Shoreline Locations and Coastal Protection Solutions

Photograph 1 shows a developed shoreline on Maui with buildings, a lawn, and trees close to the water. Based on this visual, which statement best describes a likely human impact on coastal erosion at this location?

• Buildings and landscaping increase runoff and can accelerate shoreline erosion.

• Natural dunes absorb wave energy and reduce erosion in front of the buildings.

• Offshore reefs have been expanded by construction to slow erosion near the lawn.

• Removing development from the shore concentrates wave energy away from the beach.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

In Photograph 2, labeled "Sandbags," what is the primary purpose of the sandbags placed along the shoreline?

• To add nutrients to the beach sand for plant growth

• To act as a temporary barrier that absorbs wave energy and protects structures

• To attract more wildlife to the beachfront area

• To permanently widen the beach by trapping drifting sand

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

Which engineered solution is specifically identified in Photograph 3 along the coastal highway?

• Groin

• Breakwater

• Seawall

• Riprap mat

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

Considering all three photographs, which options correctly identify coastal protection methods shown? Select all that apply.

• Sandbags used as a wave barrier

• Seawall built parallel to the shore

• Beach nourishment by adding new sand piles

• Offshore floating barriers to calm waves

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

Photograph 1 suggests that human development is close to the waterline. Which outcome is most consistent with how such development affects the shoreline?

• Reduced erosion because buildings stabilize the sand naturally

• Increased erosion from altered natural processes and concentrated wave energy

• No change in erosion because waves ignore human structures

• Immediate formation of new dunes that trap sand

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Compare the solutions in Photographs 2 and 3. Which statement accurately contrasts sandbags and seawalls?

• Sandbags are typically temporary and flexible, while seawalls are permanent, rigid structures.

• Sandbags reflect more wave energy than seawalls, making them more durable.

• Seawalls are used only on undeveloped beaches, while sandbags are used only near highways.

• Both sandbags and seawalls permanently widen beaches by trapping sand.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

Which observation from the photographs best indicates active coastal erosion?

• Wide sandy beach with no waves present

• Exposed tree roots and narrow beach near buildings

• Dense vegetation growing far inland away from the shore

• Calm lagoon separated from the ocean by a barrier

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Refer to the photograph-based prompt: “Identify the geoscience problem being addressed in the photographs. Describe how the solutions shown in photograph 2 or photograph 3 reduce the impact of human development on natural geoscience processes in coastal regions.” Which option best states the geoscience problem and a matching solution mechanism that reduces human impact?

• Problem: coastal erosion threatening buildings; Solution: seawalls reflect wave energy to protect shore structures.

• Problem: inland flooding from rivers; Solution: levees divert river water away from towns.

• Problem: volcanic ash fall on cities; Solution: ash barriers block airborne particles near coasts.

• Problem: groundwater depletion; Solution: deep wells increase water supply to beaches.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

1. a. Identify the geoscience problem being addressed in the photographs. 

2. b. Describe how the solutions shown in photograph 2 or photograph 3 reduce the impact of human development on natural geoscience processes that occur in coastal regions. (4) 

a. Geoscience problem: ________________________________________________

b. How solutions reduce impact:__________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

A group of geology students went on an expedition to collect rocks. They found an area with rocks as shown in the picture attached. One student claimed it was igneous rock and another student proposed it was metamorphic rock. Upon further investigation the students found fossils on similar rocks in the area. They later discovered that the water table in the area was high and there was a stream running down the a mountain nearby. Based on your knowledge of science and the rock cycle, write a claim to respond to the question, What type of rock did the geology students found? Provide evidence and reasoning to support to support your claim.

Claim_____________________________________________________________________________

Evidence__________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Reasoning:________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3