Summer Research - Evidence of Dune Damage

Human interference in the dunes present a huge threat to the dunes and their structural integrity.  The simple act of walking on dunes will cause them and their ecosystems to become damaged.  Often, dune blowout occurs when one part of the dune weakens or sinks in (often caused by humans).  When wind blows or waves hit the dunes, the force accumulates in the weakened part of the dune until a hole or gap forms.  This hole, which grows continually, allows more water and wind to travel behind the dune and destroy it overtime.  this lowers the over effectiveness of the dune in the event of a storm.  In addition, many fragile and diverse ecosystems and disrupted or destroyed. Several examples of dune blowout caused by human interference can be seen to left in order of increasing severity.




(www.freefoto.com.images,  www.aquaticconsultingonline.com,  
 besidethetrail.ca)

Status Report 10/15

Next week, my partner PA and I will begin the construction of our model using Lego pieces.  We hope to construct a model that is as accurate as possible to our final design.  I am also hoping that some of the pieces on the model can function or move to give viewers an idea as to what each component will do. 

Status Report 10/12

Today, I met with DA and CMcD about my blog.  I am happy to report that my blog is doing well at the current moment and I only have a few minor corrections and details to add.  I am in the process of making the corrections so that the blog contains all the proper and correct information.

Status Report 10/6

Yesterday, I was able to put in for all the materials myself and PA will need for our project.  Using VEX robotics, we are going to contruct our robot and all the necessary componants it will have.  Other then that, I have been constantly updating my blog so that is easy to navigate and find all the necessary information.

Shovel Designs - Rationale Table

Shovel Designs

	(See figure 8)	(See Figure 7)
Criteria	Concept 1: Tapered Shovel	Concept 2: Round Shovel
Ease of use	+	-
Appearance	S	S
Easily Scoops	+	-
Low weight	+	-
Carrying capacity	-	+
Safety	S	S
∑+	3	1
∑-	1	3
∑s	2	2
Net score	2	-2
Rank	1	2
Continue or combine?	Continue	Discontinue