6.1 - Assessment Opportunity: Interpreting a Geoscape
and the Existence of Extraterrestrial Life
Task 1: Interpreting a geoscape
1. The rocks underlying the Ottawa area were formed in three main stages. What are those
three main rock families, where are they found, and when were they formed?
Three distinct geological elements that form extremely varied landscapes underlie the
Ottawa–Gatineau region. The Canadian Shield's refractory Precambrian granitic and
metamorphic rocks generate highland zones that are subsequently followed by a protracted
period of erosion, which results in 33 fatalities. Alternatively, the Paleozoic rocks found in the
geologic record are flat-lying, lowland plains along with low hills beneath. The outcrops are the
habitable areas of the lowland where we live. The Ottawa Valley is crossed by the Ottawa
Unsteady Clay Elevations. The precipitous leda clay slopes of the Ottawa Valley are surrounded
by rocky landslip terrain and are susceptible to catastrophic rivers and tributaries. Excluding
native rocks, more than 250 significant, old, and historical landslides restrict riverbanks and low
scarps. A layer of Quaternary sediments covers a large portion of the area, creating a variety of
landscapes from the flat plains of the Champlain Sea to the gently sloping plains of Hawkesbury
and low hills of glacial deposits.
2. What two natural resources are currently mined in the Ottawa-Gatineau area?
The two types of natural resources that are now mined in the Ottawa-Gatineau area are
peat and mineral (which further breaks down into crushed stone, sand, and gravel).
3. What rock evidence in the landscape proves that the Ottawa-Gatineau area was once a
much larger marine environment?
The rock outcrops smoothed over by glacial abrasion, the stony soils formed from
glacier-contributed materials (which later retreated, allowing the sea to flood in), and the
massive, isolated boulders left behind are the landscape evidences that show the
Ottawa-Gatineau area was once a larger marine environment.
4. What fossil evidence in the landscape proves that the Ottawa-Gatineau area was once a
much larger marine environment?
The preserved remnants or evidence of extinct plants, animals, and other species are
known as fossils. Because they demonstrate that life on Earth was previously distinct from that
which is seen now, fossils are crucial pieces of evidence supporting evolution.
5. Describe one example of how geology affects the suitability of the land for agriculture.
Geology is not just related to resources in daily life. It also covers the risks and dangers
related to earthquakes, landslides, rapid clay, radon, and rock falls. Understanding historical
climate change through geology may help us anticipate possible future conditions. The surfaces
and structures of the planet are formed by active geological processes. Numerous processes are
at play, including weathering, erosion, volcanism, and plate tectonics. Soil is one material that
has been shaped by geological history.
6. Where has the built-up area since 1985 been primarily located, and why?
The majority of the built-up area between 1971 and 1991 was situated in Ottawa and
Kanata. Other aspects of urban settings or the human footprint, like paved surfaces (roads,
parking lots), commercial and industrial locations (ports, landfills, quarries, runways), and urban
green spaces (parks, gardens), are mainly excluded from this definition. Because limestone and
sandstone are so easily accessible, most of the buildings in Ottawa are built up.
7. List two features of today’s landscape in the Ottawa-Gatineau region that you can
attribute to previous geological events or processes.
One aspect is the shifting terrain, which resembles ice sculptures on land. The rounded
forms and smooth surfaces of the rock outcrops in the Gatineau Hills and the Kanata region are
the result of glacial abrasion, and they also exhibit scratches and grooves caused by particles
lodged in the base of the advancing ice sheet. The Ottawa River, which is still a major draw, is
another feature. As the Champlain Sea receded, the ancestral river and its tributaries adapted,
giving rise to the contemporary Ottawa River. The Ottawa River was a significantly bigger
waterway ten thousand to eight thousand years ago than it is today. The Ottawa River served as
the outlet for large glacial lakes that drained into the upper Great Lakes, the Prairie Provinces,
and northern Ontario. During this time, the Ottawa River changed its course and entered new
channels multiple times. The practice of contemporary drainage was well-established by 8000
years ago. Peatlands have filled in the former Ottawa River courses, notably the Mer Bleue and
Alfred bogs.
