Earth and Life Science

Quarter 1 – Week 8
Module 18: Hydrometeorological
Phenomena and Hazards

CO_Q1_ELS SHS
Module 18
1
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master the nature of Earth and Life Science. The scope of this module permits it to
be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the
diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the
standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be
changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module has one lesson:

• Lesson 1 – Hydrometeorological Phenomena and Hazards

MELC:
Using hazard maps, identify areas prone to hazards brought about tropical
cyclones, monsoons, floods or ipo-ipo (S11/12ES-lg-36)

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. identify places in the Philippines that are prone to hydrometeorological
hazards like tropical cyclones, monsoons, floods, or ipo-ipo using hazard
map; and
2. explain why it is important to identify places that are prone to
hydrometeorological hazards.

What I Know

Directions. Read the following questions and choose the letter of the best answer.
Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What is the highest signal number that can be found on PAG-ASA’s revised
storm earning system?
A. 3 C. 7
B. 5 D. 9
2. What is the English term for bagyo?
A. storm C. thunderstorm
B. typhoon D. tropical depression
3. Which of the following is NOT included in the group?
A. flood C. typhoon
B. tornado D. tsunami
2
4. What is described as the region of the calmest weather at the center of a
tropical cyclone?
A. epicenter C. eye wall
B. eye D. inner bands
5. What do you call the cyclones occurring in the North Atlantic Ocean?
A. hurricanes C. tornado
B. thunderstorm D. typhoon
6. When does the Southwest Monsoon usually occur in the Philippines?
A. March – May C. July – December
B. June – September D. October – March
7. What is the main cause of tornadoes?
A. Floods C. Thunderstorm
B. Hurricanes D. Tropical Storm
8. Which among the following is the MOST damaging result of a tropical
cyclone?
A. flood C. rain
B. high winds D. storm surge
9. What year did typhoon Haiphong land in the Philippines?
A. 1867 C. 1991
B. 1881 D. 2013
10. Which region in the Philippines is the most exposed to tropical cyclones?
A. Region I C. Region V
B. Region III D. Region XI
11. Which of the following reasons makes Pampanga the province that is most
prone to flood?
A. low lying area C. facing towards the sea
B. highly populated D. composed of mountains
12. Which of the following places is LEAST likely at risk for typhoons?
A. Albay C. Cagayan
B. Batangas D. Sorsogon
13. What makes the BICOL region prone to typhoons?
A. facing towards the Pacific Ocean C. has lots of rivers
B. composed of mountains D. low lying areas
14. If you would like to settle in a province that is least prone to typhoons and
floods, which among the following provinces will be a good option?
A. Albay C. Negros Oriental
B. Maguindanao D. Tarlac

3
 15. What year did typhoon Yolanda land in the Philippines?
A. 2000 C. 2015
B. 2013 D. 2018

Lesson Hydrometeorological Phenomena and

1 Hazards
The Philippines has a tropical and maritime climate. Annually, the country is
visited by an average of 20 typhoons, five to nine of which are highly destructive.
The Philippines is situated in the Pacific typhoon belt thus, the country is highly
prone to hydrometeorological hazards.

What’s In

Activity 1: Find Me
Directions. Locate and encircle words that are related to human activities that
speed up or trigger landslides. Terms can be found horizontally, vertically,
diagonally or even backward.

P M S H P O L L U T I O N P K
I N I E S J V Z W F R Q U I Y
H O X N P S U J Z C U T Z P O
G I O X Z O U H E L E J H V Z
I T M G K H L Q Z M N M E Q F
S A F I W B M S I Q E R E U R
L V M T S S W R V T L Z C A L
Z A T A X M F L C O Z T Y R N
I C Y L I K W U A A E I K R S
D X M N I E Q D O H N I H Y Y
J E O Z K E I F Y Y I E U I N
Y O A U C N T P I M I N I N G
U S S P G Q K C G D N A L G Q
E E W P G U X B Z X I D I V J
E K G Q M D Q S T G B U I W D

4
 What’s New

Activity 2: Decode Me
Directions. Presented below is a crossword puzzle. Using the jumbled letters as
clues, rearrange them to decipher a term that fits in the corresponding boxes across
and down.

Down
1. An agent that has the potential to harm individuals, property, or the environment.
2. Is a seasonal shift in the direction of a region's dominant, or strongest, winds
4. Situation in which there is a high likelihood of danger.

Across

3. In English, it translated as tornado

5. Is a rapidly spinning storm that originates over tropical oceans and takes its
energy from there
6. It describes a period of no precipitation during which the water content of the
soil is reduced to the point that trees are unable to draw enough water for basic life
functions.
7. Is an overflow of water that submerges normally dry land

5
 What is It

Hydrometeorological hazards
They are brought by extreme meteorological and climate phenomena that include
tropical cyclones, thunderstorms, tornadoes (ipo-ipo), drought, and floods.

