The coastal syndromes and hotspots on the coast (Page 1)  
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The coastal syndromes and hotspots on the coast

Human intervention has resulted in a number of global and river syndromes that are mirrored by coastal syndromes caused by erosion, subsidence, salinization of aquifers, urbanization, eutrophication, invasive species and over exploitation of natural resources. These problems are now global, with few coastal zones remaining unaffected and pristine. However, the problems are particularly severe at "hotspots" in the coastal zone. These include river-mouth systems where fluxes of water, sediment, fertilizers and contaminants are focused; urbanized coasts and megacities where vulnerable populations are concentrated; Arctic coasts where the effects of climate change are accelerating a fundamental state change; and, at low lying coasts that are at risk of flooding, storm surges, sea-level rise and subsidence such as Micronesian island states where managed realignment and setback is not an option. A range of societal responses and appropriate governance frameworks will be necessary to treat the coastal syndromes. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Arctic, river-mouth, Islands, urban coasts, vulnerability, global syndromes

Author(s)Newton A, Carruthers TJB, and Icely J
IAN Author(s)Tim Carruthers
PublisherAcademic Press Ltd- Elsevier Science Ltd
Journal / BookEstuarine Coastal And Shelf Science 96: 39-47
Year2012
TypePaper | Journal Article
Location(s)Worldwide
Number of Pages9
ISSN0272-7714
Link https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2011.07.012