Abstract: The earth system science is the theoretical basis of sustainable development strategy, but at present, the speed of the study is very slow because the object of the science and the scientific method are very complex. The coastal zone is the only link between the Land System, Marine System and Atmosphere System, and the history of human being opening up the coastal zone is very long, so the author holds that the coastal zone is the most typical region to study the earth science. In the article, the momentous current significance of study on coastal zones and the theory frame are given.

Key words: Coastal zone, Earth system science, Sustainable development