Question: A geographer is analyzing 9 coastal zones, each classified as either stable (S) or unstable (U). If each zone independently has a 70% chance of being S, what is the probability that at least 7 zones are stable?

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:29:21 +0000

**Can Coastal Resilience Predict Future Risk? Understanding Probability in Coastal Zone Stability** As coastal communities across the U.S. face rising sea levels and intensified storm patterns, understanding the reliability of ground conditions in vulnerable zones has become a critical topic. Geographers increasingly model coastal zone stability to inform adaptation planning, infrastructure investment, and climate resilience strategies. A common question driving this analysis is: *What is the chance that at least 7 out of 9 coastal zones remain stable, given each independently has a 70% stability probability?* This inquiry blends statistics and geography, offering insight into long-term environmental risk and proactive decision-making. --- ### Why This Question Matters in U.S. Coastal Planning