Unit 8 - Page 257 - 260

What has caused many beaches along the USA’s eastern seaboard to disappear in the last 100 years?

• Rising temperatures

• Increased tourism

• Sea-level rise and storm activity

• Decreased rainfall

Answer explanation

• Answer: (c) Sea-level rise and storm activity

• Explanation: As the climate warms, ice melts, and sea levels rise. Strong storms like hurricanes erode beaches and wash away sand.

• Example: Miami, Florida, experiences frequent beach erosion due to storms.

What is the primary function of seawalls?

• To promote tourism

• To protect coastal buildings from wave action

• To enhance marine biodiversity

• To increase sediment deposition

Answer explanation

• Answer: (b) To protect coastal buildings from wave action

• Explanation: Seawalls act like a barrier between the land and the ocean, preventing waves from damaging homes and roads.

• Example: In New York, seawalls protect the city from flooding during storms.

What is one negative effect of seawalls?

• They increase beach width

• They prevent hurricanes

• They cause increased erosion further down the coast

• They attract more marine life

Answer explanation

• Answer: (c) They cause increased erosion further down the coast

• Explanation: Waves hit the seawall and reflect with more force, taking sand away from nearby beaches.

• Example: A seawall in New Jersey caused erosion to worsen for neighboring towns.

Which of the following is NOT a reason for coastal retreat along the eastern seaboard?

• Rising sea levels

• Reduction in sediment supply

• Increased government regulations

• Human development along the coastline

Answer explanation

• Answer: (c) Increased government regulations

• Explanation: Coastal retreat happens because of rising seas and erosion, not because of government rules.

• Example: Even with protection laws, some beaches in the USA continue to shrink.

What percentage of barrier islands in the USA were developed by 1990?

• 25%

• 50%

• 75%

• 90%

Answer explanation

• Answer: (c) 75%

• Explanation: People built homes and businesses on barrier islands, making them vulnerable to storms.

• Example: Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is a developed barrier island.

What natural disaster in 2012 highlighted the need for better coastal protection in the USA?

• Hurricane Katrina

• Hurricane Sandy

• The California wildfires

• The Great Blizzard

Answer explanation

• Answer: (b) Hurricane Sandy

• Explanation: Hurricane Sandy caused major flooding and destruction in New York and New Jersey.

• Example: Subway stations in New York City were flooded, causing massive disruptions.

What is an alternative to hard engineering coastal protection methods?

• Constructing taller buildings

• Managed retreat

• Increasing tourism revenue

• Removing all sand from beaches

Answer explanation

• Answer: (b) Managed retreat

• Explanation: Instead of fighting the ocean, managed retreat moves buildings away from risky areas.

• Example: Some homes in North Carolina are being relocated further inland.

Which of the following is a soft engineering coastal management technique?

• Seawalls

• Groynes

• Beach nourishment

• Breakwaters

Answer explanation

• Answer: (c) Beach nourishment

• Explanation: This method adds more sand to beaches to replace what waves take away.

• Example: Miami Beach regularly adds sand to keep its famous beaches wide.

What is one disadvantage of beach nourishment?

• It causes immediate erosion

• It requires frequent replenishment

• It prevents tourism

• It is illegal in most countries

Answer explanation

• Answer: (b) It requires frequent replenishment

• Explanation: The new sand is often washed away, requiring the process to be repeated often.

• Example: Some Florida beaches need new sand every few years.

Which of these U.S. states is particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion?

• Nevada

• New York

• Kansas

• Arizona

Answer explanation

• Answer: (b) New York

• Explanation: New York has a large coastline and experiences severe storms and sea-level rise.

• Example: After Hurricane Sandy, parts of New York had to rebuild their coastlines.