Name _______________
Agents of Erosion (Gravity, Wind, and Ice) Webquest
Erosion Agent #1: Gravity
http://tinyurl.com/y8maoqw
Go through the module, read each section, and click next to move on.
1. What is mass movement?
2. What natural force causes objects to move downhill?
3. Click START on the module, describe what happens during a slump:
4. Click OVERVIEW at the top of the module.
5. What is the difference between a driving force and a resisting force?
6. At what point does mass movement take place in relation to driving and resisting forces?
7. Scroll over the yellow circles in the model and list and describe 4 driving forces:
a)
b)
c)
d)
8. Scroll over the yellow circles in the model and list and describe 3 resisting forces:
a)
b)
c)
9. What affect does slope steepness have on the pull of gravity?
10. Will a boulder move down hill if it is one a flat surface? Explain
11. What 3 natural forces can affect the slope of the land?
12. What 3 erosion agents can affect the slope of the land?
13. How can human affect the slope of the land?
14. Describe what happens eventually in the model when you raise the slope of the hill?
15. What are unconsolidated materials?
16. What are crystalline rocks and list three examples?
17. What is a dip slope?
18. What causes a rock fracture?
19. How do plant roots affect overall stability of an area?
20.Click start in the module, describe what happens during a dip slope:
21. Why is water bad for slope stability?
22. Click on the module and read the descriptions, in your own words describe the difference in the
falling of the three sands:
a) dry sandb) damp sandc) saturated sand-
23. Describe what forms when a rainstorm hits a certain area (choose rainstorm and click start):
24. Describe how grasses and roots help with land stability:
26. What are 2 common triggers of slope instability?
27. What are three types of mass movement distinguished by their type of motion?
28. Click on the module and read the description about falls, what causes them and what happens when
they occur?
29. Click on the module and read the description about slides, what causes them and what happens when
they occur?
30. What is a flow and what causes them?
31. Click on the module and read the description about creep, what causes them and what happens when
they occur?
32. Click on the MODEL tab. Scroll through the description and read the ASSIGNMENT. Explore the
model and add something at the top, middle, and bottom of the slope. Click EARTHQUAKE and determine
if the area stayed the same or if everything crashed. Record your information below. Try three
different scenarios.
Scenarios
Item at Top
Item at
Item at
Stayed same
Middle
Bottom
or crash
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
Scenario 3
33. What items had to be placed at the top, middle, and bottom of the slope in order for everything to
stay place during an earthquake? (keep exploring the model if you haven’t determined the answer yet)
34. What about those items you listed in #33 made them good resisting factors?
Erosion Agent #2: Wind (www.classzone.com)
-
Choose your subject as “Science” in “High School” and choose “VA” as your state.
-
Under FIND A BOOK, click GO then choose EARTH SCIENCE. A book will appear; click on the link
“Go to Explore Earth Web site.”
-
You will see a web page, with the following title bars at the top “Investigations,” “Visualization,”
“Data Centers,” Earth News,” and “Resources”
-
Click on “Investigations” and Chapter 16 and choose “What controls the Shape and Motion of
Sand Dunes”
-
Answer the following questions below as you do the investigation. Click on the next button to get
through each section.
1. What do you think controls whether sand dunes will form or not? (this is a thinking question..)
2. Which of the images do you think shows sediments in motion? What is causing it to move?
3. What do you think accounts for the image shown on the right with the absence of sand dunes?
4. Why do you think dunes are forming against the hay bales but not in the open field?
5. Which of the images provided was taken in an area with abundant (a lot) of water? Explain
6. What are the 4 requirements for sand dunes to form?
a)
b)
c)
d)
7. What determines what type of sand dune will form?
8. What planets or moons have dunes on the?
Erosion Agent#3: Ice
Site One: http://nsidc.org/glaciers/story/
There are Tabs at the top of the page. Click on the given tab and answer the following questions:
