Tuvalu

Question 1

Where is Tuvalu?

Answer 1

Polynesia, Oceania

Question 2

What often occurs in Tuvalu?

Answer 2

Coastal flooding

Question 3

What are the physical causes of flooding?

Answer 3

Low lying coral atoll, king tides, storm surges, ground water flooding.

Question 4

How high is Tuvalu above sea level?

Answer 4

4.5 metres at the highest point.

Question 5

What is a storm surge?

Answer 5

A storm, its a bit dramatic :)

Question 6

What is groundwater flooding?

Answer 6

The thin coral soils that the island is built on are porous, This means that saltly sea water comes through pore in the ground, contaminating soil.

Question 7

What are the human causes of flooding in Tuvalu?

Answer 7

Eustatic sea level rise, Increased storm surges due to global warming oceans are 27 degrees Celsius or warmer for most of the year.

Question 8

How much higher is the king tide getting each year?

Answer 8

5mm

Question 9

What are the environmental impacts of flooding?

Answer 9

Salt water intrusion has an impact on ecosystems and habitats, flooding and storm surges erode soil and the thin soil supports fewer plants and animals, coral reef bleaching kills the ecosystem and the organisms it supports.

Question 10

What are the social impacts of flooding in Tuvalu?

Answer 10

Forced migration , 4,00 Tuvaluans moved to New Zealand, families ripped apart, social segregation, social stereotyping and discrimination in New Zealand, health problems ( like typhoid and diarrhoea), contaminated water supply

Question 11

What are the economic impacts of flooding on Tuvalu?

Answer 11

Airport infrastructure in danger of flooding, beaching of coral reef reduced fish stocks, impact on fish industry, Cash crops like Pulaka are killed by salt water intrusion contaminating ground water supplies.

Question 12

What are the political impacts of flooding on Tuvalu?

Answer 12

Extensive campaign (Copenhagen 2011) , total reliance on New Zealand for aid.