Gulf of Mexico: Troubled Waters

Read the case study on page 270, "Restoring Louisiana's Coastal Defenses".

Complete a "Who, What, When, Where, Why and How" graphic organizer.

Be ready answer questions such as:

Activities that disrupt natural deposition of sediments:

1. Oil Spill.
2. Changing the natural course of the river.
3. Dredging and filling.
4. The digging of canals by oil and gas companies.


How does loss of sediments harm the ecosystem?
It takes away the soil and it kills the plants. The soil protects the coast from storm surges and hurricanes. A loss of habitat for animals that live in the marsh.

Wetland Restoration vs. Stream Restoration
In wetland restoration they closed the outlet and canals and also cut holes in the levee to allow river water into the wetlands.
In steam restoration the opposite is done, dredging is used and sediment taken away.

Scoring Guidelines FRQ 2013 #1