Coastal Systems offers a concise introduction to the processes, landforms, ecosystems, and management of coasts. Each chapter is illustrated and includes topical case studies from around the world such as:
* Tsunami's in Papua New Guinea
* cliff collapse in Southern England
* the Great Barrier Reef
* the Indian 'Super Cyclone' of 1999
* the impact of development in the Florida Keys.

Introductory chapters establish the importance of coasts and explain how they are studied within a system framework. Subsequent chapters explore the role of waves, rivers and sea level changes in coastal evolution. The final chapter reviews the human pressures and management of coastal systems.