Coastal Landforms
This type of island is long and narrow, lying parallel to the mainland, and helps protect against coastal erosion.
What is a barrier island?
This term refers to the process of wearing away of the coast due to the action of waves, currents, and human activities
What is coastal erosion?
This U.S. state has a coastline known for its famous sandy beaches, including those in Miami and the Florida Keys.
What is Florida?
This type of severe weather event, often associated with coastal areas, is characterized by strong winds and heavy rain.
What is a hurricane?
This marine mammal, commonly seen in the waters off California, is known for its large size and distinctive tusks.
What is the California sea lion?
This flat, low-lying area adjacent to the sea is formed by sediment deposition and often features extensive wetlands.
What is a coastal plain?
Coastal areas most affected by erosion include parts of this southern U.S. state, known for its extensive delta.
What is Louisiana?
The rugged coastline of this U.S. state features dramatic cliffs and is known for its redwood forests
What is California?
Coastal areas prone to this hazard may experience rapid and severe flooding due to the combined effects of storm surge and high tides.
What is storm surge?
This coastal mammal, found in the waters around Florida, is a large, slow-moving herbivore often seen in warm, shallow bays and rivers.
What is the manatee?
These features are created where freshwater from rivers meets saltwater from the ocean, providing crucial habitats for many species.
What are estuaries?
This U.S. coast is known for its accelerated erosion rates due to both natural and anthropogenic factors, particularly in areas like North Carolina.
What is the Atlantic Coast?
This U.S. state is home to the Outer Banks, a series of barrier islands known for their scenic beauty and historical significance.
What is North Carolina?
This phenomenon occurs when a long-term increase in sea levels threatens coastal areas, often exacerbated by climate change.
What is sea level rise?
This large marine mammal is known for its impressive migration along the U.S. Pacific Coast, particularly from feeding grounds in Alaska to breeding grounds in Baja California.
What is the gray whale?
This geological feature along the Pacific Coast is characterized by steep cliffs and rugged headlands, often formed by tectonic activity.
What are coastal cliffs or rugged headlands?
Human activities like building sea walls and beach nourishment can alter this natural process, often leading to unintended consequences.
What is coastal erosion?
This large, brackish lagoon located along the Virginia coast is the largest estuarine system in the U.S. East Coast.
What is the Chesapeake Bay?
Coastal erosion can be accelerated by this human activity, which often involves altering natural sediment flow
What is coastal development?
This small, endangered marine mammal is found in the waters of Alaska and is known for its distinctive rounded face and reliance on sea otters for food.
What is the harbor seal?
This broad, shallow bay on the Gulf of Mexico's coast is known for its extensive wetlands and delta formations.
What is the Mississippi Delta?
This current along the U.S. West Coast contributes to coastal erosion in California due to its cold temperatures and wave action.
What is the California Current?
The Aleutian Islands, part of this U.S. state, stretch across the Bering Sea and are known for their volcanic activity.
What is Alaska?
The Pacific coast of the U.S. is particularly vulnerable to this type of earthquake-generated wave, which can cause widespread damage.
What is a tsunami?
This species of whale, known for its white coloration and unique vocalizations, is found along the Arctic coasts of the U.S. and Canada.
What is the beluga whale?