The Evolving Coast (Scientific American Library Paperbacks,) [Paperback]

Richard A. Davis (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0716760215 | ISBN-13: 978-0716760214 | Publication Date: December 15, 1996

In The Evolving Coast, geologist Richard Davis describes clearly and simply how long-term forces, such as crustal plate movement and fluctuating sea levels, and short-term processes, such as the weather and the action of the waves and tide, determine the character of a coast. Using breathtaking photographs, maps and drawings, Davis depicts the habitats and formations found at land's edge. He concludes by commenting on another influential force of coastal change--humanity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An outstanding addition to the literature on the geology of coastlines and the physical processes that shape them....The very high quality of photographs of coastal landforms are an outstanding feature; these photographs provide excellent illustrations of a large number of coastal landforms and conditions. -- Choice, April 1994

Artists and nature lovers have long appreciated the ever-changing beauty of the world's coastlines. But only within this century have scientists begun to investigate in detail the processes that shape and reshape the coast.

In The Evolving Coast, geologist Richard Davis introduces readers to the science behind this natural drama. He describes clearly and simply how long-term forces (tectonic plate movement and fluctuating sea levels) and short-term processes (such as the weather and the action of the waves and tide) determine the character of a coast. Using breathtaking photographs, maps and drawings, Davis characterizes the habitats and formations found at land's edge. He concludes by commenting on another influential force of coastal change humanity. Vivid and informative, The Evolving Coast is an ideal book for anyone who has marveled at the majesty of the coast. 165 illustrations -- Book Description

About the Author

Richard A. Davis, Jr., is Distinguished Research Professor in the Geology Department at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Product Details

• Paperback: 233 pages
• Publisher: W. H. Freeman (December 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0716760215
• ISBN-13: 978-0716760214
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,411,350 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, May 4, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Evolving Coast (Scientific American Library) (Hardcover)

I just would like to say that if you are interested in Coastal Morphology but didn't think that you could ever understand the science behind the processes, think again. This book was extremely well writen and easily understood. This was a text I had to buy for a class and is the first text that I actually liked to read. It helped me to understand the concepts of Coastal morphology and how the processes work. Wonderful easy read. Thanks to the author for writing such a great addition to college texts!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Plate tectonics, November 26, 2000

By 

Howard Schneider (Thornhill, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Evolving Coast (Scientific American Library) (Hardcover)

Easy-to-read reference describing plate tectonics, erosion, changing sea levels, and other topics, with a focus on the coast. Although the term 'evolving' in its title does not refer to the evolution of life, the coast was indeed the environment where many of the most significant evolutionary advances took place.