Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134074254
ISBN 13: 978-0-13407-425-2

Chapter 20 - Section 20.5 - Contrasting America’s Coasts - Concept Checks - Page 612: 4

Answer

Building a dam on a river that flows to the sea can have various effects on a coastal beach and adjacent areas. Dams trap sediment in their reservoirs, preventing it from reaching the river mouth and the coast, leading to erosion and shoreline retreat. The regulated flow of water from dams can alter sediment transport and deposition patterns along the coast. This change in river flow can impact coastal ecosystems, including wetlands, estuaries, and nearshore habitats, which rely on a steady supply of freshwater and sediment. In some cases, dams can cause sea level rise in estuaries and coastal areas upstream due to the accumulation of sediments in the reservoir. Overall, the construction of a dam on a river can have significant consequences for the coastal beach and associated ecosystems, affecting sediment supply, river discharge, and the balance of coastal processes.

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