Tropical cyclones
Tropical cyclones are known in various names depending on the country where
you live. In the Western North Pacific around the Philippines, Japan, and China
the storms are known as typhoons, while in the North Atlantic Ocean and the
Eastern North Pacific they are referred to as hurricanes. Here are the top five
destructive typhoons to ever hit the country: Typhoon Haiphong (1881), Typhoon
Haiyan (Yolanda) (2013), Tropical storm Thelma (Uring) (1991), Typhoon Bopha
(Pablo) (2012), and Typhoon Angela (1867).

Monsoons
A monsoon is a seasonal wind and rain pattern, and the word “monsoon” is
believed to have originated from the Arabic word mawsim (season), via Portuguese
and the Dutch monsun. There are two known monsoons in the Philippines that
occur every year: Summer Southwest (Habagat) and Winter Northeast Monsoon
(Amihan).
1. Amihan: brings cloudless skies and nippy mornings during the dry season
(October to late March)
2. Habagat: brings heavy rains and some deadly typhoons (June to September)

Floods
Flood is an abnormal progressive rise in the water level of a stream that may result
in the overflow by the water of the normal confines of the stream. A flood can vary
in size, speed of water, and duration.

Tornado (Ipo-ipo)
A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from a
thunderstorm to the ground. The main cause of tornadoes are thunderstorms though
tornadoes are not common in the Philippines, still it can occur at any time of the
year.

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Northern Luzon, Southeastern
Luzon and Eastern Visayas are
the areas highly at risk to the
occurrence of tropical
depressions, tropical storms,
typhoons and super typhoons.

Did you know?

Typhoon Haiphong in 1881, ranks

as number one deadliest typhoon
that crossed the Philippines.

Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013 is

known as deadliest typhoon in
modern year.

Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac,

and Bulacan provinces make
Region III as the most exposed
region in the country to tropical
cyclones.

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 What’s More

Activity 3: Identify me
Directions. Familiarize yourself with the hazard map from the previous page and
answer the following questions.
1. Identify the places in the Philippines that are both prone to typhoons and
floods. Justify your answers.
2. What is the importance of using hazard maps?

Refer to scoring rubrics for short answer question.

What I Have Learned

Activity 4: Complete me
Directions. Read the following statements. Complete them by filling in the blanks
with the correct term or phrases.
1. Seasonal wind and rain pattern phenomena are referred to as __________.
2. On average, __________ typhoons visit the Philippines every year.
3. In the Philippines, tropical cyclones are popularly known as __________.
4. In 1988 the deadliest typhoon ever hit in the Philippines was __________.
5. The most flood-prone province in the Philippines is __________.

Assessment
Directions. Read the following questions and choose the letter of the correct
answer. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What is the name of the deadliest typhoon ever to hit the Philippines in 1881?
A. Angela C. Thelma
B. Haiphong D. Uring
2. What monsoon brings cloudless skies and nippy mornings during the dry
season?
A. easterlies C. winter northeast
B. summer southwest D. low pressure area
3. What are the two seasons in the Philippines?
A. wet and dry C. summer and winter
B. hot and cold D. autumn and spring
8
4. Which of the following is the MOST exposed region in the country to tropical
cyclones?
A. Region I C. Region III
B. Region II D. Region IV
5. What ocean is located in the eastern part of the Philippines in which most
typhoons originate?
A. Arctic C. Indian
B. Atlantic D. Pacific
6. Which of the following is an EXCEPTION on the variation of flood?
A. color C. size
B. duration D. speed
7. Which of the following is NOT a hydrometeorological hazard?
A. cyclone C. monsoon
B. tsunami D. typhoon
8. What is the highest category in the typhoon warning signal system in the
Philippines?
A. 2 C. 4
B. 3 D. 5
9. What is the usual movement of a typhoon that is coming from the Pacific
Ocean?
A. northwest C. southwest
B. northern D. southern
10. Which among the following provinces has a high risk of typhoons?
A. Albay C. Pampanga
B. Masbate D. Sorsogon
11. Which among the following provinces has a low risk of flooding?
A. Bulacan C. Marinduque
B. Maguindanao D. Tarlac
12. What makes Palawan an ideal province to live in relation to
hydrometeorological hazard?
A. high risk both in typhoon and flood
B. low risk both in typhoon and flood
C. high risk in typhoon but low risk in flood
D. low risk in typhoon but high risk in flood
13. Which of the following is MOST likely to be affected by a typhoon that
originated from the West Philippine Sea and is moving northeast?
A. Albay C. Zamboanga
B. Palawan D. Negros Occidental

9
 14. Why is the Philippines frequently visited by typhoons all year-round?
Because it is __________.
A. highly populated C. located near the Pacific Ocean
B. composed mostly of islands D. near the western hemisphere
15. Samer would like to settle in a province that is LEAST prone to typhoons
and floods, which among the following provinces will be a good option?
A. Albay C. Tarlac
B. Palawan D. Pampanga

Answer Key

Rubrics for short answer

10
 Earth and Life Science

Quarter 1 – Week 8
Module 19: Marine and Coastal Processes

CO_Q1_ELS SHS
Module 19

11
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master the nature of Earth and Life Science. The scope of this module permits it to
be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the
diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the
standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be
changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module is composed of one lesson, namely:

• Lesson 1 – Effects of Marine and Coastal Processes

MELC:
Describe how coastal processes result in coastal erosion, submersion, and saltwater
intrusion (S11/12ES-Ih-38)

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. describe how marine and coastal processes result to coastal hazards
2. explain how coastal erosion, submersion and saltwater intrusion occur.

