Waves and beaches: The dynamics of the ocean surface

by Willard Bascom

Examines the complex interactions between major coastal features and waves, tides, currents, and surf including man's attempts to control shoreline damage

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Nature, Geology, Earth Sciences, Environment

366 pages, Hardcover

First published December 18, 1979

Reviews

[Peter Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've seen on the topic. Out of print but easily found. He writes well, and the photos are excellent (though all black & white). Highly recommended. An easy 5 stars!

[Chris Komatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of oceanography and coastal geology. This book will change how you look at nearshore geology and waves. I read the updated version that includes the impacts of climate change, and I think the newer version more accurately captures the challenges of our current coastal environment.

[Burnt]

this book is fantastic. he makes learning the science behind waves a good read. his stories are great. makes you go to teh beach with a whole new appreciation for what's going on.

[Jake O’Donnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty scientific and informative but not too dense. The author uses tons of interesting anecdotes, historical events, and some genuinely funny writing to keep the book light and easy to read. As someone whose life is largely dictated by waves and beaches, it was meaningful to read one of the foundational texts.

[Kris Unger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about the project to find ways to accurately predict the behavior of waves and beaches, in preparation for the DDay invasion. Very cool science, informative and entertainingly written.

[Mark Lipowicz]

One of the best nature books of all time. Who doesn't love the sea? and the beach? BAscom tells the science of it, with a lot of firsthand contact

[Gilbert Stack · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always nice to pick up a science book that explores the world around us in terms that non-scientists can understand. This one, as the title indicates, is on how waves and beaches are made and interact with each other. I truly enjoyed it, but I will also admit that there were times in which the authors gave me more science than I wanted. Still, you can always speed up the audiobook or flip through the pages if you feel the same way. If you enjoy learning about nature, you'll probably find this book interesting.

[Ron Sanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, a classic with a new edition.

[André]

Tipp von Fredric Raichlen