Coasts — Geography, 4–6 years
A coast is the place where land meets the sea. Coasts can look very different: they may have sand, cliffs, rocks, mud, harbours or buildings.
What is a coast?
A coast is the edge of the land beside the sea. It is not always a sandy beach: it may be a rocky shore, a tall cliff or a harbour full of boats. The shape and material of a coast can change from one place to another.
Why do we know where the coast is?
Finding the coast helps us tell land apart from the sea and describe where a place is. It also helps people decide where boats can stop, where a beach can be used and where waves may reach. The edge matters because land and sea behave differently.
Find the coast
Look at a picture with a green field, a row of rocks and blue sea. First find the blue water. Next find the line where the blue meets the land. That line is the coast. The rocks are part of the coast, but the field behind them is inland.
A coast is not always a beach
Because beaches are easy to visit and draw, it is natural to use “coast” and “beach” as if they meant the same thing. A beach is one kind of coast, usually with sand or small stones. A cliff or rocky shore is also a coast, even when there is no place to lie down.
Where do coasts matter?
This helps when looking at a seaside photograph, visiting a harbour or choosing a safe place near the water. People use different coasts for swimming, fishing, sailing or watching wildlife. A rocky coast may suit boats or birds better than a sandy beach.
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