TAB- A tour of the life of a glacier
1. Where can most of the world’s glaciers be found?
2. What type of climatic conditions are needed for glaciers to form?
3. What are the two main types of glaciers?
4. What is needed in order for glaciers to survive and grow?
TAB- The growing years
1. Put the following steps of glacier growth in correct order (1= first, and 4= last)
_____ falling snow accumulates over time
_____ snow turns into ice
______ snow falls
_______ begins to grow outwards and downwards under pressure
2. What is snow that survives one melt season called?
3. What causes snow and firn to be compressed into a mass of ice?
4. What color do some glaciers look like?
TAB- Moving forward
1. What causes a glacier to begin to move?
2. In which direction do valley (alpine) glaciers move?
3. In which direction do continental glaciers move?
4. What force causes a glacier to move by internal deformation?
5. What must be present for a glacier to slide?
6. In your own words, explain how crevasses are created?
7. How do glaciers impact their surrounding environment?
8. What objects can a glacier move as it travels outwards or downwards?
9. What does the glacier do with these objects as it moves?
10. What are 3 depositional features created by glacier activity?
TAB- In Retreat
1. How do glaciers retreat?
2. What needs to occur in order to have a “healthy glacier”?
3. What are 3 landforms created by glaciers that have retreated or disappeared?
4. What is one possible cause of glacier retreat?
Site Two: http://tinyurl.com/yjrxptf
Read the introduction and answer the following:
1. In your own words, explain how glaciers can change landscapes?
2. Name 2 continents that are still covered in glaciers today:
3. What formed the great lakes?
Click the OVERVIEW tab at the top of the module. Read through each section and click the arrows to
navigate through each module page
1. There are different types of glaciers, on the model select the different types of glaciers and in
your own words describe them (the model will show you what it looks like and the descriptions are
on the side bar) and list 2 interesting facts about them:
a) Cirque-definition:
Fact one:
Fact two:
b) Valley-definition:
Fact one:
Fact two:
c) Peidmont-definition:
Fact one:
Fact two:
d) Tidewater-definition:
Fact one:
Fact two:
e) Ice Cap-definition:
Fact one:
Fact two:
f) Ice Sheet-definition:
Fact one:
Fact two:
At the top, click the right arrow to get to module 2 “Anatomy of a Glacier”
1. Read through the different parts of a glacier and describe in your own words the following:
a) Accumulation zoneb) Ablation zonec) Sublimationd) Equilibrium linee) Terminusf) Calving-
At the top, click the right arrow to get to module 3 “Glacial Movement”
1. List and describe the two ways glacier move down slope due to gravity:
a)
b)
2. Scroll to the bottom of the information and click the right arrow to answer the following:
a) how fast can glaciers move?
b) what is a glacier surge?
c) what three factors affect the rate of glacial movement?
At the top, click the right arrow to get to module 4 “Glacial Erosion”
1. Read the information about how basal sliding can change the landscape, then click the move
glacier button 5 times to see how basal sliding occurs. Describe how basal sliding can affect
landscape:
2. What is glacial quarrying?
3. What is glacial abrasion?
At the top, click the right arrow to get to module 5 “Glacial Erosional Features” Select the different
features and read the information about each feature. Describe in your own words the following:
a) Striationsb) Cirquec) Arêted) Horne) Tarnf) U shaped valleyg) Hanging valley-
At the top, click the right arrow to get to module 6 “Glacial Sediment” Select the different features
and read the information about each feature. Describe in your own words the following:
a) Tillb) Erraticc) Outwashd) Loess-
At the top, click the right arrow to get to module 7 “Glacial Depositional Features” Select the different
features and read the information about each feature. Describe in your own words the following:
a) Lateral moraineb) Medial morainec) Terminal morained) Drumline) Esker-
Click the MODEL tab at the top of the module. Read through each section and click the arrows to
navigate through each module page
1. Use the controls on the model and determine which factor helps a glacier grow?
2. Use the controls on the model and determine which factor helps a glacier retreat?
Site Three: www.classzone.com
-
Choose your subject as “Science” in “High School” and choose “VA” as your state.