What I Know

Directions. Read the following questions and choose the letter of the best answer.
Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Based on the recent estimate of the National Mapping and Resource
Information Authority (NAMRIA), how many islands does the Philippines
have?
A. 7,107 C. 7, 450
B. 7, 330 D. 7, 641
2. What are the two ions that mainly compose seawater?
A. hydrogen and oxygen C. nitrogen and phosphorus
B. hydrogen and potassium D. sodium and chlorine
3. Which of the following is NOT a coastal process?
A. landslide C. tides
B. storm surge D. waves

12
4. Which of the following is NOT an example of ecosystem present in the
marine environment?
A. coral reef C. mangrove
B. dipterocarp D. seagrass
5. What mainly causes the melting of the iceberg in the polar region?
A. chemicals in the atmosphere C. rising temperature
B. coastal erosion D. submersion
6. What refers to the study of the processes associated with marine and coastal
ecosystem?
A. Biology C. Oceanography
B. Chemistry D. Physics
7. Which of the following forces is responsible for tides?
A. electrical C. gravitational
B. frictional D. nuclear
8. What refers to the rising of seawater due to pressure and wind associated
with a storm?
A. crustal movement C. tides
B. storm surge D. waves
9. What refers to a steep rock face?
A. bar C. cliff
B. cave D. stack
10. What do you call the vibrations or shaking of the Earth’s surface caused by
the rapid movement of rocks in the crust?
A. earthquakes C. shadow zones
B. hot spot D. tsunami
11. What do you call the most common feature of a coastline formed by waves?
A. beach C. spit
B. stack D. tombolo
12. Which of the following fields of science is concerned with the study of
weather and climate as well as the processes involved in it?
A. Hydrology C. Marine Science
B. Limnology D. Meteorology
13. Which of the following is attributed to the rising of sea level?
A. continents C. glaciers
B. crust D. snow
14. Which of the following is caused by heavy and steady rains and poor
drainage system in low-lying areas?
A. cyclone C. flood
B. drought D. hurricane
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 15. All following statements about coastal processes is true EXCEPT
A. Beach is prone to erosion.
B. Erosion only occurs in the upland areas.
C. Wind is a contributory factor to storm surge.
D. Ocean waves cause water to move in the seashore

Lesson
1
Effects of Marine and Coastal Processes
The coast is one of the most dynamic parts of the Earth’s surface. It contains some
of the world’s sensitive and threatened ecosystems such as mangroves and beach
forest, seagrass, and coral reefs. The dynamics of the marine environment result to
different processes that affect human communities and organisms in the coastal
ecosystem. Some of these processes result to natural hazards.

Marine systems are referred to as the world’s oceans while coastal systems refer
to the interface between oceans and land, extending seawards to about the middle
of the continental shelf and inland to include all areas strongly influenced by the
oceans (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). About 23% of the world’s
population live within 100 km of the coast and about 10% live in extremely low-
lying areas. Many of these processes like coastal erosion, storm surges, coastal
flooding, and tsunami.

Figure 1. Beach coast in Calatagan, Batangas (Photo taken by M. Cudiamat)

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 What’s In

Coastal processes are activities that regularly happen in the marine ecosystem as
influenced by the weather, climate, and the adjacent landscape. Let us check your
understanding about coastal and marine processes.

Activity 1: Word Decoding

Directions. Rearrange the jumbled letters and identify the term being referred to
in each of the following items. Write your answer on the space provided.

1. These are caused by the gravitational pull between the moon and Earth.
E I T S D

2. They are formed by the wind and storm in the ocean.

A W V E S

3. This is caused by the melting of glaciers and iceberg.

E S A E V L E L E S I R

4. It refers to the motion of the outermost shell of the Earth.

S A C U R L T N T E V M O M E

5. This is the rising of the seawater due to atmospheric conditions.

U R E G S R M T O S

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Activity 2: My Picture of Human and Coastal Environment
Directions. On the box provided below, draw a coastline that will show the
interaction of humans and the coastal environment using the coastal terms listed
below. Then, describe your illustration in not less than 3-sentences.
Humans Beach
Coastal forest/trees

Estuary/river Waves

What’s New

Revisiting Marine and Coastal Processes

What have you noticed about the terms used in the previous activity? Actually,
these are all marine and coastal processes. The scientific field dealing with these
processes happening in our major oceans and seas is called oceanography. It is an
interdisciplinary field of science that integrates the different fields such as physics,
chemistry, biology, geology, meteorology, mathematics and even the social
sciences to understand the link between humans and oceans. Coastal processes
are activities or events happening in the marine environment. These are driven by
the different environmental factors such as atmospheric pressure, temperature,
movement of the Earth, moon, and other dynamic changes in the ocean.

Now, let us talk about the different coastal processes in details.

Coastal processes include waves, tides, sea level change, crustal movement, and
storm surge. Waves are caused by the movement of the air masses in the coastal
environment. Tides refer to the gravitational pull between the Earth and the moon.
Sea level change is a result of the rise of ocean water which can be attributed to
the melting of glaciers or iceberg in the polar regions. Storm surge refers to the
16
rising of seawater due to changes in pressure and wind associated with a storm.
Crustal movement is caused by the motion of the oceanic and continental crust
of the Earth.

Effects of Marine and Coastal Processes

The different coastal processes described above may result to coastal hazards.
Coastal hazards are physical phenomena that expose the marine environment to
risk of property damage, loss of life and ecological degradation (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Concept map of coastal hazards

Coastal Erosion
It is the loss or displacement of land along the coastline due to the action of waves,
currents, tides, wind-driven water, or other impacts of storms. Coastal erosion is a
type of coastal hazard which is brought about by the different coastal processes.

Figure 3. Coastal Erosion

Saltwater Intrusion
It is a major concern commonly found in coastal aquifers around the world. An
aquifer is an underground layer of permeable rock, gravel, sand or silt.
Groundwater from an aquifer is usually extracted by a water well. Once an aquifer
becomes contaminated it becomes unusable anywhere from 2 weeks to 10,000
years. Saltwater intrusion is the induced flow of seawater into freshwater aquifers
primarily caused by groundwater development near the coast.

17
 Figure 4. Aquifer

Figure 5. Saltwater intrusion

Submersion
It refers to the movement of coastal sediments from the visible portion of a beach
to the submerged nearshore region of the coast.

Figure 6. Submersion

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 What is it

The figure below shows the link between marine and coastal processes and coastal
hazards. These processes could lead to hazards in the coastline that can be
mitigated through different coastal management techniques which you will study
in the next module.

Figure 7. Concept map of the relationship between marine and coastal processes and coastal hazards

What I Have Learned

Directions. Answer the given questions in a concise but substantial manner.

1. What happens when submersion, coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion
occur?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

2. Why is it important to study coastal and marine processes?

____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

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 What’s More

Activity 3. Picture Analysis

Directions. Look at the pictures presented below. Describe how prone or
vulnerable the places are to coastal hazards. Answers must be at least 2 sentences.
1.

Figure 8. Calatagan coastline (Photo taken during fieldwork of M. Cudiamat)

2.

Figure 9. Part of a river leading to mangrove forest in Mogpog, Marinduque (Photo taken during fieldwork
of M. Cudiamat)
3.

Figure 20. Exposed beach front during low tide in Bali, Indonesia (Photo taken by M. Cudiamat)

20
 What Can I Do

Directions: As a Senior High School student, how can you help the local
government to mitigate the harmful effects of coastal and marine processes such
as coastal erosion, submersion, and saltwater intrusion assuming that your
community is prone to these coastal hazards.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Assessment

Directions. Read the following questions and choose the letter of the best answer.
Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following is NOT a coastal process?
A. landslides C. tides
B. storm surge D. waves
2. Which of the following is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and
Earth?
A. sea level rise C. tides
B. storm surge D. tsunami
3. Which of the following is attributed to the rising of sea level in the polar
region?
A. continent C. glacier
B. crust D. snow
4. What refers to the rising of seawater due to pressure and wind associated
with a storm?
A. crustal movement C. tides
B. storm surge D. waves
5. Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE about coastal processes?
A. Beach is prone to erosion.
B. Erosion only occurs in the upland areas.
C. Wind is a contributory factor to storm surge.
D. Ocean waves cause water to move in the seashore.

21
6. Which of the following is NOT a coastal hazard?
A. coastal erosion C. saltwater intrusion
B. landslide D. submersion
7. What is described as an induced flow of seawater into freshwater aquifers
primarily caused by groundwater development near the coast?
A. coastal erosion C. storm surge
B. saltwater intrusion D. submersion
8. Which of the following is NOT an agent of coastal erosion?
A. land pollution C. storms
B. ocean waves D. tides
9. What do you call the movement of sediments from the visible portion of a
beach to the nearshore region of the coast?
A. coastal erosion C. storm surge
B. saltwater intrusion D. submersion
10. Which of the following coastal processes may cause hazards in the marine
environment?
A. crustal movement C. waves
B. tides D. all of the above
11. What do you call the scientific study of the chemical, biological and physical
properties of ocean water?
A. Biology C. Oceanography
B. Chemistry D. Physics
12. Where can we usually find aquifers?
A. underground C. on the top of the mountain
B. in the ocean wave D. stop surface of the rivers
13. What two ions compose mainly the seawater?
A. hydrogen and oxygen C. nitrogen and phosphorus
B. hydrogen and potassium D. sodium and chlorine
14. Which system is broader?
A. coastal system C. both A and B
B. marine system D. neither A nor B
15. As a student, what ways can you do to help adapt and mitigate coastal
hazards?
A. Educate yourself.
B. Promote the programs of the community.
C. Participate in local disaster preparedness program.
D. All of the above

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 Additional Activities

Directions. Read the article below from the Philippine Star in relation to the effects
of marine and coastal processes.
A. Coastal Erosion
MGB: Coastal erosion caused Zambales beach collapse
by Rhodina Villanueva (The Philippine Star) - July 2, 2013 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) yesterday

said that the collapse of the coastline of a beach resort in Candelaria, Zambales does
not constitute a sinkhole phenomenon but was a result of coastal erosion. MGB
Director Leo Jasareno said they are recommending that the area be declared
permanently as a no swimming and danger zone as well.
Jasareno said with the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment, a
team of geologists who investigated found no voids or cavities, or even a sinkhole
in the affected area. What was identified were alternating layers of loose and fine to
coarse sand 18.5 meters below the surface, he said. The equipment functions like an
X-ray that can check land sinking up to 100 meters or 300 feet below.
The beach slump is not due to sinkhole but is a result of coastal erosion caused
by wave and tidal currents. Waves undercut the base of the shoreface, which
happened during the interface of low tide and high tide, with the prevailing
southwest monsoon, the MGB report said. Jasareno noted that the area is underlain
by unconsolidated beach sand that is unstable and easily reworked by waves.
The coastal sedimentation dynamics is indicated by the advance and retreat of
the shoreline, and that the area is also prone to storm surge hazard, he said. He said
coastal erosion is a natural phenomenon leading to the formation of a cliff 100 meters
from the shoreline. The depth of the cliff or the steep slope from the shoreline is
about 25 to 30 meters. The MGB recommended continuous monitoring of the area
for large-scale erosion and storm surge, particularly when there is an incoming
weather disturbance.
A danger zone should be declared as the area is highly prone to coastal erosion, he
added. The MGB estimated the danger zone to be 100 kilometers long and the width
to be 20 to 30 meters.
Answer the following questions based on the article you have read.
1. What is the article all about?
2. How did the MGB define coastal erosion?
3. What is the recommendation of the MGB about the issue?

23
 B. Saltwater Intrusion
Saltwater Intrusion Threatening Potable Water Supplies in Philippines
21 Jun 2010 - 20:58 by OOSKAnews Correspondent MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Some 19 areas within the Philippines are facing contamination due to saltwater
intrusion, as many continue to extract water from the nation's aquifers, according to the
Philippine Sanitation Alliance (PSA) Elisea Gozun, former Environment Secretary and
current president of PSA and member of Earth Day Network Philippines, presented the
findings based on government data on June 17.
"This is an irreversible process," Business Mirror quoted Gozun as saying. More than
half, or some 58 percent, of groundwater that is to be used for potable supplies "is
contaminated and needs treatment," she added.
Also, saltwater intrusion is affecting one of the nation's last remaining potable water supply
sources: rivers. Forty-nine percent of the river systems classified for drinking water do not
meet pollution standards.
The PSA expected Pasig-Laguna, Pampanga, Agno, Bicol, Cagayan, Western Visayas
and Cebu to be adversely affected by 2025.
The economic costs of the pollution are thought to exceed $ 1.7 billion USD each year, with
health costs from improper sanitation making up the lion's share at
$1.2 billion USD, followed by water costs like domestic use and fish production at $391
million USD.
Gozun stressed that the loss of life was even more costly. She said 55 Filipinos die
every day from diseases related to poor sanitation and more than 11,338 Filipinos die each
year from diarrhea. "Improving sanitation is the key to achieving most of the Millennium
Development Goals," Gozun said.
The PSA made both large-scale and small-scale suggestions for elevating the profile
of the problem, including investment in wastewater management, rainwater harvesting, water
reuse, repairing leaky household systems and using a cup of water to brush one's teeth.
Meanwhile, Senator Edgardo J. Angara urged increased investment in water management
and wastewater treatment.
"Climate change, urbanization and the need to feed a growing population have put a
strain on our finite water resources, and there is an urgent need to address the dangers they
pose to the health of our people and the sustainability of our environment. More often than
not, water sanitation and sewerage systems in the country is overlooked and neglected. We
need to pour more resources into it," the Philippine Information Agency quoted Angara as
saying.
"The acute seasonal problem of lack of access to potable water has large economic
costs, as well as profound impact on the quality of life. Poor water quality affects our citizens'
health, lost agricultural production, threatens food security, and a host of other damaging
consequences," he added.
Answer the following questions based on the article you have read.
1. What is the article all about?
2. How will you relate coastal hazards to water crisis in the Philippines?
24
 Answer Key

References

A. Books and Journals

Mukhopadhyay, R. Dasgupta, S. Hazra, D. Mitra. 2012. Coastal Hazards and
Vulnerability: A Review. International Journal of Geology, Earth and
Environmental Sciences. 2(1). pp. 57-69.

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-Being:

Synthesis. Washington, DC: Island Press.

B. Electronic References
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/07/02/960479/mgb-coastal-erosion-
caused-zambales-beach-collapse#y7lBoIebBQxOyi5H.99

https://www.ooskanews.com/southern-eastern-asia/saltwater-intrusion-
threatening-potable-water-supplies-philippines

25
 Earth and Life Science

Quarter 1 – Week 8
Module 20: Mitigation to Coastal Processes
and Hazards

CO_Q1_ELS SHS
Module 20
26
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master the nature of Earth and Life Science. The scope of this module permits it to
be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the
diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the
standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be
changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module covers:

• Lesson 1 – Mitigation to Coastal Processes and Hazards

MELC:
Cite ways to prevent or mitigate the impact of land development, waste disposal,
and construction of structures on control coastal processes (S11/12ES-Ii-41)

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. identify the different impacts of human activities to coastal processes;
2. define mitigation to coastal hazards development; and
3. enumerate different ways to prevent or mitigate the impact of land, waste
disposal and construction of structures on coastal processes.

What I Know

Directions. Read the following questions and choose the letter of the correct
answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following is NOT a reason for human population to choose
coastal zones as settling grounds?
A. fertile agricultural land
B. abundant marine resources
C. peaceful and safe residential area
D. great possibility for trade and transport
2. What refers to the action taken to eliminate or reduce the long-term risks and
hazards in the coastal area?
A. alteration C. renovation
B. mitigation D. restoration

27
3. What are the two processes interacting in a highly dynamic natural systems
of coastlines?
A. chemical and physical processes
B. endogenic and exogenic processes
C. oceanic and continental processes
D. atmospheric and geologic processes
4. Which of the following activities in coastal areas DOES NOT trigger hazard
to the natural balance of coastal system?
A. allowed number of tourists C. development of hotels
B. construction of houses D. prohibition of mining
5. Which of the following is NOT a result of a geologically active zone on Earth
coastal system?
A. erosion C. sea-level change
B. salt intrusion D. water nourishment
6. What refers to a climate change phenomenon through which ocean water
volume increases, ice sheets and glaciers melt, and thermal expansion
occurs?
A. erosion C. sea-level change
B. salt intrusion D. water nourishment
7. What do you call the movement of saline water to fresh water aquifers which
can lead to the degradation or contamination of ground water including
drinking water resources?
A. erosion C. sea-level change
B. salt intrusion D. dewatering of beach
8. Which of the following is an impact of mining activities to coastal processes?
A. deposition C. reforestation
B. ice melting D. surface run-off
9. Which of the following is the BEST method to avoid erosion?
A. break water construction
B. controlling land development
C. improving waste management
D. maintaining plant cover or vegetation
10. Which of the following processes is described as pumping out water from
the shores to prevent erosion?
A. beach dewatering C. breakwater construction
B. beach nourishment D. installation of sand bags

28
11. Which method are you going to use when there is a need to add a large
amount of sand to the coast?
A. beach dewatering C. breakwater construction
B. beach nourishment D. installation of sand bags
12. What will you construct to prevent the further advancement of saltwater if
already present in the coastal areas?
A. beach hotels C. breakwater
B. beach house D. sand bags
13. Which of the following DOES NOT ensure effective management of
saltwater intrusion cases?
A. construction of seawalls
B. monitoring of coastal activities
C. assessment of coastal areas regularly
D. regulation of human activities along coastal zone
14. One of your classmates is living in a coastal area of the community. You
found out that this coastal area is already polluted. What activity can you
suggest to mitigate the said problem?
A. acoustic concert
B. coastal clean-up drive
C. population control campaign
D. recollection and reflection among the community
15. Your school is located in a coastal area. You notice that waves are already
damaging the shore near the fence of the school especially during high tide
and monsoon seasons. What can be constructed to mitigate the said problem
of the school?
A. beach dewatering C. sandbags
B. breakwater D. sea wall

29
 Lesson Mitigation to Coastal Processes and
1 Hazards
Coastal areas have been attractive settling grounds for human population as they
provide abundant marine resources, fertile agricultural land and possibilities for
trade and transport. This has led to high population densities and high levels of
development in many coastal areas and this trend is continuing into the 21st
century.

At present, about 1.2 billion people live in coastal areas globally, and this number
is predicted to increase to 1.8–5.2 billion by the 2080s due to a combination of
population growth and coastal migration. Along with this increase follows major
investments in infrastructure and the build environment.

The characteristics of coastal environments, however, pose some great challenges

to human habitation. Coastlines are highly dynamic natural systems that interact
with terrestrial, marine and atmospheric processes and undergo continuous change
in response to these processes. Over the years, human society has often failed to
recognize the hazards related to these dynamics and this has led to major disasters
and societal disruption to various degrees. Even today, coastal development is
often taking place with little regard to the hazards present in these environments,
although climate change is likely to increase the general hazard levels. Societal
activities in coastal areas can also pose a hazard to the natural balance of coastal
systems, thereby disrupting e.g. sensitive ecosystems and subsequently human
livelihood.

Figure 1. Breakwaters

30
 What’s In

Activity 1: Read to Fill-out!

Directions. Read the article about coastal processes. Then, fill in the given table
below with the corresponding information needed.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, coastal

ecosystems of the Philippines are very productive and represent the huge amount
of natural resources. It provides food and livelihood to many people. However, it
is also the most geologically active zone on Earth. Coastal processes in this zone
may result to erosion, submersion and saltwater intrusion. These effects could lead
to different hazards such as:
1. Barrier islands movement.
Barrier islands are formed due to deposition of sand brought by waves
protecting the mainland from damage due to large waves. It also provides
habitat for the aquatic wildlife. It can be destroyed or moved by erosion on
the contrary.
2. Flooding
It also destroys habitat and may lead to great erosion. The main cause of this
hazard is the submersion or sea level rise, a climate change phenomenon
through which ocean water volume increases, ice sheets and glaciers melt,
and occurrence of thermal expansion.
3. Fresh water contamination
Intrusion or movement of saline water to fresh water aquifers can lead to the
degradation or contamination of ground water including drinking water
resources. Intrusion is aided by hydraulic action but triggered by human
activities.

Table 1. Coastal processes, causes and effects of different hazards

Hazard Responsible Causes Effects
Coastal Processes
Barrier island Loss of Wildlife
Waves
movement Habitat
Flooding Climate Change

Fresh water
Sea level change Salt water intrusion
contamination

31
 What is It

Activity 2: Root Mapping

Coastal hazard-prone areas in the Philippine local government units in areas that
are ranked extremely high in susceptibility to landslide and flooding are advised
to immediately relocate the residents of these zones to safer areas. Especially
during typhoons that can cause coastal hazards. Though naturally occurring, there
are human activities that can affect coastal processes that may lead to hazards.

With this, mitigation methods in the coastal zones for protection are enhanced in
these areas. Mitigation refers to action taken to eliminate or reduce the long-term
risks and hazards,

Directions. Complete the following concept map by identifying the impacts and
mitigation method appropriate in the given human activities.

32
Options for Impacts:
• Increased erosion
• Increased sediments run-off
• Sea level rise
• Change natural drainage patterns
• Enhanced salt intrusion
Options for Mitigation Methods:
• Seawalls - These are used to counteract waves that hit the shores.
These are offshore structures that protect coasts from parallel waves.
• Groins / Stone barriers – It intercepts the steady flow of sand keeps the
particular sand from eroding.
• Breakwaters – It can be constructed along coasts to prevent further
advancement of saltwater if already present
• Beach nourishment – It is a method where a large amount of sand is
added to the coasts.
• Installation of small walls or sandbags – These are used to counteract
waves that hit the shores.
• Beach dewatering – It involves pumping out water from the shores to
prevent erosion.
• Construction of buildings in a safe distance from the water.
• Ban of mining activities – This can cause decrease in pollutants.

Options for Mitigation Methods:

• Maintaining plant cover – This can result to improved vegetation
• Monitoring and assessment - It ensures effective management of
saltwater intrusion cases.
• Regulation of Laws
• Artificial recharge – It pumps freshwater to the reservoir to prevent
saltwater from intruding through the coasts.
• Engineering structures.
• Jetties – It prevent coastal erosion by promoting beach build-up as they
trap sand.
• Prepare and emergency survival kit
• Create an evacuation plan.
• Know where the evacuation center is and how to get there.
• Listen to news from any means.

33
Development in Coastal Zone
Coastal ecosystems are very productive and represent the ample amount of natural
resources. It provides livelihood to many people for being the most famous tourist
destinations in the country. Thus, there are many business men who made
expeditious development in coastal zones. Along with these are the land
development and number of construction sites near the zone However, it is also
the most geologically active zone on Earth. Coastal processes in this zone may
result to erosion, submersion and saltwater intrusion.

Erosion as discussed from the previous

module is brought by processes like waves
and tides. During intense storms and tidal
waves, most coastal erosion occurs. It may
cause damages on properties, and affect
human habitation and tourist activities.
They put structures like seawalls to avoid
that. These are used to counteract waves
that hit the shores. These are offshore Figure 4. Sea walls
structures that protect coasts from parallel waves. Groins / Stone barriers that
intercepts the steady flow of sand are also built to keep sands from eroding.
Breakwaters can also be constructed along coasts to prevent further advancement
of saltwater if already present. Though these structures avoid erosion it has
disadvantages, too. It prevents natural deposition of sands. They absorb wave
energy but permanently destroy sand grasses and dunes. Eventually, it will destroy
marine habitat.

Aside from concrete structures, there are

also practices that can disturb and totally
destroy the natural coastal process.
Beach nourishment is commonly done
by adding sand to the shore to extend
their houses, hotels and other structures.
Likely, beach dewatering is another
method to avoid erosion. It involves
Figure 5. Breakwaters pumping out water from the shores.
However, these practices may lead to saltwater intrusion or movement of saline
water into freshwater aquifers. It will result to groundwater quality degradation.
Groundwater includes drinking water.

34
Global Warming and Coastal processes
Crustal movements and sea level change are coastal processes and its interactions
affect the climate. They are part of tight interconnected Earth system that affects
both global and regional climates. On the other hand, climate change also affects
these processes.

We are very familiar with the enhanced global warming. It gives a lot of
consequences even if it is just a few degrees increased than the usual average
temperature. Global warming results to intense storms, flooding, droughts and
extreme storm. High temperature resulted to ice melting. Consequently, sea level
rises affecting the people throughout the world.

What are the different causes of climate change?