8. Natural disasters form another part of the Geoscape poster. Using the Geoscape and
your knowledge from previous learning activities, assess the risk of significant damage to
houses in the Ottawa-Gatineau area from the following three causes.
a. earthquakes
Earthquakes have the potential to trigger landslides through both immediate
rupture and persistent shaking of slopes that are unstable. They can easily topple homes
perched on hillsides, demolish buildings in their path, and obstruct railway tracks. On
soils saturated with water, the earthquake forces increase and the soil transforms from a
solid to a liquid. The ground cannot sustain a foundation due to the quicksand effect. The
ground can crack or heave, causing uneven settling or building collapse.
b. landslides
A landslip can have a wide range of effects, such as the depletion of natural
resources, infrastructure devastation, land damage, and fatalities. Large-scale earthquakes
or volcanic activity can cause deep landslides that wipe out thousands of square
kilometres of land and kill thousands of people. The earthquake is partially caused by the
landslip.
c. flooding
Floods can result in structural damage like cracked foundations, unstable or
sagging floors, and roofs. After a flood, you may also see frayed or broken electrical
wiring in your house.
Task 2: Suitability of a mining site
1. Examine the Bird River valley area shown in the following map and answer the
questions regarding the possibility for bauxite mining in the area. (Recall that a karst
landscape is formed by carbonate minerals precipitating out of sea water.)
a. Estimate the size of the bauxite ore deposit (length and width of the body). Show
your work.
The world's main source of aluminum is bauxite ore. To create alumina, the ore must first
undergo chemical processing (aluminum oxide). Pure aluminum metal is then created by melting
alumina through an electrolysis process. The diameter can vary from approximately 300m to
500m. Evidence: 1000𝑚 ÷ 2. 5 = 400𝑚. I made an approximate due to human error.
b. Which rock type is the bauxite ore found in?
Sedimentary rocks contain bauxite ore. Bauxite is a sedimentary rock that is rich in
aluminum. It is the main source of aluminum ore.
c. In one or two paragraphs, write a recommendation to your mining manager regarding
the possibility of developing a bauxite mine in the Bird River valley. Consider both
economic and environmental aspects. Include in your assessment the size of the deposit and
the distance to transportation and the nearest surface water.
Dear Manager,
This letter is intended to update you on my plans and potential developments regarding the
construction of a bauxite mine in the Bird River Valley. There are numerous environmental and
economic factors to take into account.
Direct and indirect mining practices can have an impact on the environment at the local,
regional, and global levels. Impacts can include chemical emissions from mining operations
contaminating soil, groundwater, and surface water, erosion, sinkholes, and biodiversity loss.
When beginning mining at the Bird River Valley, some important aspects to take into account are
the ore's richness, the deposit's size, the way of minimizing transportation, technology, and
human resources, among others.
My estimate concludes that the ore deposits are roughly 400m in diameter. We will need many
trucks to transport the ore as the nearest water source the Bird River is roughly 2km away.
However, a solution must be found for how we will transport the ore as there are no direct roads
between the mine and the river.
Thanks,
Jordan
Task 3: Is there life on another planet: Yes or no?
1. Research the components and composition of a planet other than Earth. Pick a
planet. This planet can either be inside or outside our solar system. Conduct
scholarly research on the following:
a. The planet’s composition (i.e., what is the planet made up of?) For example,
gas, rock, minerals, etc.
b. What evidence is there of such composition? Provide images and evidence of
your chosen planet’s composition.
2. Create a persuasive essay in which you will convince your reader whether or not
,,,,,,,,,,,,there is (or was) life on your chosen planet. Your essay should:
● be roughly 1000–1250 words (4–5 pages, double-spaced)
● include visuals to represent descriptive text within the body of the essay
3. Provide a list of references at the end of your essay using APA format.
Extraterrestrial Life: A Persuasive Exploration
Humans have been captivated by the prospect of extraterrestrial life for generations. Our
curiosity and creativity are piqued by the notion that we are not alone in the expanse of the
universe. Though intelligent life beyond Earth remains a mystery, recent years have seen a major
advancement in our knowledge of other worlds. Mars is one planet that may harbour signs of
extraterrestrial life. This essay will examine Mars' composition, evaluate the data indicating life
exists there, and make the case for the possibility that there has been or is currently
extraterrestrial life on Mars.
