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What is Saltwater Intrusion? Gr. 7-12

Secondary, Middle

Description

The What is Saltwater Intrusion? research feature provides teachers with background information and climate research on the causes and consequences of saltwater intrusion in coastal groundwater systems. It explains how saltwater intrusion, intensified by climate change impacts such as sea level rise, storm surges, and coastal erosion, threatens the availability of freshwater for both humans and wildlife. The resource highlights the research conducted by scientists studying how freshwater lenses in coastal areas like Sable Island and Prince Edward Island are vulnerable to salinization, and how natural and engineered solutions may help protect freshwater sources.

Students will:

  • conduct a hands-on investigation simulating how freshwater and saltwater interact in a coastal well system

  • explore how climate change–driven factors like storm surges and sea level rise accelerate saltwater intrusion

  • understand the relationship between the freshwater lens, saltwater, and groundwater access

  • analyze different methods of adapting to and mitigating the effects of saltwater intrusion

  • discuss the implications of saltwater intrusion on human communities and coastal ecosystems

  • reflect on long-term sustainability and potential engineering or nature-based solutions

The resource provides an interactive activity to support learning about saltwater intrusion, climate impacts on coastal water systems, and solutions through both conservation and innovation. It includes profiles of researchers involved in the study, discussion questions, and prompts for future inquiry.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This resource is part of a compilation of lessons designed to bring local climate change research into the classroom. They enable teachers to integrate climate change into their classrooms through fun, engaging and accessible research topics. 

Discover Our Climate research features are relevant to Atlantic Canada and include curriculum-based learning activities designed for grades seven to twelve. Each feature encourages students to be curious and create solutions for the on-going climate challenges we face.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
    • Grade 11
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      • Environmental Science
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        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
    • Grade 12
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 12: Human activities cause changes in the global climate system
  • Manitoba
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    • Grade 8
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      • Science
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        • Water Systems on Earth
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      • Science
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        • Science 7 Earth Surface Processes: Scientific Literacy
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        • Introduction to Environmental Science 120: Investigating Environmental Issues
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      • Science
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        • Water Systems on Earth's Surface
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      • Environmental Science
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        • Environmental Science 3205: Introduction to Environmental Science
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      • Science
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        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
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      • Environmental Science
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        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 12: Human activities cause changes in the global climate system
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        • Science 7: Environmental Action
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        • Science 8: Climate Change
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      • Geography
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        • Geography 10: Ocean Environment
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    • Grade 8
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      • Science
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        • Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
  • Ontario
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      • Geography
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        • Physical Patterns in a Changing World
    • Grade 9
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        • Exploring Canadian Geography: Liveable Communities
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      • Environmental Science
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        • Environmental Science (Univ/College Prep.) Scientific Solutions to Contemporary Environmental Challenges
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        • Forces of Nature: Physical Processes and Disasters (Univ./College Prep.): The Physical Environment: Sustainability and Stewardship
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        • Living in a Sustainable World (Workplace Prep.) Sustainability of Natural Resources
  • Prince Edward Island
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    • Grade 10
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      • Geography
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        • Geography of Canada 421A: Physical Connections: Canada’s Ecozones
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      • Environmental Science
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        • Environmental Science 621A: Environmental Challenges and Successes
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        • Geography 621A Global Issues : Inquiry- What are the issues?
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
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        • Science 8: Water Systems on Earth
  • Yukon Territory
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 12: Human activities cause changes in the global climate system

Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)

  • Climate Change

Water (2)

  • Marine Environments
  • Water Quality

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