9.0 Coastal Hazards

Canada has over 200,00km of coastline (Figure 9.0.1). It is home to the highest tide range in the world and is experiencing a massive loss of coastal shore in the Northern regions and islands due to a combination of permafrost melting and wave action.

Coastal natural hazards include coastal currents, coastal erosion and flooding due to storm surge (tropical and extratropical cyclones) sea-level rise and tsunami.

Before we can understand the natural hazards of coastal regions we need to understand the basic landforms and processes of coastal zones. Waves, tides, and sediment transport.