Mars, often referred to as the red planet, is our solar
system's fourth planet from the Sun. Its seasons, polar ice
caps, and rotating axis are some of the things that make it
comparable to Earth, yet there are also big distinctions.
Mars's surface is covered in dust that is rich in iron, which
gives the planet its characteristic reddish hue. Mars is
mostly made of rock and minerals. The majority of the planet's thin atmosphere is made up of
carbon dioxide, with small amounts of argon and nitrogen. Because Mars lacks Earth's shielding
magnetic field, its atmosphere has gradually evaporated.
Scientists have carried out several missions and investigations to learn more about the
composition of Mars. NASA's Mars Pathfinder mission, which touched down on the red planet
in 1997, is one noteworthy example. Basaltic rock and iron-rich dust were discovered on the
planet after an analysis of the rocks and soil by the mission's instruments, which included an
atomic force microscope and a spectrometer. Visual confirmation of Mars' composition was also
provided by high-resolution photographs taken by the Pathfinder, which showed the planet's
rusty colour and stony surface.
NASA's Curiosity rover has just shed more light on the composition of Mars. Since
landing on the planet in 2012, this sophisticated rover has been investigating it. Curiosity has
identified and examined the minerals found in the rocks
and soil of Mars using its instruments. It has found clay
minerals, which are key evidence for the possibility of life
and show that there was once water on the planet's surface.
The intriguing subject of whether life exists on Mars has captured the attention of both
scientists and the general people. Mars's environment makes it a strong contender for supporting
life, both past and present, even if definitive proof of extraterrestrial life has not yet been
discovered. The occurrence of liquid water on Mars in the past is one strong piece of evidence
for life there. The discovery of ancient river valleys and sedimentary layers on Mars implies the
planet was once much wetter than it is now. Water is a crucial need for life as we know it. These
ideal circumstances suggest that, in the past, microbial life may have existed on Mars in a more
hospitable habitat.
Additionally, further supporting evidence for the possible existence of life on Mars comes
from the discovery of organic molecules there. Landers and orbiters have both identified organic
molecules like methane in the Martian atmosphere. While there is still much to learn about the
genesis of these substances, it is plausible that they are the result of biological activity or
life-related geological processes. The hypothesis that there is extraterrestrial life on Mars is
further supported by the finding of organic compounds in Martian meteorites on Earth.
Moreover, the discovery of brackish liquid water beneath the
Martian surface in recent times has important ramifications for the
existence of life. These subterranean brines may offer microbial life a
livable environment while protecting them from harsh surface elements
like temperature swings and intense radiation. This finding raises the possibility that microbial
life could exist underground and broadens the range of possible habitable zones on Mars.
Critics can counter that it is improbable that life could live on Mars due to the planet's
hostile environment, which includes radiation exposure, a thin atmosphere, and extremely high
temperatures. On the other hand, life has shown itself to be incredibly adaptive, flourishing in
harsh settings like Antarctic dry valleys and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. The notion that life on
Mars, if it exists at all, may have evolved to survive in its particular environment is suggested by
the finding of life in such hostile environments.
Although the existence of alien life is still unknown, Mars makes a
strong argument for the possibility of life existing somewhere other than
Earth. The red planet's composition—its rocky surface, iron-rich dust, and thin
atmosphere—along with traces of organic molecules and water from the past suggest that
microbial life may have existed on Mars in the past or present. NASA's research and flights have
yielded insightful information, presenting data analysis and visual proof in the form of
photographs. Although life on Mars faces many difficulties, instances of extremophiles on Earth
show how adaptable life may be. Future studies and expeditions to Mars could yield conclusive
proof of extraterrestrial life as our understanding
of the planet grows. One of the most fascinating
exploration quests of all time is the search for
answers to the age-old question of whether or not
we are alone in the cosmos.
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