Activity 3: We Can!
Directions. Observe your community. Identify the different practices and
activities that cause and triggers global warming. Write your answer inside
rectangles.

35
 What I Have Learned

Directions: Read the following statements and fill in the blanks with the correct
answer. Choose from the pool of words given below.
1. __________ have been attractive settling grounds for human population as
they provide abundant marine resources, fertile agricultural land and
possibilities for trade and transport.
2. __________ refers to action taken to eliminate or reduce the long-term risks
and hazards in the coastal area.
3. Coastlines are highly dynamic natural systems that interact
with ________, ________ and ________ processes and undergo continuous
change in response to these processes.
4. ________ activities in coastal areas can also trigger hazard to the natural
balance of coastal systems, thus disrupting e.g. sensitive ecosystems and
subsequently human livelihood.
5. As the most geologically active zone on Earth coastal processes zone may
result to ________, ________ and ________.
6. __________ is a climate change phenomenon through which ocean water
volume increases, ice sheets and glaciers melt, and thermal expansion occurs.
7. __________ movement of saline water to fresh water aquifers which can lead
to the degradation or contamination of ground water including drinking water
resources.
8. __________ is a mitigation method where a large amount of sand is added
to the coasts.
9. __________ involves pumping out water from the shores to prevent erosion.
10. __________ or total prohibition of mining activities avoid pollution and
sediments run-off.

WORD POOL

coastal area salt intrusion erosion

mitigation beach nourishment adaptation
submersion atmospheric sea-level rise
terrestrial putting sand bag marine
beach dewatering human ban of mining

36
 Assessment

Directions. Read the following questions and choose the letter of the correct
answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following activities in coastal areas can trigger hazard to the
natural balance of coastal system?
A. allowed number of tourists C. enhancing vegetation
B. construction of breakwater D. prohibition of mining
2. Which of the following is/are natural result/s of a geologically active zone
on earth coastal system?
A. breakwater C. sandbags and stone barriers
B. sand erosion D. seawalls and island barriers
3. What refers to a climate change phenomenon through which ocean water
volume increases, ice sheets and glaciers melt, and thermal expansion
occurs?
A. erosion C. sea-level change
B. salt intrusion D. water nourishment
4. Which of the following is the BEST reason for human population to choose
coastal zones as settling grounds?
A. abundant marine resources
B. peaceful and safe residential area
C. small possibility for trade and transport
D. unfertile agricultural land
5. What refers to the action taken to eliminate or reduce the long-term risks and
hazards in the coastal area?
A. alteration C. renovation
B. mitigation D. restoration
6. Salt intrusion is the movement of saline water to fresh water aquifers which
can lead to the following EXCEPT
A. loss of vegetation C. contamination of ground water
B. erosion to low land area D. shortage in drinking water supply
7. What are the two processes interacting in a highly dynamic natural systems
of coastlines?
A. chemical and physical C. oceanic and continental
B. endogenic and exogenic D. atmospheric and biosphere
8. The following activities promote erosion EXCEPT
A. break water construction C. mining activities
B. land development D. waste disposal
37
9. Which of the following is NOT an impact of mining activities to coastal
processes?
A. enhanced erosional activities C. loss of vegetation
B. improved biodiversity D. surface run-off
10. Which of the following structures are built to counteract waves that hit the
shores?
A. barrier C. jetties
B. groins D. seawalls
11. Which of the following DOES NOT ensure effective management of
saltwater intrusion cases?
A. construction of seawalls
B. monitoring of coastal activities
C. assessment of coastal areas regularly
D. regulation of human activities along coastal zone
12. Which method are you going to use when there is a need to add a large
amount of sand to the coast?
A. beach promotion C. sand bag installation
B. beach nourishment D. seawalls construction
13. One of your classmates is living in a coastal area of the community. You
found out that this coastal area is already polluted. What activity can you
suggest to mitigate the said problem?
A. acoustic concert
B. coastal clean-up drive
C. population control campaign
D. recollection and reflection among the community
14. Your house is located in a coastal area. You notice that waves are already
damaging the shore near the fence of the house especially during high tide
and monsoon seasons. What can be constructed to mitigate the said problem
of your house?
A. artificial water recharge C. breakwater
B. beach dewatering D. sea wall
15. What will you construct to prevent the further advancement of saltwater if
already present in the coastal areas?
A. beach nourishment C. breakwaters
B. beach dewatering D. sand bags

38
 Answer Key

References

A. Book
G.R.Thompson and J. Turk, Introduction to Earth Science,(Philippines: cengage Learning
2012) 347

B. Electronic References
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and et.al Managing Impacts of
Development in Coastal Zone, (Philippines: Coastal Management Project of Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, 2001) https://faspselib.denr.gov.ph

Kotsoni, D. Dimelli and L, Ragia. Land Use Planning for Sustainable Development of Coastal
Regions (Greece:2017) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316867706

M. Pawlukiewicz, P. Gupta, and C. Koelbel. Ten Principles for Coastal Development.

Washington, D.C.: ULI–the Urban Land Institute, 2007. https://uli.org>uploads>
https://www.encyclopedia.com/Access: February 23, 2019

39