70 PUTNAM 



theory. In a sense we could have piled up a lot of bricks and ultimately made a structure out 

 of them, instead of possibly constructing a pyramid resting on its point. At the moment we are 

 in the unfortunate position of having to build an intellectual edifice with almost no foundation of 

 actual field studies. But since time is of the essence, I believe we are justified in attempting a 

 first approximation at a classification, inadequate as it may be, than to strive for perfection 

 through several decades of field work. Then ivith the benefit of constructive criticism from the 

 users of our system we may achieve something of really practical value. 



SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION 



The scientific basis and the purposes of this coastal classification were further defined 

 during the discussion. It was generally agreed that in devising a classification of coasts, con- 

 sideration should be given to the matter of genesis. In fact, several participants stated that 

 they felt any classification which would be valid in scientific terms would be basically a genetic 

 classification. It was pointed out, however, that the classification need not make explicit the 

 bases used in its development nor require the user to repeat all the thought processes used in 

 developing the classification. The prime objective of this research is to devise a coastal clas- 

 sification of use to photo interpreters, who may not be trained in geology or geography. This 

 classification must provide a means of enabling interpreters to obtain valid answers to military 

 problems without getting involved in problems of landform origins. 



The classification has to be workable and easily understood. In setting up the classifica- 

 tion every effort has been made to avoid problems of semantics, the use of too highly special- 

 istic terminology and complex definitions, although all the technical scientific bases were 

 thoroughly considered. For example, in considering climate it was felt best to avoid the com- 

 plexities of standard classifications. A person operating out in the field will not be interested 

 in having to decide whether or not it is a Cw climate. He wants to know whether it's dry? Or 

 is it wet? Or is it. very wet? The use of the word "dry" in the coastal classification means 

 what the average person means by dry. There is not much rain. The ground is dry. There is 

 not very extensive plant cover. 



The new classification is being applied to the coasts of the world and the results plotted 

 on a single map. The scale requires considerable generalization. However, the map is ex- 

 pected to enable the strategic planner or other user to gain an idea of what would be encountered 

 on a five to ten mile strip inland from any coast. If, for instance, he is concerned with the coast 

 of Kamchatka, the map will give him an idea, graphically, of the offshore conditions he will en- 

 counter as he approaches the coast, of the dominant landing conditions, and of the principal 

 coastal landforms with their vegetation cover. Will he encounter a high tidal range? Is it a 

 coast where it does or does not rain a lot? Is it beset by strong winds, or do calms prevail? 

 Is it a foggy coast? Is it icebound? The user should be able to answer all these questions 

 from the information symbolically represented on the map. 



Bedrock problems have been minimized as much as possible in this classification. In- 

 cluded are three categories of rock-structure: flat-layered sedimentary rocks, flat-layered 

 volcanic rocks, and the complex. The last category, probably by far the largest, includes com- 

 plexes of structure and/or lithology, many of which appear to be essentially massive on aerial 

 photographs. This is about as far as the users would want to get involved. They do not want to 

 add research in geology to their other tasks. 



A studious effort has been made to avoid producing a classification similar to the kind 

 rather widely used in photo interpretation, sometimes referred to as the "postage stamp clas- 

 sification" with its reference book full of pictures. You have a photograph to identify. You do 

 not know what it is. It has a round shape in it. You go through your book trying to find some- 

 thing with a similar round shape. It is about like matching a Guatemalan issue of stamps. You 

 cannot read Spanish, you do not know who El Presidente is, but you have a picture of him and 

 look through your Scott catalog until you find a similar face. Ergo, this must be it. 



The final product of this research will include numerous elements. First is the ancient 

 genetic framework of the coastal strip, the kind of rock, the grass structure, and the major 

 landform. These are physical combinations that have world-wide applicability. On the 



