Life in coastal sand dunes, salt marshes and shingle banks presents a
variety of challenges to their inhabitants. By describing the
interactions of coastal organisms with the physical processes shaping
the granular deposits within and on which they live, the authors
illuminate many aspects of adaptation, population dynamics, community
ecology, zonation and ecophysiology. A wide range of biological
principles and geomorphological features are illustrated and there is
lively discussion of the relevant aspects of applied biology,
environmental threat and conservation management. Well-chosen examples
and case studies have been drawn from coastal systems around the world,
particularly those of the British Isles, continental Europe and North
America.