Coastal erosion (or shoreline erosion) is the local loss of subaerial coastal landmass due to natural processes such as waves, winds and tides, or even due to human interference. Large storm-generated waves often cause coastal erosion, which may take the form of long-term losses of sediment and rocks, or merely in the temporary redistribution of coastal sediments; erosion in one location may result in accretion nearby. The processes of erosion and sediment redistribution are studied under the name 'coastal morphodynamics'.