwest Coast, Living with the Shores of Oregon and Washington. Duke University Press, 195 pp. Explains the area’s geological evolution, including natural shoreline erosion and sea-cliff land-sliding; human interactions with the coast, such as erosion caused by early settlers; and various construction event failures.

Lennon, G., W.J. Neal, D.M. Bush, et al., 1996. Living with the South Carolina Coast: 2nd Edition (revised). Duke University Press, 241 pp. Discusses migrating shorelines, selection of building sites and pertinent regulations, and coastal hazards, like storms. The effects of Hurricane Hugo, the storm that ravaged the area in 1989, are thoroughly discussed, and risk maps depict areas of possible erosion and storm damage potential. An entire chapter is devoted to earthquake-resistant construction, and the great Charleston earthquake of 1886 is examined in detail.

Mason, O., W.J. Neal and O.H. Pilkey, 1997. Living with the Coast of Alaska. Duke University Press, 349 pp. A user’s guide for both present and future inhabitants of Alaska; describes the dynamic nature of natural seismic events and coastal processes in Alaska, and discusses the potential effects on the coastline of a combination of geology (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, avalanches), climate (glacial advances and retreats, flash flooding), the sea (tsunami waves, storm surges), and human-induced hazards (oil spills, fire, mining). Discusses the geological history of Alaska and its relation to the area’s cultural history, and gives hazard risk assessments for the various coastal communities.

McCormick, L.R., O.H. Pilkey, Jr., W.J. Neal and O.H. Pilkey, Sr., 1984. Living with Long Island’s South Shore. Duke University Press, 157 pp. Discusses the dynamics of shoreline change and suggests detailed guidelines for building and/or buying at the shore. The site-specific risk maps describe every stretch of shoreline from Montauk Point to Jamaica Bay and are a valuable asset for living with the shore, if one feels one must.

Morton, R.A., et al., 1983. Living with the Texas Shore. Duke University Press, 190 pp.
Begins with a history and description of the Texas coast, then explains how barrier islands were formed, and goes on to present a site analysis for each stretch of shoreline. Like the other series books, this one also describes building codes, what to look for in a house, and provides a hurricane checklist and useful references for further information.

Neal, W.J., et al., 1984. Living with the South Carolina Shore. Duke University Press, 205 pp. (Revised in 1996; see Lennon, 1996: Living with the South Carolina Coast, above.) Written for the layman and includes specific guidelines for building and/or buying at the shore with maximum protection; site-specific maps for each shoreline length; addresses the underlying causes of population and development increases. The authors also suggest some solutions to encourage only limited development of the shoreline.

Nordstrom, K.F., et al., 1986. Living with the New Jersey Shore. Duke University Press, 191 pp. The New Jersey shore is a dynamic area that is highly developed. This book, like others in the series, lists federal, state and local agencies involved in coastal development, and presents site-specific maps that point out hazardous or safer areas.

Patton, P.C. and J.M. Kent, 1992. A Moveable Shore: The Fate of the Connecticut Coast. Duke University Press, 143 pp. The Connecticut coast faces Long Island and Block Island sounds and is shaped by the same kinds of forces as an open ocean shoreline. This book provides a guide for lessening the dangers of construction and development in a state where the entire population lives within 100 miles of the coast.

Pilkey, O.H., W.J. Neal, S.R. Riggs, et al., 1998. The North Carolina Shore and Its Barrier Islands. Duke University Press, 318 pp. Provides a diverse guide to one of America’s most popular shorelines, where hurricanes have wrought devastation at times and where the historic lighthouse at Cape Hatteras was moved back from the ocean’s wrath. Risk maps focus on the natural hazards of each island and, together with construction guidelines, provide a basis for informed island management.

Pilkey, O.H., D.C. Sharma, H.R. Wanless, et al., 1984. Living with the East Florida Shore. Duke University Press, 259 pp. (Revised in 2004; see Bush, et al., 2004. Living with Florida’s Atlantic Beaches, above.) The authors describe the various problems confronting the east coast of Florida. A richly illustrated and detailed book that also gives the reader a field-guided tour of the Miami Beach shore.

Pilkey, O.H., W.J. Neal and O.H. Pilkey, Sr., 1978. From Currituck to Calabash: Living with North Carolina’s Barrier Islands. N.C. Science and Technology Research Center, 228 pp; 3rd edition, Duke University Press, 245 pp. A handbook of information about the sandy barrier-island shoreline of North Carolina, covering aspects of responsible living at the coast, engineering and technology, and awareness of our island resources and how to conserve them.

Terich, T.A., 1987. Living with the Shore of Puget Sound and the Georgia Strait. Duke University Press, 165 pp. Provides ideas and guidelines for the preservation of this coast, with maps showing the specific sites and their risks; discusses the various physical characteristics and forces that shape and change the shoreline, a benefit to coastal planners. Puget Sound and its shoreline are a valuable resource and the author emphasizes that any development must proceed with recognition of and appreciation for the coastal processes of this region.


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