EM 1110-2-1100 (Change 1)
31 Jul 03
COASTAL ZONE
The transition zone where the land meets water, the region that is directly influenced by marine and lacustrine
hydrodynamic processes. Extends offshore to the continental shelf break and onshore to the first major change in topography
above the reach of major storm waves. On barrier coasts, includes the bays and LAGOONS between the BARRIER and the
mainland.
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
The integrated and general development of the coastal zone. Coastal Zone Management is not restricted to coastal
defense works, but includes also a development in economical, ecological and social terms. Coastline Management is a part of
Coastal Zone Management.
COAST LINE
The term used in the Submerged Lands Act to describe the low-water line and closing lines across the mouths of
inland water bodies.
COASTLINE
(1) Technically, the line that forms the boundary between the coast and the shore. (2) Commonly, the line that
forms the boundary between the land and the water, esp. the water of a sea or ocean. The SHORELINE. A more general
term than COAST LINE.
COBBLE (COBBLESTONE)
A rock fragment between 64 and 256 mm in diameter, usually rounded. See SOIL CLASSIFICATION.
COFFERDAM
A temporary watertight structure enclosing all or part of the construction area so that construction can proceed in
the dry.
COHESIVE SEDIMENT
Sediment containing significant proportion of clays, the electromagnetic properties of which cause the sediment to
bind together.
COLLOID
As a size term refers to particles smaller than 0.00024 mm, smaller than clay size.
COMBER
(1) A DEEPWATER wave whose crest is pushed forward by a strong wind; much larger than a whitecap. (2) A
long-period breaker.
COMPETENCE
The ability of a wind or water current to transport detritus, in terms of particle size rather than amount, measured as
the diameter of the largest particles.
COMPLEX SPIT
A large RECURVED SPIT with secondary spits developed at its end. Example: Sandy Hook, New Jersey.
CONFLUENCE
The junction of two or more river reaches or channels (the opposite of a bifurcation) .
The gradual, slow compression of a cohesive soil due to weight acting on it, which occurs as water is driven out of
the voids in the soil. Consolidation only occurs in clays or other soils of low permeability.
A-16
Appendix A Glossary of Coastal Terminology
Previous Page
