1. A recent study reports that ocean wave height is increasing worldwide. What effect, if any, do you think this increase will have on coastal erosion? Explain.

2. Think about the coast nearest to where you live. Is it an emergent or submergent coast? What information do you need to answer this question?

3. When was the last time you went to a beach? Do you think that beach has been nourished? How would you find out?

4. Critics argue that because places like Virginia Beach benefit from the tourism-related revenue, they should pay the entire bill for the cost of beach nourishment. The federal beach nourishment program has been criticized as “welfare for the rich,” The critics believe that taxpayers from outside of the state where a beach is located, who will probably never visit that beach or benefit from it, should not pay for its maintenance. What is your opinion on this issue? How do you think beach erosion should be addressed?