Europe has a long history of managing coastal erosion through a variety of protection strategies, from the defences of the Venice lagoons to coastal land reclamation in the Netherlands.

This book provides a comprehensive review of the entire coastline of Europe and a comparative analysis of erosion problems and solutions in each country. Each chapter discusses the natural and anthropogenic factors in the erosion process and in defence projects design and maintenance, including coastal morphology and wave climate, land use changes and use of coastal areas, the evolution of coastal protection, climate change and political and administrative assessments.

Particular attention is paid to demographic and economic factors influencing coastal erosion in each country and to technical and administrative criteria influencing defence projects design. Lavishly illustrated in full colour throughout, the book represents a definitive reference work on its subject.

Climate change is now creating enhanced risks of coastal erosion through storms and rising sea levels. This text provides a comprehensive review of the entire coastline of Europe, and provides a comparative analysis of the various erosion problems and solutions from across the continent.

"This is the first book that summarizes the critical issues of coastal erosion and shore defense measures that have been deployed in Europe. Leading scholars in each country have authored 22 chapters in this all-encompassing book that serves as an up-to-date resource for coastal professionals and others interested in European coastal changes and adaptive responses. I highly recommend this book." - Stephen P. Leatherman, Director and Professor, Laboratory for Coastal Research, Florida National University, USA "This book takes you on a tour of each of Europe's 25 coastal countries. It's a fascinating insight into both the physical characteristics (guess which is the longest) and major coastal processes of each coast, together with an overview of contemporary protective works and major coastal structures. A must for all students of the coast, academics and professionals." - Andy Short, Professor, Coastal Studies Unit, University of Sydney, Australia "Countries fronting the sea have been suffering from serious problems of beach and coastal erosion in response to increasing urban, industrial, recreational or tourism development. This book describes site-specific problems in each country of Europe along with the physiographic background and illustrates various types of remedial measures employed. The book will be of highest value to coastal scientists, engineers and planners not only in European countries but in other countries of the world." - Tsuguo Sunamura, Professor Emeritus, Osaka University, Japan