Key questions of the Institute for Coastal Research

The term ‘coast’ refers to the transition zone between continent and open sea. The coast includes water sheds, estuaries and marine inlets, as well as tidal areas and coastal plains. Geologically, coastal regions represent only a brief snapshot, because ocean currents and tides, together with powerful surf, are continually eroding coastlines, and consequently changing their course. In addition, coasts are being shaped by eustatic sea level changes going back to glacial climate change and rising atmospheric temperatures. Furthermore, vertical movements of land masses, triggered by isostatic and tectonic processes, play an important role. Human activities, such as harbours, settlements, transport of goods and economic use, are also among the factors influencing coastal areas.


The Institute of Coastal Research focuses its research on the following questions:

How does global change affect the coastal system?

What is the present state and present change of the coastal zone?

How can we reliably and cost-effectively monitor coastal processes?