Coastal Zones

Firstly, coast process of coastal morphology is explained graphically. Multi-functional utilization of coastal areas shows their particular features. Simultaneously coastal characteristics and coastal development in Taiwan are tabling and symbolizing their phenomena along east and west coast of Taiwan. Then beach erosion and coastal hazards are shown in local coast. Finally countermeasures against beach erosion from hard structure and soft method are presented. Beach erosion would produce three major bio-geophysical impacts in coastal areas: (1) Exacerbate storm flooding and damage, (2) Inundate and displace wetlands and lowlands, (3) Increase the salinity of soils and threaten freshwater aquifers and, (4) Exacerbate coastal squeeze ecosystems. There are various countermeasures in protecting beach erosion and the possible destruction of coastal properties. The present paper first addressed the causes of beach erosion and that result in coastal disasters. Typical examples of coastal defense around Taiwan coast were given to review the benefits of their functions. It is noted that hard structures designed to only minor storms but fail for a large storm such as typhoon events. Although a property is protected by a massive seawall, the adjacent shoreline erodes and retreat. It is concluded that the soft solutions are more harmonic to the coastal environment and reasonable approaches to shoreline protection are required if we are to maintain the coastal zone in an attractive form for recreational use.