We will complete Lesson 5 in one week. The topic is vast, and perhaps worthy of a course in itself: climate change and its impact on sea level and the coastal zone. Our plan is to first study the methods, data, and observations related to past, present and future sea level change, then evaluate the impact of sea level change on the coastal zone. We will examine the interplay of data and models as well --inasmuch as future predictions are model based. Along the way, you will learn a little something about coastal evolution. Critical reading and evaluation of data are again key components of the Lesson. As you might surmise, future sea level rise is a controversial topic. We'll have some fun with the blogosphere and media distortion of scientific results.
By the end of Lesson 5, you should be able to:
As you work your way through these online materials for Lesson 5, you will encounter additional reading assignments and hands-on exercises and activities. The chart below provides an overview of the requirements for Lesson 5. For assignment details, refer to the lesson page noted.
REQUIREMENT | LOCATION | SUBMITTED FOR GRADING? |
---|---|---|
Reading: Sea Level Rise, After the Ice Melted and Today | page 1 | |
Reading: IPCC Report: Observations: Oceanic Climate Change and Sea Level (this is a biggie!) Activity 1: Questions regarding sea level mechanisms and timing |
page 2 Canvas |
Essential Background Reading Yes, Canvas Dropbox |
Reading: "Birth of the modern Chesapeake Bay estuary" Activity 2: Questions regarding methods and implications |
page 4 Canvas |
Yes, Canvas Dropbox |
Post them to our Questions discussion forum on Canvas or get in touch by email.