Discuss specific techniques and efforts used to stabilize shorelines throughout

Question

Discuss specific techniques and efforts used to stabilize shorelines throughout the world. Are all of these efforts only temporary measures or are any of them permanent? Also, does urbanization and development of coastal areas always contribute to shoreline erosion? Explain why or why not. This is a question that is very pertinent to our coastal areas in San Diego so think about your own beaches and coastlines when you work on your answer to this essay question.

Your essay should be between 400-800 words. Be through and robust in your discussion and use proper geologic terminology.

Explanation / Answer

First, here is a good website to start with (general website + this specific page:
http://coastalchange.ucsd.edu/st2_challenges/index.html

Next, this essay can be written in an organized format that discusses 3 categories of info:

1st part: define the importance of shorelines, their effects
key info: shorelines are created by wave energy and these beaches serve to dissipate that energy; by dispersing waves they also disperse nutrients to several ecosystems (shallow water areas, tidal pools, beaches themselves) where a variety of organisms live; the dissipation of wave energy also allows industrial pollutants to be diluted; because of shorelines and beaches, the 'real' land, e.g. cliffs, isn't destroyed or eroded by the constant crashing of waves

2nd part: most common, ongoing impacts that are causing erosion of shorelines
key info: major impacts destroying shorelines are global warming which will raise sea levels, effectively eliminating beach area, and urban development/dams which plug up the sediment that flows down from rivers to produce the shoreline; plus development shifts sand from beaches to other areas and eliminates many natural barriers that form part of the shoreline, such as small islands, coral reefs, vegetation, etc. that break up wave energy before it hits the shore; pollution from human presence has a similar effect to development.

3rd part: what is being done or can be done to mitigate the effects of shoreline loss or keep its positive effects intact despite erosion.
key info: coastline conservation projects are ongoing, preventing global warming or slowing it down is key, and minimizing impact to waterways that feed into the ocean/produce the shoreline is important.

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