Coastal environments refer to the land areas adjacent to oceans or seas. They include beaches, shorelines, estuaries, mangrove forests, and coral reefs among others.
Related terms
Erosion: This term refers to the gradual wearing away of coastal land due to natural processes such as wave action or human activities like construction projects.
Mangrove forests: These are unique coastal ecosystems consisting of salt-tolerant trees growing in shallow water near shorelines. They provide habitats for numerous species and act as natural buffers against storms.
Coral reefs: These are underwater ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny marine organisms called polyps. They are found in warm, shallow waters and support a diverse range of marine life.