Glossary

The particle size for which 30, 50, and 85 percent of the sample is finer.

The susceptibility of coastline development to damage by coastline hazards.

Stakes, varying in length, made from lumber, used to hold construction materials in place.

A log or block of concrete, or other material buried in a streambank that is used to tie in a revetment with cable, chain, or steel rods.

Any material, organic, or inorganic, floating or submerged, moved by a flowing stream or water body.

Hardened structures anchored in the streambank and protruding into the current with an upstream face that is angled downstream at approximately 45 degrees from the flow.

The long-term hydraulic process by which a stream and river beds lower in elevation. It is the opposite of aggradation.

The settlement of material out of the water column and onto the streambed or floodplain. Occurs when the flowing water is unable to transport the sediment load.

The wave height adopted for the purposes of designing coastal structures such as breakwaters and seawalls. It is chosen to ensure that the structures are not at undue risk of wave damage.

A basin such as a small pond or reservoir that temporarily stores runoff water and releases the water downstream in such a manner that reduced the peak flow.

A structure designed to reduce the water velocity as streamflow passes through the dike so that sediment deposition occurs instead of erosion (permeable dike) or to deflect erosive currents away from the streambank (impermeable dike.)

Volume of water flowing in a given stream at a given place and within a given period of time, usually expressed as cubic meters or cubic feet per second (cfs.)

A bank that has (or is) suffering from erosion or failure.

The non-growing season for woody species, when they have grown their buds, and photosynthesis in the leaves has stopped.

In the direction of the predominant movement of sediment along the shore. The side of a groin, jetty or other structure which is deprived of sand.

A land surface collecting precipitation into one (1) stream, sometimes referred to as a watershed.

The removal of sediment or the excavation of tidal or subtidal bottom to provide sufficient depths for navigation or anchorage, or to obtain material for construction or for beach nourishment.

Any natural hill, mound or ridge of sediment landward of a coastal berm deposited by the wind or by storm overwash. Sediment deposited by artificial means and serving the purpose of storm-damage prevention and flood control.

The system of developing dunes, foredunes and hinddunes that is formed on sandy beaches to the rear of the beach berm.

The management technique by which dunes, dune vegetation and dune protective structures are kept in good "working order;" activities may include weed/pest/fire control, replanting, fertilizing, repair of fences and access ways, and publicity.

The general term describing all activities associated with the restoration and/or maintenance of the role and values of beach dune systems; dune management activities and techniques include planning, dune reconstruction, revegetation, dune protection, dune maintenance, and community involvement.

The management technique by which the dune system is protected from damage by recreational and development activities; dune protection activities generally include the use of fences, access ways and signposts to restrict and control access to dune systems.