EQ3: 4.5 Flashcards
Why is the sea level rising?
Glaciers and ice sheets are melting and therefore there is more water so sea levels rise by about 61 metres because the sheet holds 90% of the worlds water. Also, thermal expansion will make sea levels rise as because of climate change causes the air to get warmer.
How bad will sea level get and how will it affect different places around the world (give examples)?
Rising sea levels will affect a lot of places very badly. For example the Maldives. If the ice sheet completely melts, the Maldives will be completely under water.
How will climate change affect erosion/deposition?
There is a roughly a 0.2 rise in temperature every year which will cause sea levels to rise which will cause more erosion and more sediment will be deposited on land.
How will climate change affect storm frequency, intensity, and storm surges?
Climate change such as global warming will affect storm formation. Therefore there will be less storms so a lower storm frequency.
How will storms and storm surges affect people and the environment?
People’s homes will be destroyed which means they wont have anywhere to stay and in some cases, people will die. Places in the environment will be destroyed such as animal’s habitats.
Explain how groynes and sea walls work
They are long bits of wood, like a fence which stops sediment from passing. Therefore longshore drift can’t happen. Sea walls act as a defence for the coast so where the water hits the coast, the sea wall acts as a barrier.
Explain how beach replenishment and slope stabalisation work
Beach replenishment is when sand is pumped onto a beach ti widen it or to make a beach. Slope stabilisation is when slopes covered in soil withstand movement.
What are the advantages and disadvantages for each management type?
Beach nourishment- it’s a cheap method
- widens the beach
- protects anything behind the beach
- short period of time (negative)
Slope stabilisation- reduces wave energy
- reduces erosion
- £5000 per metre (negative)
- sand needs to be filled. (Negative)
What is the difference between hard and soft engineering? Which is best?
Hard engineering will last longer and is more effective. Soft engineering is cheaper but wont last as long. Hard engineering is better.
What is strategic realignment and which areas might be left to erode? (refer to a CBA)
When a certain part of the coastline is left to erode up to a certain part.
Explain why ITCM schemes are a sustainable form of coastal management
Because they reduce erosion and longshore drift and some are cheap and others are long term so they all have their positives.
