Ch 32: Coastal Hazards Lesson Plan Resources
About This Chapter
Weekly Syllabus
Below is a sample breakdown of the Coastal Hazards chapter into a 5-day school week. Based on the pace of your course, you may need to adapt the lesson plan to fit your needs.
Day | Topics | Key Terms and Concepts Covered |
---|---|---|
Monday | Hurricanes and tsunamis | Meaning of hurricanes, how they're formed and hurricane results, such as flooding, storm surges and high winds; causes and effects of tsunamis |
Tuesday | Erosion | Effects of coastal erosion, such as wave-cut platforms, marine terraces and wave-cut cliffs |
Wednesday | Deposition effects on shoreline | Discussion of barrier island, spits, bars and tombolos |
Thursday | Shoreline hard stabilization | Uses of hard stabilization, including breakwaters, sea walls and groins |
Friday | Alternatives to hard stabilization | Description of acceptable alternatives, such as beach nourishment and relocation |

1. What Is a Hurricane? - Definition and Formation
Hurricanes are powerful storms with sustained winds over 74 miles per hour. They form over warm ocean waters. Learn facts about hurricanes, including how they form, why they rotate and how they get stronger.

2. Hurricanes: Categories and Effects
Hurricanes are strong storms with sustained winds of more than 74 mph. There are 5 categories based on wind speed, with a Category 1 hurricane creating the least damage and a Category 5 creating the most. Learn about hurricanes and their destruction.

3. The Causes & Effects of a Tsunami
A tsunami is a powerful series of waves that result due to an abrupt disturbance, such as an earthquake. Learn how tsunamis form and grow and discover the devastating effects they can have on people and the environment.

4. The Effects of Coastal Erosion on Shoreline Features
Shorelines constantly change due to the pounding of waves that erode coastal structures. Learn about shoreline features that are formed through coastal erosion, such as wave-cut cliffs, wave-cut platforms, sea arches and sea stacks.

5. The Effects of Deposition on Shoreline Features
Shorelines constantly change due to the depositing of sand and sediment, which is a process known as deposition. Learn about shoreline features that are created by deposition, such as spits, baymouth bars, tombolos and barrier islands.

6. Using Hard Stabilization on Shorelines
Shorelines erode under the force of waves. This changes beaches and can result in property damage. Learn about hard stabilization structures, such as groins, breakwaters and sea walls and how they are used to protect against erosion.

7. Alternatives to Hard Stabilization: Beach Nourishment & Relocation
Coastal areas are subject to erosion from waves and wind. Hard stabilization slows erosion but disturbs the aesthetic beauty of the shore and alters the natural ecosystem. Learn here about alternatives, including beach nourishment and relocation.
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