Coastal Erosion in Atlantic Canada
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Questions and Answers

What natural process involves the breakdown of rocks and sediments along coastlines?

  • Coastal development
  • Marine sedimentation
  • Coastal erosion (correct)
  • Tidal fluctuation

Which of the following factors is contributing to the increasing severity of coastal erosion?

  • Decreased wave activity
  • Lower atmospheric temperatures
  • Rising sea levels (correct)
  • Stable coastal sedimentation rates

What is the approximate rate of global sea level rise suggested by recent satellite observations?

  • 4.0 mm per year
  • 2.5 mm per year
  • 3.0 mm per year (correct)
  • 1.0 mm per year

How many kilometers of coastline does Canada have?

<p>226,000 kilometers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of climate change affecting coastal areas?

<p>Increased flooding and erosion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are communities along the Atlantic coast of Canada at risk?

<p>They have high population densities in low-lying areas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of glacial meltwater and thermal expansion of water due to rising temperatures?

<p>Higher sea levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes coastal erosion as a geological process?

<p>It contributes to the formation of unique landforms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one adverse effect of breaching dikes in Kamouraska Bay?

<p>Trapping saltwater on farmland (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do vegetation root systems in marsh ecosystems contribute to coastal protection?

<p>They prevent lateral erosion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major characteristic of adaptive infrastructure for coastal areas?

<p>It mimics natural ecosystems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to marsh ecosystems as a result of reduced biodiversity in Kamouraska Bay?

<p>Coastal ecosystems are further destroyed (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of infrastructure represents 97% of Quebec's coastal protection?

<p>Hard infrastructure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a result of the Belcher Street Dike relocation project in Nova Scotia?

<p>Floodwater was diverted away from the community (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What global issues are exacerbating coastal erosion, particularly in Canada?

<p>Climate change and hurricanes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the lost marsh ecosystems in Kamouraska Bay?

<p>Increased biodiversity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary consequences of coastal erosion on communities?

<p>Impacts on infrastructure, economy, livelihoods, and ecosystems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of buffer zones in relation to coastal erosion?

<p>To provide protection between water forces and land (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the frequency of category 4 and 5 hurricanes changed since 1975 in the North Atlantic?

<p>Increased by 75% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant damage did Hurricane Fiona cause in Atlantic Canada?

<p>$3 billion USD in damages (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area in Quebec has had dikes installed due to coastal erosion concerns?

<p>Kamouraska Bay in the St. Lawrence River (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact on Prince Edward Island due to Hurricane Fiona?

<p>10 meters of coastal erosion in some areas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some limitations of hard infrastructure like dikes and barriers?

<p>They may not be a comprehensive solution to coastal erosion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might be the long-term result for communities facing severe coastal erosion?

<p>Retreat inland from the coastline (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Coastal erosion

The gradual breakdown and removal of rocks and sediments along coastlines, primarily caused by waves, tides, winds and storms.

Sea level rise

The increase in average sea level over a long period of time. It's a consequence of climate change, leading to a rise in sea level.

Glacial meltwater

The process of ice melting contributes to rising sea levels as water from glaciers flows into oceans.

Thermal expansion

As temperatures rise, the volume of water expands, adding to the overall rise in sea level. This is known as thermal expansion.

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Storm surge

A sudden and extreme rise in sea level, often caused by strong winds during storms. This can exacerbate coastal erosion and flooding.

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Coastal communities

Regions along the coast that are at risk of flooding and erosion due to rising sea levels.

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Coastline length

The total length of a coastline, indicating a significant portion of land vulnerable to coastal erosion.

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Population exposure

The number of people inhabiting areas susceptible to coastal erosion and sea level rise.

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Buffer Zones

Areas of land or vegetation that act as a buffer between the force of water and human communities.

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Rising Sea Levels

The increase in the global average sea level, primarily due to climate change.

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Coastal Retreat

The process of moving communities away from vulnerable coastal areas to safer inland locations.

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Hurricanes

Powerful storms with strong winds and heavy rainfall, often associated with large waves and flooding.

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Coastal Protection Infrastructure

Structures designed to protect coastlines from erosion, such as dikes, seawalls, and breakwaters.

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Dunes

A natural protective barrier along coastlines, often composed of sand, vegetation, and rocks. They help reduce erosion and protect inland areas.

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Resilience

The ability of a system to adapt to changes and disturbances, like coastal erosion, while maintaining its functionality.

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Adaptive Infrastructure

The ability of a structure or system to adjust to changing conditions, especially those related to climate change.

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Nature-Based Solutions

Natural structures like wetlands, marshes, and forests that help protect coastlines from erosion and flooding.

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Hard Infrastructure

Structures built along coastlines to prevent flooding or erosion, often made of concrete or steel.

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Floodplain Dynamics

The natural process of water moving back and forth between land and sea, often caused by storms or tides.

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Ecosystem

The interconnected network of plants and animals that live in a particular area, including their relationships with each other and their environment.

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Vegetation Root Systems

The ability of plants to hold soil together with their roots, preventing erosion and protecting the coastline.

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Ecosystem Resilience

The ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances and recover from them, such as storms or floods.

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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.

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