MARYLAND’S COASTAL HAZARDS LESSONS

One of the most effective ways to monitor the cumulative effects of natural processes and human activities on the shoreline is to study the patterns of shoreline change over time. Using the Maryland Shorelines Online web portal, an interactive map viewer, students can display and manipulate historical and current shorelines to examine site-specific rates of change.

68% of Maryland residents live in Maryland's coastal zone. Yet, living along or near the coast is not without hazards. Storms, flooding, sea level rise and chronic shore erosion can result in devastating losses and costs to individuals and communities. Rising seas swamp bay grasses and wetlands; erosion displaces endangered plants and animals found only along certain shorelines; and habitat loss displaces culturally and economically important species, such as Maryland blue crab, stripped bass, and oysters. By understanding shoreline changes State and federal managers can strive to reduce negative impacts to coastal communities and plan for sustainable development.

A series of lessons help students study Coastal Hazards and different impacts shoreline changes have on people and the natural environment:

•    Coastal Processes
•    Weather
•    Sea Level Rise
•    Biological Community
•    and Human Activiites

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