Web Quest
Where Do You Feel Safer?
Introduction
Plate tectonics provides a framework for explaining the locations of volcanoes and earthquakes. In this exercise, you will
explore the geologic settings and histories of two cities to understand how geologic hazards might affect them.
Task
You've just heard that the company you work for is reorganizing and that you will be transferred. You can choose to
transfer to Seattle, Washington, or St. Louis, Missouri. Before making your decision, it might be a good idea to find out
which place is at least risk from geologic hazards. Use the Web to research the hazards at each city and then synthesize
your findings to decide where you would rather live. Your choice must be based on what you have discovered.
Resources and Process
1.
Your decision about where to move should be based on the likelihood of natural disasters. You need to find the following
information about each city.
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2.
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3.
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4.
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What is its tectonic setting?
What is its geologic history?
Has it experienced volcanism or seismic activity? If so, what were the sizes and dates of the events?
Are other geologic hazards likely?
What are the estimated risks associated with geologic activity? How are they determined?
How well prepared is the city for an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or other hazard?
For information about geologic hazards, check these sites.
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Volcano Hazards Program
USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center (Earthquakes/Geomagnetic/Landslides)
Natural Hazards Data from NOAA National Geophysical Data Center
For information about St. Louis, check these sites.
St. Louis University Earthquake Center
The Mississippi Valley—"Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On"
Center for Earthquake Research and Information, University of Memphis
For information about Seattle, check these sites.
USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory
Pacific Northwest Seismic Network
Mount Rainier: Living with Perilous Beauty
Learning Advice
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Did you use information from multiple sources?
Did you cross-check the information that you found?
Did you compare information from different sources?
Conclusion
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Which city is safer in terms of geologic hazards, St. Louis or Seattle? Explain your answer.
Which city will be your new home?
Rubric for Web Quest
Poor (1 pt.)
Fair (2 pts.)
Good (3 pts.)
Exemplary (4 pts.)
Content
Does not address, for
both cities, all four
questions listed under
"Resources and
Process." Shows very
little or no research
done.
Partly addresses, for both
cities, the four questions
listed under "Resources and
Process." Shows minimal
research done. No synthesis
of information from more
than one source.
Good answers are given,
for both cities, to all four
questions listed under
"Resources and Process."
Synthesis of information
from more than one
source.
Excellent answers are
given, for both cities, to all
four questions listed under
"Resources and Process."
Outstanding synthesis of
information from several
sources.
Writing
Numerous errors in
spelling and/or
sentence structure
make the assignment
almost impossible to
read.
Many errors in spelling
and/or sentence structure.
Few errors in spelling
and/or sentence structure.
Almost no errors in
spelling and/or sentence
structure.
Task
Explanation of which
city was chosen refers
minimally to
information gathered.
Explanation of which city Explanation of which city
was chosen refers somewhat was chosen refers to most
to information gathered.
of the information
gathered.
Explanation of which city
was chosen refers
extensively to the
information gathered.