COASTAL SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTS, GEOMORPHOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, THEIR EVOLUTION AND THE ECONOMEIC ASPECTS

INTRODUCTION:
The coastal zone contains the near-shore area together with the entire continental shelf and the resources of the overlying waters as delimited by existing international agreements. Both play a vital role in the coastal environment – offshore and onshore.

Coastal zone is the transition area between the land and the ocean and is an area of complex, dynamic and delicate environment. External factors influencing the coastal zone are the sediment supply by the rivers and the coastal processes. Shoreline is one of the most rapidly changing landforms of the coastal zones, geomorphic processes such as erosion, deposition, sedimentation, periodic storms, flooding and also sea level changes are continuously modifying the shoreline. The accurate mapping of the shoreline is therefore very important for planning conservation measures such as protection of human life, property, and natural environments. The coastal zone is receiving an increasing attention because of the pressures of increasing population and industrial developments. Also erosion is caused by shifting of river mouths and spits. Protection of natural resources, the loss of habitats, severe coastal erosion, sedimentation in ports and harbours, and municipal and industrial pollution are major concerns of the coastal zone managers.

Conservation and management of the coastal features requires thorough knowledge about the geomorphic domains existing in the coastline and their usage.

COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS

The zone where land and sea meet is composed of a variety of complex environments. The coastal areas of the world contain a large percentage of its population and are therefore of extreme economic importance. Industrial, residential and recreational developments, as