Our world is constantly changing, governed by continuity, dynamic interactions and boundary conditions. For many coasts, the common denominators contributing to these changes are sand, waves, tides, salt gradients, and human interaction, all themes that are treated in this valuable textbook. Confining itself to essentials, the coverage reflects centuries of theoretical and practical knowledge of Dutch coastal engineers. Focussing, where applicable, on linear theory, the book shows how the essentials of local coastal behavior can be reproduced and predicted.