-
Under FIND A BOOK, click GO then choose EARTH SCIENCE. A book will appear; click on the link
“Go to Explore Earth Web site.”
-
You will see a web page, with the following title bars at the top “Investigations,” “Visualization,”
“Data Centers,” Earth News,” and “Resources”
-
Click on “Investigations” and Chapter 15 and choose “How fast do glaciers go?”
-
Answer the following questions below as you do the investigation. Click on the next button to get
through each section.
1. Valley glaciers have been called ______________________________.
2. How could you measure the speed at which a glacier will flow?
3. Predict which flags you would expect to move the farthest in one week? Circle one (center flags
or flags on the side)
4. Which flag moved the farthest?
5. Click on the image to play the animation. Using your brain, explain why you think the center of the
glacier moved faster than the side?
6. What is the highest flow rate observed on the Lambert Glacier? Which part is moving the
fastest (center or sides)?
7. Explain why measuring flow rate at just one point along a glacier is not a good indicator of its
overall flow rate?
At the top left of the page, click HOME. Click Visualizations. Click on Chapter 15 and answer the
following in each of the following sections:
Ch.15 Examine the Season Migration of Snow Cover
1. When are areas above snow ling covered with snow?
2. Click on the animation and try to answer the questions: during which month does Mr. Ranier have
the least amount of snow?
Ch.15 Observe the retreat of ice sheets from North America
1. Click on the animation to see the movement of a glacier across North America from 18,000 years
ago to the present. In which cardinal direction did the glacier flow across North America?
2. Are there any areas of North American that is still covered by the same glacier from 18,000
years ago?
Ch.15 Observe changes in earth’s orbit that contribute to climate change
1. What are thee characteristics of earth’s orbital motion cause changes in climate? And DEFINE
each:
a)
b)
c)
2. With precession, when is earth closest to the sun?
3. When is earth farthest from the sun?
4. How does earth’s closeness affect the seasons in the northern and southern hemisphere?
5. With increase in eccentricity of Earth’s orbit, what will happen to Earth’s temperature?
6. The tilt of earth’s axis has changed over time; to what degree does it change between?
7. If the tilt decreases, what affect will it have on Earth’s climate?
Site Four: http://phet.colorado.edu/new/simulations
Click on the GLACIER and then click “RUN NOW” and allow it to load.
** Turn off the snowfall effect by unclicking the box. Play with simulation for a few minutes. Grab the
bear and change viewpoints, try to make the glacier grow/shrink. Notice you have a full view of the
glacier above the screen and a zoomed in view at the bottom of the screen. If the glacier disappears hit
the “Reset All” button**
1. Looking at the toolbox, identify each tool AND describe what it can be used for to measure.
4. Equilibrium line: Turn on the equilibrium line by checking in the box next to it. This line indicates
the boundary where the freezing meets the melting of the glacier. Change some factors and describe
what happens to the equilibrium line and what happens to the glacier?
- When you set the temperature and snowfall; and hit the STEADY STATE button, what happens to the
glacier?
Predictions (base this on your prior knowledge)
1. If the average annual snowfall increases (m/yr), what will happen to the glacier?
2. If the temperature changed, describe the one thing that could change in the glacier.
3. If the temperature is decreased and the snowfall is increased…
a. Will the equilibrium line move up the mountain or down the mountain? Explain.
b. What will this do to the glacier? (advance or retreat) Explain.
c. What will happen to the glaciers thickness and length if the climate change as #3 describes?
I. Glacier Speed
Using the toolbox you will determine the speed of a glacier, and what parts of a glacier move faster than
others.
Drilling: Set the temperature and snowfall to an amount that creates a decent sized glacier.
-Press the “STEADY STATE” button and Pause the motion of the glacier.
