Thato is studying the impact of climate change on coastal erosion in Eastern Cape. Her literature review shows varying rates of erosion and damage. Rank the following questions from most (1) to least (4) critical for her to explore the discrepancies:

Question

How does coastal erosion impact local ecosystems and communities?

Why are there different reported rates of coastal erosion in Eastern Cape?

What are the global effects of climate change on coastal regions?

Which types of coastal defences are most effective against erosion?


4, 2, 1, 3


1, 4, 3, 2


2, 1, 4, 3


2, 3, 4, 1

Answer 1

The most critical question for Thato to explore the discrepancies in the rates of coastal erosion in Eastern Cape is likely to be the one that directly addresses those discrepancies. Here's the ranking based on that reasoning:

1. Why are there different reported rates of coastal erosion in Eastern Cape? (This question is critical for understanding the discrepancies directly.)
2. How does coastal erosion impact local ecosystems and communities? (Understanding the effects of erosion is important, but it may not explain the discrepancies in reported rates.)
3. Which types of coastal defences are most effective against erosion? (This is relevant for addressing erosion but less critical for understanding the differing rates of erosion.)
4. What are the global effects of climate change on coastal regions? (While this question is important, it is less directly related to the specific discrepancies in Eastern Cape.)

Therefore, the correct ranking is 2, 1, 4, 3.