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Natural HazardsNatural processes or phenomena occurring in the biosphere that may constitute a damaging event. Natural hazards can be classified by origin namely: geological, hydro-meteorological or biological.
Nature synchronousDevelopment that is in synchrony with natural forces; engineering design that coincides with natural processes, rather than resisting or confronting them.
Neap TideA tide occurring near the
time of quadrature of the moon with the sun. The neap tide range is usually 10-
to 30-percent less than the mean tidal range.
Near shore Circulation The ocean circulation pattern composed of the near shore currents
and the coastal currents
Near shore Current System The current system characterized
primarily by wave action in and near the breaker zone, and which consists of
four parts: the shoreward mass transport of water; long shore currents; seaward
return flow, including rip currents; and the long shore movement of the
expanding heads of rip currents. See also near shore circulation
Net Present Value NPVThe difference between the present value of the benefit stream and the present value of the cost stream for a project. The net present value calculated at the Banks discount rate should be greater than zero for a project to be acceptable.
Non use ValueThe value that people hold for an environmental resource, which is not attributable to their direct use of the resource for commercial or recreational purposes. Otherwise known as intrinsic value.
Non-point sources of pollution Multiple, not easily identifiable sources of pollution (e.g.
agriculture, urban areas). Also called diffuse sources
NourishmentThe process of replenishing a beach. It may be brought about naturally, by long shore transport, or artificially by the deposition of dredged materials.
Nurture or nurturing areaAny place in the coastal zone where larval, juvenile, or young stages of aquatic life concentrate for feeding or refuge; also a “nursery area.
NutrientAny substance assimilated by living things that promote growth, including any number of organic or inorganic compounds (nitrogen and phosphorous are important examples) used by plants in primary production.