Geomorphological and ecological (‘ecogeomorphic’) characteristics of barrier islands and other coastal landforms are constantly changing as a function of wind, waves, water level fluctuations, vegetation succession, and sediment movement during both storms and quiescent periods. Although there is inherent dynamism to these landforms, relatively stable ecogeomorphic states (e.g., beaches, dune systems, wetlands) exist over ecologically relevant time scales for coastal environments and within individual ecosystems. However, experts predict that faster, more abrupt changes to these stable states are likely in the future, with significant ecological and socioeconomic consequences. Effective management of these systems will require an understanding of when and how coastal landforms might change, which will necessitate the integration of concepts from ecology, oceanography, geology, and sociology. Here, we synthesize existing knowledge on coastal evolution in the face of changing environmental trends. We recommend that the following themes are considered in analyses of coastal change: (i) humans act as modifiers of coastal landscapes and also decision-makers of whether coastal change is accepted or resisted; (ii) coastal landscapes are inherently resilient to storms and sea level rise with distinct geomorphological and ecological mechanisms; and (iii) transitions in coastal states occur as mechanisms of resilience fail, which have implications for land use and management. Our review identifies three key areas where progress could enhance the coastal community’s ability to anticipate change: improved characterizations of the feedbacks between humans and the environment, broader understanding of the role of landscape-scale connectivity and diversity, and development of models that are capable of incorporating social, ecological and geomorphic processes.

[Note to reviewers: this is a broad TED-style talk on the complexities of coastal landscape change and would serve well as a session introduction]