Podcast
Questions and Answers
What natural process involves the breakdown of rocks and sediments along coastlines?
What natural process involves the breakdown of rocks and sediments along coastlines?
Which of the following factors is contributing to the increasing severity of coastal erosion?
Which of the following factors is contributing to the increasing severity of coastal erosion?
What is the approximate rate of global sea level rise suggested by recent satellite observations?
What is the approximate rate of global sea level rise suggested by recent satellite observations?
How many kilometers of coastline does Canada have?
How many kilometers of coastline does Canada have?
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What is a major consequence of climate change affecting coastal areas?
What is a major consequence of climate change affecting coastal areas?
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Why are communities along the Atlantic coast of Canada at risk?
Why are communities along the Atlantic coast of Canada at risk?
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What is the result of glacial meltwater and thermal expansion of water due to rising temperatures?
What is the result of glacial meltwater and thermal expansion of water due to rising temperatures?
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What distinguishes coastal erosion as a geological process?
What distinguishes coastal erosion as a geological process?
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What was one adverse effect of breaching dikes in Kamouraska Bay?
What was one adverse effect of breaching dikes in Kamouraska Bay?
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How do vegetation root systems in marsh ecosystems contribute to coastal protection?
How do vegetation root systems in marsh ecosystems contribute to coastal protection?
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What is a major characteristic of adaptive infrastructure for coastal areas?
What is a major characteristic of adaptive infrastructure for coastal areas?
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What happens to marsh ecosystems as a result of reduced biodiversity in Kamouraska Bay?
What happens to marsh ecosystems as a result of reduced biodiversity in Kamouraska Bay?
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What type of infrastructure represents 97% of Quebec's coastal protection?
What type of infrastructure represents 97% of Quebec's coastal protection?
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What was a result of the Belcher Street Dike relocation project in Nova Scotia?
What was a result of the Belcher Street Dike relocation project in Nova Scotia?
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What global issues are exacerbating coastal erosion, particularly in Canada?
What global issues are exacerbating coastal erosion, particularly in Canada?
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Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the lost marsh ecosystems in Kamouraska Bay?
Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the lost marsh ecosystems in Kamouraska Bay?
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What are the primary consequences of coastal erosion on communities?
What are the primary consequences of coastal erosion on communities?
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What is the role of buffer zones in relation to coastal erosion?
What is the role of buffer zones in relation to coastal erosion?
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How has the frequency of category 4 and 5 hurricanes changed since 1975 in the North Atlantic?
How has the frequency of category 4 and 5 hurricanes changed since 1975 in the North Atlantic?
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What significant damage did Hurricane Fiona cause in Atlantic Canada?
What significant damage did Hurricane Fiona cause in Atlantic Canada?
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Which area in Quebec has had dikes installed due to coastal erosion concerns?
Which area in Quebec has had dikes installed due to coastal erosion concerns?
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What was the impact on Prince Edward Island due to Hurricane Fiona?
What was the impact on Prince Edward Island due to Hurricane Fiona?
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What are some limitations of hard infrastructure like dikes and barriers?
What are some limitations of hard infrastructure like dikes and barriers?
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What might be the long-term result for communities facing severe coastal erosion?
What might be the long-term result for communities facing severe coastal erosion?
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Study Notes
Coastal Erosion in Atlantic Canada
- Coastal erosion is the process where rocks and sediments on coastlines are broken down by waves, tides, and storms, and carried away.
- This natural geological process has shaped Earth's coastlines over millions of years.
- The rate of global sea level rise is accelerating, now estimated at around 3 mm per year.
- Climate change is a significant factor, increasing glacial meltwater and causing thermal expansion of water, both contributing to rising sea levels.
- Canada has 226,000 km of coastline, with up to 600,000 people vulnerable to rising seas and flooding.
- Coastal erosion affects infrastructure, economies, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
- Over 1000 residences and 17 lighthouses in Prince Edward Island are at risk.
- Protecting coastlines is more difficult as hurricanes are becoming more frequent and intense, increasing damages.
- Category 4 and 5 hurricanes increased by 75% since 1975.
- Hard infrastructure (dikes, barriers) can help protect coastlines, but it must be considered in context of climate change.
- Examples exist where dikes have trapped saltwater and damaged ecosystems.
- Softer, nature-based solutions (like vegetation) are crucial for coastal stability and resilience.
- Adapting to coastal threats requires considering whole-ecosystem solutions rather than isolated infrastructure.
- There are actions people can take locally to reduce coastal damage (plant vegetation, redirect runoff).
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Description
This quiz explores the process of coastal erosion affecting Atlantic Canada and its implications on the environment and society. Learn about the causes of rising sea levels and how communities are responding to climate change. Test your knowledge on the impact of coastal erosion on infrastructure and ecosystems.