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Sea level rise and coastal squeeze
Sea level rise and coastal squeeze
Lesson goals
Lesson goals
Understand the impacts of climate change induced sea level rise upon coastal ecosystems
Lesson description
Lesson description
Students investigate the drivers of climate change and describe the links between climate change and sea level rise. Students assess the implications of sea level rise to coastal ecosystems in regards to coastal squeeze and investigate potential mitigation strategies which may assist in minimising the impacts upon such communities.
Estimated time
Estimated time
40 minutes
Supporting materials
Supporting materials
Outcomes
Outcomes
Working Scientifically - Questioning and Predicting
Working Scientifically - Questioning and Predicting
Develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation
Develop and evaluate inquiry questions and hypotheses to identify a concept that can be investigated scientifically, involving primary and secondary data
Module 4 - Ecosystem Dynamics
Module 4 - Ecosystem Dynamics
Investigate changes in past ecosystems that may inform our approach to the management of future ecosystems, including the role of changing climate on ecosystems
Sea level rise predictions for the Minnamurra River
Sea level rise predictions for the Minnamurra River
Minnamurra's coastal communities are vulnerable to sea level rise due to the unique niches each of the plant communities need to survive.
Predicting change to coastal ecosystems
Predicting change to coastal ecosystems
To predict future changes to ecosystems, scientists can use modelling programs. Models must take into account, estimate and predict expected change to abiotic factors which will lead to patterns of change within the biotic ecosystems.
The modelled map below has been developed by Coastal Risk Australia. The projection used data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States which revealed global sea levels could rise by 2 metres by 2100 if emissions remain at their current levels.
Sea level rise predictions for the Minnamurra River
Use the 'Coastal Risk' sea level rise modelling program for Minnamurra River to analyse the predicted effects by the year 2100. Hint: type in Riverside Drive Minnamurra for the location. Click the manual button and enter values between 1 and 2 metres (worst case scenario sea level rise).
Minamurra River and surrounds, 2020
Minamurra River and surrounds, 2020
Current day
Minnamurra River and surrounds 2100
Minnamurra River and surrounds 2100
Modelling projection based on highest mean tide with a sea level rise scenario of 1m.
Future impacts of sea level rise on Minnamurra River
Future impacts of sea level rise on Minnamurra River
Coastal squeeze
Coastal squeeze
Coastal squeeze occurs as a result of rising sea levels force a plant community to shift inland. However, human-made structures, such as sea walls, roads or housing prevent this migration, leading to habitat loss as the plant community is 'squeezed' between rising sea levels and the human-made structure.
Mitigating the consequences of sea level rise
Mitigating the consequences of sea level rise
Watch the following clips on sea level rise consequences and mitigation strategies, then complete questions on your worksheet.
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