Instructions for Assignment #4: Surface Processes [15]
Write 2-3 pages of text, double-spaced, addressing questions (1-5) below, explaining each of your answers in complete sentences in essay format (replace the numbered questions with your own answers). Include all subheadings that are in bold, e.g. Water Resources, before you answer the subsequent set of questions in your paper. Put the title in bold print at the top, as shown below. Include a numbered Reference List at the end with at least 3 reliable sources, cited in proper format. Each source must be cited (by number) in your text at least once.
Surface Processes in [Name of Project Area, State]
Water Resources
In this section, you will identify the water sources in your project area and summarize local issues or concerns related to water supply and pollution.
Streams: Find the main stream or river on the topographic map of your area.
Describe its channel type, gradient, and drainage pattern.
Does it flow intermittently or is it a perennial stream?
How does it change with the seasons (winter/summer)? Explain.
How does the geology of the area (type of bedrock, sediment, valley shape, etc.) influence the stream characteristics (from (a))?
Groundwater: Find reliable sources to answer these questions.
What are the groundwater characteristics in this area?
Is the aquifer confined or unconfined? If more than one aquifer, answer for both.
What is the aquifer composition (sand, sandstone, fractured basalt)?
Share one interesting fact you find about the groundwater in this region.
Water Use: Identify the nearest city/town to your project area. Check its website or contact the City/Town Hall by phone or e-mail to find these answers.
Where does this area get its drinking water?
What water sources are used for irrigation (agriculture) or industry?
Discuss any current issues you find out about this area concerning water quality (pollution) or quantity (supply).
Glaciers, Shorelines, and Climate Change
Glaciers and Shorelines: Features and Processes
If there is a shoreline in the vicinity, identify and describe any shoreline features or processes you observe (refer to photo figures that show them).
If there are active glaciers or evidence of past glaciation in the vicinity, identify and describe any glacial features or processes you observe (refer to photo figures that show them ).
If neither of these is present in the vicinity of your project area, explain why not.
Climate and Global Climate Change
Describe the regional climate by including these statistics for your project area:
Average Annual Precipitation (inches)
Highest Average Maximum Temperature (F) & Month
Lowest Average Minimum Temperature (F) & Month
Any other interesting/relevant statistics related to temperature or precipitation (e.g. snowfall)
What are the implications of global climate change for this region? Has this region already experienced consequences of rapid climate change? If so, explain. If not, use the predictions of global climate change to anticipate the possible effects on this region in the coming decades (think of the next 100 years). In your answers, consider the effects of climate change on natural hazards, the risk of damage and loss of life, and on the economy.
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|