Task - What Happened to the Coastline?

1. Which process dominates the East Coast of the United States, deposition or erosion? Why?

2. Which process dominates the West Coast of the United States, deposition or erosion? Why?

3. What is the rate of sea level rise increase today?

4. What is the projected height for 2100?

5. During what month of the year would you expect the berm on the beach to be smallest? Why?

6. During what month of the year would you expect the berm on the beach to be largest? Why?

7. What are the two primary sources of all beach sand globally?

8. What are the two primary sinks for all beach sand globally? I.e. what causes the decrease in beach sand?

9. Scenario: You live on the beach in a residential area. Your neighbor builds a groin. You are down current from the groin. What will happen to your beach? What are two different options you can pursue to save your beach?

Quiz Questions

1. Which of these coastal structures is installed specifically to prevent coastal erosion?

A. seawall B. jetty C. groin D. breakwater

2. Which of these coastal structures is installed specifically to create protected low-energy water for boats?

A. seawall B. jetty C. groin D. breakwater

3. Which of these coastal structures results in bigger beaches in a particular location?

A. seawall B. jetty C. groin D. breakwater

4. Which of these coastal structures results in increased erosion in a particular location?

A. seawall B. jetty C. groin D. breakwater

5. Which of these coastal structures results in increased wave height in a particular location?

A. seawall B. jetty C. groin D. breakwater

6. Which of these coastal structures requires continued maintenance?

A. seawall B. jetty C. groin D. breakwater

Drawing in the Sand

Draw a picture of a beach with a groin constructed near a beach resort hotel. Be sure to clearly indicate where the sand accumulates, where it erodes, and the direction of longshore current. List two reasons why the resort would want to build a groin. List two negative side effects of building the groin. Creativity and originality can earn you extra credit.