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The South Coast of South Africa is rich in human indigenous content - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 5
The South Coast of South Africa is rich in human indigenous content. Most of the sites where this content can be found, were once close to the shoreline or covered i... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The South Coast of South Africa is rich in human indigenous content - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Discuss the human indigenous content found along the South Coast of South Africa.
Answer
The South Coast of South Africa is notable for its rich Indigenous heritage, with sites like Blombos Cave housing artifacts that date back 77,000 years. These artifacts include engraved ochre, stone tools, and bone tools, representing some of the oldest human engravings ever found. The South African Archaeological Bulletin recognizes these findings as significant, particularly at places like Pinnacle Point, where archaeological excavations reveal evidence of early human habitation and the consumption of shellfish, marking a critical practice in human survival.
Step 2
Describe how human activities may lead to a change in the energy balance of the Earth.
Answer
Human activities such as industrialization and deforestation significantly affect the Earth's energy balance. The increased emissions of greenhouse gases create a thicker atmospheric layer, enhancing the greenhouse effect. This results in greater heat insulation within the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to higher global temperatures. Furthermore, as human activities increase the amounts of heat retained by the atmosphere, less heat is re-radiated back into space, exacerbating climate change.
Step 3
Evaluate the effects climate change will have on coastal ecosystems.
Answer
Climate change poses severe threats to coastal ecosystems. Rising sea levels due to melting ice caps and thermal expansion of seawater threaten coastal towns and cities. Additionally, oceans absorbing excessive CO2 lead to increased acidity, which negatively impacts marine life, especially organisms like shellfish that rely on calcium carbonate. These changes will disrupt life's cycles in marine organisms, such as sex determination and egg abandonment in certain species, creating a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem.
Step 4
Discuss why civil engineers need to consider the effects of climate change and the rising of sea levels when planning coastal developments.
Answer
Civil engineers must prioritize the impacts of climate change when designing coastal structures. With rising sea levels, there is a heightened risk of coastal cities being reclaimed by the sea, and existing buildings may be washed away by waves. To mitigate these risks, engineers should consider using flood-resistant designs and materials, ensuring that structural foundations can withstand oceanic stresses, thereby safeguarding investments and human safety in vulnerable coastal regions.
Step 5
Your conclusion should link the human indigenous content of the area and climate change.
Answer
The historical human indigenous content found along the South Coast of South Africa serves not only as a testament to our past but also as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of these sites to climate change. As sea levels rise and climates shift due to ongoing anthropogenic influences, the preservation of these irreplaceable cultural resources becomes increasingly precarious. It is paramount that we acknowledge this connection and strive to protect both our heritage and the ecological balance for future generations.