Breaker and Woosh

 Topic(s):

Images/Video Resources

Erosion and sedimentation (the deposition of sediment) are natural processes, but often are in conflict with our use of the shoreline. The most noticeable problem created by erosion is the loss of waterfront property. Waterfront property values are high, so many owners spend considerable time and money protecting their shoreline from erosion.Shore erosion is caused primarily by wind driven waves and to a minor extent by wakes from passing boats. Wind velocity, duration, and the expanse of open water (fetch) the wind blows over are the predominant factors generating waves that attack and erode the shoreline. Wave height and strength are generally greater in areas exposed to the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay than in rivers and creeks.The basic progression of erosion resulting from wave action, diagramed in

Figure 1, includes: A) attack by waves, B) erosion of a bank and beach causing undercutting, C) slumping of the bank, and D) removal, transportation, and deposition of the bank sediments along the shoreline.

Task

Sample Investigations/Teacher Resources

 It is up to you and your team to get familiar with shoreline erosion. You and your team will construct a model of  shoreline erosion.  It will also be labeled. Then using spicy nodes, you and your team will explain shoreline erosion. 

  List what you know

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 List what is unknown.

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Student Resources

Student Work

Standards: (Texas TEKS)

(5.3A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information;

(5.2B) collect information by observing and measuring;

(5.3C) represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations;