Coastal Landforms Currents and Cultures_J3_W5
Coastal Landforms, Currents, and Cultures
Introduction to Human-Environment Interactions
Discussion of how coastal landforms are shaped by and influence human activity.
Human-Environment Geography
Definition
Describes interactions between human societies and their natural environments.
Known as coupled human-environment systems, showing the interdependence of ecological and social systems.
Coupled Human-Environment Systems
Involves:
Complex Natural Systems: Biological, geological components.
Complex Human Systems: Include decision-making bodies, economic policies, and social influences.
Interaction results in human modifications to the environment and response to natural changes.
Ancient Mariners and Coastal Navigation
Knowledge of the Shore
Ancient sailors navigated through a series of small seas and landing places rather than a continuous coastline.
Utilized natural landmarks like harbors and coves for movement.
Constraints on Coastal Movement
Coastal geography impacted navigation:
Geomorphology influenced access to shores.
Coastal winds and currents complicated straight-line travel before steam power.
Coastal Setting and Civilization
Southern Europe
Characterized by narrow coasts, significant mountains and deserts.
Numerous peninsulas and islands; cultural identity tied to maritime influence.
Mediterranean referred to as “sea between lands.”
Northern Europe
Profiles broader, flatter coastal plains conducive to further inland culture expansion.
Trade Regions & Historical Context
Trade Dynamics in Europe
Historical trade routes during:
Genoese and Venetian Trade Routes (750-1800 CE): Key maritime trade connections.
Hanseatic League (1350-1600 CE): Facilitated trade in Northern Europe, extending to hinterlands.
Coastal Landform Types
Sandy Shores
Common in Northern Europe, defined by sand movement in water.
Rocky Shores
Typical in Southern Europe, featuring cliffs in the backshore and shore platforms.
The Intertidal Zone
Area alternately submerged and exposed, rich in biodiversity.
Home to creatures like crabs and various marine organisms.
Human activities include foraging for sea resources.
Backshore Features
Berm: Elevated area above high tide, often shaped by wave action.
Dunes: Formed by wind action influencing coastal geography.
Storm impacts can create significant changes in the backshore landscape.
Trade Zones and Cultural Exchange
Economic Activities
The shoreline serves as a neutral trade ground, important in cultural exchanges.
Illustrations of trade in regions like East Africa and Greek Islands.
Cultural Significance
Coastal areas serve as liminal spaces between life and death, often considered sacred.
Part 2: Coastal Currents and Trade
Historical Trade Routes
Initiation of regular oceanic trade, particularly across the Indian Ocean from 1000-3000 BCE, navigating monsoon currents.
Ocean Currents
Types of Ocean Currents
Wind-Driven Currents
Created by surface winds, affecting upper ocean layers.
Density-Driven Currents
Formed due to temperature and salinity differences, impactful in deep ocean mixing.
Horizontal Circulation
Principal Currents
Established by trade winds, forming equatorial currents moving parallel to the equator.
Coriolis effect shapes the directional flow of these currents.
Boundary Currents
Warm currents, such as Western Boundary Currents, occur along the western ocean margins.
Vertical Circulation
Importance
Crucial for nutrient delivery and oxygen dispersion in oceanic environments.
Driven by density changes caused by variations in temperature and salinity (thermohaline circulation).
Human Impact Considerations
Understanding these circulation patterns is vital for forecasting climate changes and their effects on marine ecosystems and human societies.
Class Activities
Evaluate the impact of physical shore features on personal and societal uses, including fishing, commerce, and port activities.
Next Class
Prepare for a continuation of themes on coastal geography and human impacts on marine environments.