Glossary of Terms

A lowering of the beach profile.

The particulate, organic remains and waste of organisms. It constitutes a major food source in marine ecosystems.

(Also called non-point sources) Multiple, not easily identifiable sources of pollution (e.g., agriculture, urban areas).

Flow in the direction of net longshore sediment transport.

Along coasts with obliquely approaching waves there is a longshore (wave-driven) current.

The practice of excavating or displacing the bottom or shoreline of a water body.

Any deliberate disposal at sea of wastes or other matter, or any deliberate disposal of vessels or other man-made structures .

A landform characterized by an accumulation of wind-blown sand, often vegetated.

The technique of rebuilding an eroded or degraded dune through one or more various methods (sand fill, drift fencing, revegetation, etc.).

Light construction that provides pedestrian access without trampling dune vegetation.

A system in flux, but with influxes equal to outfluxes.