Question

A beach community was recently negatively affected by a hurricane. Community leaders are looking for a potential solution to prevent damage from future hurricanes. Below is a list of their concerns as well as how important each issue is to the community. Community Concerns Concern Level Wave action Low Beachfront development Low Nearshore aquaculture Low Health of nearby coral reef Moderate Roosting bird species High Storm surge threat High Which of the following solutions would best address the issues of greatest concern in the community? Construction of a seawall Construction of a seawall A Planting mangrove forests Planting mangrove forests B Construction of an offshore breakwater Construction of an offshore breakwater C Adding large sand dunes

Answer 1

Answer: B, planting mangrove forests

Explanation:

Healthy mangrove forests provide homes for roosting bird species, protect coastal communities from storm surges, and provide a nursery habitat for juvenile coral reef organisms.

A is incorrect because the construction of a seawall would prevent the threat of storm surge but would not provide a habitat for roosting bird species nor help the health of the coral reef.

C is incorrect because the construction of an offshore breakwater would prevent the threat of storm surge but would not provide a habitat for roosting bird species. Its construction would also likely damage the nearby coral reef.

D is incorrect because creating large sand dunes could initially protect from storm surges, but this can also cause erosion. Sand dunes would not provide habitat for roosting bird species nor would they help to protect the health of the coral reef.