Waves and Beaches: The Powerful Dynamics of Sea and Coast - Patagonia Books

First published in 1964 and updated in 1979, this classic was an essential handbook for anyone who studies, surfs, protects, or is fascinated by the ocean, a delightful combination of science and adventure. The original author, Willard Bascom, was a master of the subject and included a wealth of information, based on theory and statistics, but also anecdotal observation and personal experience. It brought to the general public understanding of the awesome and complex power of the waves. Fresh with new insights, this update from Kim McCoy adds recent facts and anecdotes to update the book’s relevance in the time of climate change. It spotlights the ongoing transformations to our coastal cities, sea-going vessels, energy supplies and global commerce. The dynamics of our waves and beaches are more relevant today as populations adapt to changing climates. One of the most significant effects of global warming will be sea-level rise. What will this mean to waves and beaches, and what effects are we already seeing? New text and photos cover events such as the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, Hurricane Katrina flooding of 2005, and the 2011 earthquake and resulting devastation in Fukishima. As well as students, surfers, and the general public, this updated edition of a beloved classic is an essential handbook for ocean activists, providing clear explanations and detailed resources for the constant battle to preserve the shore.

• About the Author

  Willard Bascom, the original author of Waves and Beaches, was an engineer, adventurer and scientist, as well as a writer, photographer, painter, miner, cinematographer, and archeologist, who first proposed using Neoprene for wetsuits. He authored several books, which include the topics of waves, geology, archaeology, poetry, and oceanography. Kim McCoy's ocean research began where the land and sea merge - with surf zone wave dynamics and continues today with the coastal effects of climate change. Expeditions from the tropics to polar oceans with multinational academic, commercial and governmental institutions helped Kim pioneer advances in instrumentation, underwater communications, autonomous underwater vehicles and free-diving.

• Endorsement

  "The essential handbook to waves, winds, and the wonders of the watery world."James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

• Endorsement

  “An understanding of the complex relationship between sea and coast is essential to anyone who loves the ocean. In easy-to-access text and stunning illustrations, this book provides.” – Nainoa Thompson, Polynesian Voyaging Society

• Endorsement

  "A beautiful, comprehensive resource for anyone drawn to understanding the ways and wonders of our oceans, plus, this edition includes important updates for comprehending the ocean during climate change." – Liz Clark, author of SwellSwellvoyage.com @captainlizclark

• Specifications

  400 pages, full color throughout; Over 150 photos, graphs and charts; 6 1/2 X 9 1/4 inches

• Publisher

  Published by Patagonia

• Country of Origin

  Made in Canada.