-Drill several vertical holes through the glacier.
a. Draw a rough sketch of what the glacier looks like with the drill holes, before the glacier moves again.
Before movement:
b. Press play and allow the glacier to move, draw a sketch of the drill holes, as the glacier is moving.
After movement:
c. Explain why you think the drawing appears this way:
d. where does ice move the quickest? (top or bottom) and explain how you arrived at your answer
- To determine the speed of the glacier, two quantities are needed: distance and time.
-Pause the glacier to allow accurate measurements.
Measurement: Place a flag on the glacier at a known distance (Use the GPS to assist in this
measurement). Record the initial horizontal position f the flag and initial time in the table below.
A) Record the Position (distance in meters) Time (in years, can be found at bottom of screen):
-Initial Position ____________Initial Time_________
Click the play button and stop the simulation anytime just make sure it is before the flag runs off the
screen. Record the new information below:
-Final Position ____________Final Time___________
B) Calculate glacier speed
[Speed = (Change in position of final - initial) / (Change in time of final – initial)
Show calculations:
II. Glacier Observations Many features are present when a glacier advances or retreats on a mountain
slope. Answer the following questions about the features of the glacier valley.
1. What do you think the tiny black dots that move through the glacier represent?
2. Where did this material originate?
3. Where are the black dots deposited?
2. Make the glacier retreat up the mountain. What happens to all the material that is moved with the
glacier? Why is the stream curvy? (hint: make sure your steady state button is off to see the glacier in
real time)
3. Create the largest glacier possible and turn the time up to FAST.
a. Use the bear to change views, go towards the end of the glacier. What do you notice about the black dots?
b. Change the pace to SLOW and change the factors to make the glacier retreat. What happens to all the black
dots?
5. Press RESET ALL, and set the glacier back to its starting location. Make the glacier completely melt away. Once
this is done, increase the snowfall to maximum and decrease the temperature to its lowest point.
a. How many years will it take the glacier to return to its original position?
b. Could this occur in real life?
III. Glacier Budget
In this section you will observe how a glacier budget is determined and its meaning for the state of the glacier. A
Glacier Budget is a measurement of the rate by how much glacier will grow or retreat each year.
Create your own unique glacier.
1. Place three flags anywhere along your glacier (these will be Location A, B, and C). Using the green box (budgetmeter), place the meter on each location at your three locations and record the accumulation, ablation, and budget
(Glacier Budget = Accumulation – Ablation)at each point and list the information below.
A:
B:
C:
-What does this have to do with the equilibrium line?
2. Using the depth meter, determine the thickest/deepest section of your glacier at each point A, B, and C. Record
your depths below:
Depth of A:
Depth of B:
Depth of C:
Which section was the thickest? Why do you think this is?
Which section was the thinnest? Why do you think this is?
Agents of Erosion Review (use your notes, book, brain, and what you learned today to complete the
following tasks)
Task One: Place the following words into its correct categories. Write the WORD under the
correct agent of erosion.
Drumlin
rock fall
rock slide
Windward
Leeward
crest
Avalanche
mudflow
talus
ventifact
Agent Gravity
mass movement
striation
till
moraine
abrasion
cirque
esker
saltation
soil creep
suspension
horn
kettle lake
Agent Wind
Agent Ice
1.
5.
1.
5.
1.
5.
2.
6.
2.
6.
2.
6.
3.
7.
3.
7.
3.
7.
4.
8.
4.
4.
Task Two: Write an E if the feature is due to erosion or a D if it is a depositional feature
1. Till ________
6. Arête ______________
2. Moraine __________
7. Striation __________
3. Horn ___________
8. Erratic __________
4. Deflation _______
9. Ventifact _________
5. Sand Dune ______
10. Kettle Lake ________
Task Three: Question
1. In your own words, explain how humans are often considered to be a bigger erosional agent than
any of the natural agents (ex. Wind, Gravity, Ice).