This book offers an insight into the global occurrence, geomorphology, evolution, weathering and erosion of coastal cliffs and bluffs. Stabilization and preservation of cliffs are treated in detail. Mitigation of cliff hazards and preservation of scenic features and sites of scientific importance requires effective coastal cliff management that can only be based on thorough knowledge of the physical processes at work. Cliffs have been cut in various geological formations, and have taken shape as a sequel to a world-wide sea level rise. Most cliffs have receded as the result of weathering and erosion, but some are now stable. Where they are actively receding, consuming useful agricultural or forested land or threatening coastal structures such as roads, buildings and seaside towns, it may be necessary to halt their retreat, or at least to modify it, by coastal cliff management.

Beach renourishment is the restoration of beaches that have been depleted. The text deals with the sources of beach sediment as well as the causes and typical responses to beach erosion, before discussion of beach renourishment. Some of the first documented renourishment projects were undertaken in the early 1900's on the east coast of the United States. Several countries have since renourished beaches, particularly during the past few decades. Most projects have been in the United States, the United Kingdom, some European countries and Australia. These are reviewed and experience from various beach renourishment projects used for discussion of the following topics: 1. The need for preliminary investigations 2. Sources of sediment for beach renourishment 3. Methods of beach renourishment 4. Design considerations 5. Monitoring changes after beach renourishment 6. Assessment of performance 7. Modelling of beach renourishment 8. Beach renourishment for coast protection 9. Environmental impacts 10. Costs and benefits 11. Response of renourished beaches to a rising sea level