Lines in the Sand: Geomorphic and Geospatial Characterization and Interpretation of Sandy Shorelines and Beaches

Abstract The world's beaches hold an appeal that draws millions of people to live and, each year, millions more to relax and play. However, in the face of this allure fly the strain and consequence of overuse. Increasingly, the imperative to find ways to effectively manage this fragile, finite resource compels science to learn more about this complex, multifaceted system. It is through such understanding that the best hope for effective management lies. In this paper, we look at ways in which researchers study the shore. Specifically, we'll examine this active corner of geomorphology as seen through the lens of the geoscientist, with particular focus on two geomorphic features: the shoreline and the beach. Further emphasis is placed on how investigators have historically, and until today, applied concepts, tools, and methods borrowed from the spatial sciences and, in more recent times, geographic information technologies to the study of the shoreline and the beach. We begin this exploration with a first principal: the definition of shoreline—the boundary where land and water meet. Next, we examine ways in which researchers over the years have worked to generate a suitable shoreline analog or proxy for study. We then follow with a look at how shoreline position is measured—an area where much recent research attention has been placed. Taking matters a step further, we explore the beach, and beach change in three dimensions, looking at how investigators are using geospatial technologies to characterize and analyze change. Finally, we look at various ways in which researchers predict shore and beach changes, by combining spatial analysis and technology with numerical and statistical models. © 2012 The Author. Geography Compass © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd