Sea walls are a potent symbol of the struggle between man and nature.
Once considered triumphs of engineering know-how, these manmade barriers against the ocean have faced increasing controversy in recent years. Although sea walls are designed to prevent beach erosion, many experts claim they have detrimental side effects, sometimes causing more erosion than they prevent. Although sea walls are designed to prevent beach erosion, many experts claim they have detrimental side effects, sometimes causing more erosion than they prevent. Prof. Ole Madsen, a world authority on beach erosion, is shown here in the wave tank. The problem has grown in recent years as more people have moved to coastal areas.