Duke University Press. Coastal land loss. Washington, American Geophysical Union. Changes in the shoreline affect the distribution and functioning of salt marsh, estuarine and littoral ecosystems, as well as the planning and management of coastal resources and built structures. The shoreline position is perhaps the most important geoindicator for low-lying coastal communities and islands.
Quantitative methods are best for predicting future shoreline movements.
Qualitative indicators of shoreline position and morphology are practical, inexpensive, and rapid guides to coastal erosion.