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Examine how humans interact with one of the following surface processes: - River processes - Coastal processes - Mass movement processes. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2015
Question C
Examine how humans interact with one of the following surface processes: - River processes - Coastal processes - Mass movement processes.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Examine how humans interact with one of the following surface processes: - River processes - Coastal processes - Mass movement processes. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2015
Step 1
Interaction Named: Coastal Processes
Answer
Human interaction with coastal processes is significant due to the proximity of populations to coastlines. Over the years, humans have engaged in various activities that affect coastal environments, including:
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Urban Development: Coastal cities often expand through land reclamation and building on coastal fringes. This leads to habitat destruction and changes in sediment transport.
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Tourism: The establishment of resorts and recreational areas can result in increased pollution and physical alteration of coastal landscapes.
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Fishing Practices: Overfishing and destructive fishing practices negatively impact marine ecosystems, disrupting the natural balance of coastal waters.
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Construction of Sea Walls: While these structures are meant to protect against erosion and flooding, they can disrupt natural sediment flow and lead to adverse effects on nearby beaches.
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Dredging: This process is used to maintain navigation channels, which alters habitats and affects marine life.
Understanding these interactions can help in developing sustainable practices to manage coastal environments effectively.
Step 2
Second Interaction Named: River Processes
Answer
Human interaction with river processes is another area of concern. Key interactions include:
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Dams and Reservoirs: Constructing dams alters the natural flow of rivers, impacting aquatic ecosystems and fish migration patterns.
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Agricultural Practices: The use of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural land can run off into rivers, leading to pollution and eutrophication.
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River Channelization: Straightening and deepening river channels for navigation can lead to loss of habitats and increased flood risks downstream.
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Flood Management: Structures such as levees are built to control flooding; however, they can lead to increased flooding downstream by preventing the natural flow.
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Pollution: Industrial discharges and waste disposal can contaminate rivers, affecting water quality and aquatic life.
These interactions illustrate the need for integrated river basin management to balance human needs and environmental protection.
Step 3
Annotated Diagram
Answer
An annotated diagram illustrating the interactions in coastal and river processes can greatly enhance understanding. For instance:
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Coastal Diagram: Show coastal erosion, the impact of sea walls, and areas of habitat destruction due to urbanization.
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River Processes Diagram: Include sections showing dam construction, flood zones, and effects of agricultural runoff.
Annotations should clearly label each human activity and its effects on the environment, providing a visual representation of how these interactions manifest.