High Resolution Morphodynamics and Sedimentary Evolution of Estuaries

Estuaries occur along many of the world’s coastlines irrespective of geologic setting, energy regime, and depositional environment. They represent the interface between fluvial, coastal and marine environments and they contain the sedimentary record of geological changes among these systems. However, detailed case studies on the morphodynamics and sedimentary evolution of different estuarine environments are notably lacking.

This book focuses on the use of high-resolution geophysical techniques, field observations and modeling to investigate the morphodynamics of estuaries on both glaciated and non-glaciated coasts and on different time scales. Papers in this book offer a new approach to nearshore and estuary studies, with an emphasis on multidisciplinary techniques and data integration. Results of these studies have important implications for estuary resource management and shoreline stability. This book will be of interest to sedimentologists, coastal and Quaternary geologists, environmental scientists, and coastal managers.

From the reviews of the first edition:

"From fifteen case studies, this book revisits the definition of estuaries as sediment traps, with sediment importing both from the sea and from the rivers. ... the two editors brought a wealth of knowledge from both sides of the Atlantic. ... The scientific quality of all the papers is good to excellent; the editors did an excellent job there. It is a very useful book on case studies in modern marine biology." (Eric Wolanski, Journal of Sedimentary Research, December, 2006)