A
seawall (or
sea wall) is a form of
coastal defense constructed where the sea, and associated coastal processes, impact directly upon the landforms of the
coast. The purpose of a seawall is to protect areas of human habitation, conservation and leisure activities from the action of
tides and
waves. As a seawall is a static feature it will conflict with the dynamic nature of the coast and impede the exchange of sediment between land and sea.