Coasts and Coastal Systems

Marilyn Montgomery, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
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Summary

This was a homework assignment for a college freshman or sophomore level class in physical geography. The assignment requires the text book "Elemental Geosystems" and internet access. It has questions pertaining to coastal erosion and flood hazards and the responsibilities of various US federal agencies in managing these hazards. The outcomes of this assignment include getting students to consider the challenges in managing coastal hazards, and how each approach to managing hazards has unique benefits and costs.

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Learning Goals

Content/concepts goals
rocky vs. sandy coasts, coastal erosion and flood hazards, human activities that contribute to sea level rise

Higher order thinking skills goals
critical evaluation of the adverse impacts of levees and other engineered coastal protection approaches

Other skills goals
a basic understanding of federal agencies involved in managing flood and coastal hazards

Context for Use

Type and level of course
This is for the unit on coasts and coastal hazards in an undergraduate course in physical geography.

Skills and concepts students should have mastered
Students should have a general understanding of coastal processes, but the assignment has web links throughout where they can glean the answers. They should have read the text book chapter on coasts and coastal systems before beginning this assignment.

How the activity is situated in the course
Stand-alone exercise

Description and Teaching Materials

Coastal and Coastal Systems Homework (Microsoft Word 39kB May5 15)

Teaching Notes and Tips

Assessment

I have a key for this assignment.

References and Resources