Fieldtrip #3 – Virtual Option – Coastal Processes of San Diego North County Virtual Field Trip Worksheet

 

This “virtual” fieldtrip focuses on coastal processes, including wave action, runoff, and bluff erosion, and can be completed online.

 

Online students need to return your written responses to the questions of both parts below by 11:55 p.m. on Sunday April 10th as a

response to this assignment in order to receive credit.

 

The virtual shoreline erosion activity can be found at Chris Metzler’s Coastal Erosion Field Trip Webpage at URL:

 

http://www.miracosta.cc.ca.us/home/cmetzler/field_trip/top.html

 

Directions:   Below are 12 questions that pertain to the virtual fieldtrip found at the above URL

The questions are arranged according to the various topics covered throughout the trip.

 

Shoreline Erosion Questions:  

 

The Major Rock Units of San Diego North County Sea Bluffs

 

1)  List the following information concerning the three (3) major rock formations observed along the bluffs.

 

               a) Formation name

                b) Principle type of rock

               c) The geologic age of the rock unit

               d) Relative erodability (Strong, medium, or weak)

 

2) Which of these rock units is considered the most durable, resistant unit – forming the steepest part of a bluff?

 

3) Which of these rock units is considered the least durable, resistant unit – prone to greatest bluff failure?

 

 Processes and Activities that Cause Sea Bluff Erosion

 

4) List the four (4) natural processes or features that help cause bluff erosion?

 

5) List the two (2) human activities that help cause bluff erosion?

 

6) How does climate fluctuations over the last few centuries compare with today’s climate in terms of local bluff erosion? 

 

Processes and Activities that Reduce or Slow Sea Bluff Erosion

 

7)  List the three (3) human activities that help reduce or slow bluff erosion?

 

8) Which one appears to be the most affective in reducing bluff erosion? Why?

 

9) List the two (2) adverse (negative) effects that seawalls have on the beach.

 

Rip-Rap versus Seawalls  

 

10)  List advantages that rip-rap has over seawalls in protecting bluffs.

 

11)  List disadvantages that rip-rap has over seawalls in protecting bluffs.

 

12) Which one would you choose if you were a bluff homeowner?  Why?

 

 

 Post Trip Reflection

Write a reflection of your fieldtrip experience (100 word minimum).  What did you discover and learn on this excursion? 

How did this trip contribute to what you learned in the classroom?  What did you enjoy most about this fieldtrip?