Coastal erosion is a natural phenomenon, which has always existed and has contributed
throughout history to shape European coastal landscapes. Coastal erosion, as well as soil
erosion in water catchments, are the main processes which provide terrestrial sediment to
the coastal systems including beaches, dunes, reefs, mud flats, and marshes. In turn,
coastal systems provide a wide range of functions including absorption of wave energies,
nesting and hatching of fauna, protection of fresh water, or places for recreational
activities. However, migration of human population towards the coast, together with its
ever growing interference in the coastal zone has also turned coastal erosion into a
problem of growing intensity.