Lab 9 Assignment (2)

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Georgia State University *

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1113L

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Geography

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Apr 3, 2024

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Lab 9: Oceans & Coastal Systems GEOG 1113L – Introduction to Landforms Lab Name: _____________ I. How the Coast Works 1. What area is considered the shore? The shore is the area between high and low tide. 2. Describe the type of area that is required for a beach to form. For a beach to form there needs to be a sheltered environment, like a bay. 3. Beaches require constructive waves, which are defined as what? Constructive waves are waves where the swash is stronger. 4. What is longshore drift? Longshore drift is the drift of sediment down the shore as a result of the differing angles of the wind and the backswash. 5. What is the difference between attrition and abrasion? Attrition is when rocks strike together and abrasion is when rocks rub together. 6. What artificial barrier do humans use to protect the coast from high tide? A riprap is a barrier made of rocks which humans use to protect the coast from high tide. 7. What barrier is used to protect against longshore drift? Groynes are barriers used to protect against longshore drift.
II. Coastal Systems This activity can be completed with the use of the USGS website links provided. Do not copy and paste the information from the websites – if you do, you will fail the assignment. Respond to each question in your own words. Go to the link http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/c1075/agencies.html and review the list of federal organizations with regulatory or research responsibilities for our coasts to answer the following questions. Provide both the agency’s acronym and entire name for full credit. 1. Which federal organization administers NFIP? The Federal Emergency Management Agency administers NFIP. 2. NFIP is an acronym which stands for what? NFIP stands for National Flood Insurance Program. 3. Which federal organization regulates the discharge of coastal pollutants and the disposal of dredged sediments? The US Environmental Protection Agency regulates coastal pollutants and dredged sediments. 4. Which federal organization conducts applied research and development for design, construction, operation, and maintenance activities related to harbors, navigational waterways, and coastal protection? The US Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains most man made waterworks. 5. Which federal organization manages extensive coastal lands as wildlife preserves; conducts research on coastal wetlands, fish and wildlife populations, and changes in habitat? The US Fish and Wildlife Service focuses on coastal wildlife preservation. 6. Critical thinking: Which federal organization would be responsible for reviewing engineering plans for a dam on a river? The US Army Corps of Engineers would review engineering plans. Now go to the link http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/c1075/types.html and review the four types of coasts listed there. Answer the following questions. 7. Which type of coast listed in the link is the type of the Florida Keys? Coral Reefs is the type of coast found in the Florida Keys. 8. What importance do coastal wetlands hold? Coastal wetlands contain an abundance of wildlife. 9. Which type of coast protects coasts from waves and storms? Coral reefs protect the coast from waves and storms. 10. The website describes the differences in geology between rocky and sandy coasts. According to the information in this web link, which type of coast is dominated by depositional features? Rocky or Sandy? Sandy beaches are dominated by depositional features. 11. According to the information in this web link, which type of coast is dominated by erosional features? Rocky or Sandy? Rocky coasts are dominated by erosional features.
Now go to this link http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/c1075/change.html . Review the information there to help answer the following questions. 12. Name two ways that sediment is brought to coasts. Rivers and storms bring sediment to coasts. 13. What coastal mechanism is the primary agent of coastal movement: a major cause of sand migration along barrier and mainland beaches? (Look at this diagram to help you with this question: http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/c1075/longshore.html ) Longshore drift is the primary agent of coastal movement. 14. In your own words, describe the “dynamic balance” in coastal environments mentioned on the website. The “dynamic balance” refers to the total equilibrium between all of the natural process which affect the coast. 15. Which type of coast described in the web link is that of Pinellas County (St. Pete Beach, Sand Key, the central Gulf region of peninsular Florida)? Barrier beaches are that of Pinellas county. 16. How are the levees on the Mississippi River contributing to coastal wetland loss in Louisiana? Describe what is happening in a few complete sentences. 17. What is beach nourishment (also called beach replenishment)? 18. Go to the picture on this web link http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/c1075/norfolk.html (the small version of this picture is also part of the previous link). This picture shows the effect of groins on a sandy beach. Based on the areas of sand accumulation and erosion around each groin, what is the direction of longshore current and longshore drift? From the upper left side to the lower right or from the lower right side of picture toward the upper left? 19. Sea level rise is dangerous to coastal communities because it results in increased erosion of sandy coasts, greater potential for inland flooding and possible inundation of low-lying coastal areas. List two human activities which increase the likelihood of sea level rise. Now read the information at this web link http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/c1075/conclusions.html and answer the following questions. 20. What are three erosion mitigation techniques that closely replicate natural processes (more so than other engineered structures such as groins)? 21. List three facts you found interesting and/or takeaways from the web link in your own words. ● ● ●
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