Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Practice Exam

What human activity can contribute to coastal erosion?

1. Walking on the beach

2. Sunbathing

3. Construction of groins or seawalls

4. Swimming in the ocean

The correct answer is: Construction of groins or seawalls

Coastal erosion is a gradual process of land wearing away due to the impacts of natural forces such as wind and waves. Human activities can also contribute to this process, and the best answer among the given choices is C - the construction of groins or seawalls. These structures are typically built to protect coastlines from erosion, but can actually have unintended consequences by altering the natural processes of sand movement and causing further erosion in other areas. The other options, while potentially causing minor disturbances to the area, do not have the same significant impact as the construction of groins or seawalls. Walking on the beach and sunbathing, for example, may cause displacement of sand but they do not alter the shoreline. Similarly, swimming in the ocean does not directly contribute to coastal erosion, but it can lead to wear and tear of beach infrastructure and littering which may indirectly impact the coastline. Overall