Tides, Surges and Mean Sea-Level

Book excerpt: The aim of this book is to present modern tidal ideas to those who are not tidal specialists, but for whom some knowledge of tides is involved in their professional or scientific field. These include hydrographers, marine and coastal engineers, geologists who specialize in beach or marine sedimentation processes, and biologists concerned with the ways in which living organisms adapt to the rhythms of the sea. Modern practical studies are concerned with problems of marine transport, coastal erosion and the design of coastal defences against flooding. Interest in mean sea-level changes has recently been focused on the possibility of significant increases over the coming century as a result of global warming. Examples of applications from North America, Europe and other parts of the world are included.