4.1 COASTAL SYSTEMS DEFINITIONS & IMPORTANCE Flashcards
1
Q
What is a coast?
A
Area where the land meets the sea.
2
Q
What is an estuary?
A
A partly enclosed coastal body of brackish water with one or more rivers flowing into it, & with a free connection to the open sea.
3
Q
How long is the coastline?
A
Main land: 17,820km
Incl. islands: 31,368km
4
Q
Why are coastal regions important?
A
Habitat & source of food Means of transport Accessible, fertile land (dwelling, industry, agriculture) Natural resources Water extraction & discharges of waste Recreational activities
5
Q
What are the key issues in coastal regions?
A
Relative sea level Coastal flooding Coastal erosion Marine heatwaves - biodiversity loss Ocean acidity Pollution
6
Q
What are the coastal Grand Challenges? - Sustainable Development Goals
A
Build resilience to environmental, economic & social disasters
Reduce the adverse effects of natural disasters
Strengthen resilience & adaptive capacity to climate related disasters
Conserve coastal and marine areas
