Mechanics of coastal forms

Recent studies of the morphodynamics of the coastal region are reviewed. Em phasis is given to idealized models that consider a morphological pattern i n isolation from the others, to obtain indications on the physical processe s controlling its appearance and development. In particular, attention focu ses on morphodynamic stability analyses that allow understanding of the beh avior of morphological features that are repetitive in both space and time. Indeed rhythmic patterns are commonly observed both in the continental she lf far from the coast and in the near-shore region.