MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Coastal ecosystems such as tidal marshes provide valuable services and commodities for humanity. Wetlands are home to wetland-dependent fish, shellfish, small mammals and macrophytic vegetation (National Wildlife Federation). However, the long-term stability of these ecosystems are now threatened due to an accelerated rate in sea-level rise caused by global warming. A sea-level study on trends in the Chesapeake Bay by Dr. John Boon from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science revealed both good and bad news (Science Daily). The good news, according to a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, sea-levels on the Chesapeake Bay are rising at about half (1.8mm) of the averaged global rates of sea-level rise (3.1mm). The bad news, the land surface is sinking. Although rates of sea-level rise are only at 1.8mm per year, those rates increase to 4.52mm due to land subsidence. Scientists and managers are now using advanced remote sensing techniques to monitor natural and man-induced changes in coastal wetlands. Islands in the Chesapeake Bay such as Holland Island have been completely wiped out due to erosion combined with sea-level rise. From 1994 to 2008 a group of 15 Chesapeake Bay islands including Tangier Island, Virginia were reduce in land area by 21%. Other larger islands in the Chesapeake Bay have suffered land losses of up to 29%. In the 1800’s Poplar Island had an area of 460 acres and was eroded to less than one acre in 1998. Fortunately, a restoration effort was launched in the mid 1990’s and continues today.
WC: 251
READER’S PROFILE: I imagine a high school student that will not be too interested in this topic because they are not directly affected by sea-level rise.
WRITER’S RESPONSE: I would respond by mentioning all the ecosystems services coastal ecosystems provide us. With sea-level rise all of those services will disappear soon. For instance wetlands moderate the effects of flooding, protect coastlines from storms, hurricanes, and tsunamis. Waterman on Chesapeake Bay make a living off oysters and blue crabs. The commercial industries that purchase from fisherman in the Chesapeake Bay will also be impacted by sea-level rise. This would limit and increase the price of blue crab and oyster abundance in the seafood market.

M -- keep focused on your audience with these elements:

intro of each subsection or case (hook them)
word choice (simple paired with technical science term)
connection to disciplines available in college
sense of what can be done

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Capture the number of cases in your title:

Four Cautionary Cases of Islands in the Chesapeake: How Seal Level Rise is Experienced in our Area.