Coastal Management Case Study for a North Carolina Barrier Island Anne Jefferson University of North Carolina at Charlotte

ESCI 1101: Earth Sciences – Geography –atmosphere, energy balance, climate, weather, water resources, coasts, soils, ecosystems –One of ~5 sections, mine not linked to a lab, all non-majors, 40 students –Text: Christopherson’s Geosystems UNCC: 22,000 students, suburban campus, mostly regional and in-state Context

–Coastal processes, incl. longshore drift –Coastal landforms –Barrier Islands: location, structure, movement, hazards Ex. Cape Hatteras lighthouse relocation Ex. Effects of Katrina on Barrier Islands –Coastal structures: groins, jetties, breakwaters Preceding Content

–Get students talking to each other –Have students evaluate competing scientific claims in the news media –Have students experience the complex factors involved in environmental policy-making Goals of the activity

Form where: –Low tidal range –Sediment from coastal plain rivers –Shallow continental shelf Characteristic structure (above) Unstable and mobile –May migrate landward –Ex. Relocation of Cape Hatteras lighthouse Barrier islands

Google Earth demonstration

Which way is the current moving?

Coastal engineering in NC North Carolina banned permanent coastal structures in 1985 Can sandbag for 2 years while waiting for beach nourishment Deal, NJ

Figure 8 Island

Figure Eight Island Controversy Erosion of Rich Inlet is threatening homes –Beach nourishment is quickly undone –20 homes have sandbags Homeowners want an exception to build a terminal groin –Corrugated steel wall driven into the sand sticking a few feet above sea level. Terminal groin at Oregon Inlet

Figure Eight Island Controversy Should residents be allowed to build a terminal groin? If not, what should happen?

Format Small group discussions (4-5 people each) Each group tries to reach consensus –I circulated among groups Groups report out

Other ways to implement it Debate Post-discussion individual reflections: “What additional information would you want to have before you reach your decision?”