This week you will complete the mapping project for the atmosphere. This includes phenomena such as hurricanes, tornadoes, etc… Be sure that your chosen hazard is related to the atmosphere and not the hydrosphere or the lithosphere.
This assignment helps you meet the requirements for:
SLO 1: Demonstrate scientific literacy by analyzing and interpreting physical geography data (from the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere) and comprehending scientific methodology and its limitations.
SLO 2: Demonstrate global literacy and awareness by analysis and interpretation of the complex global patterns and processes of the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
SLO 3: Formulate geographic research questions and hypothesis to evaluate solutions to complex real world physical geography problems.
Overview
This week you will create and submit:
THREE Original DIGITAL MAPS (one map at a local, regional and global scale) that shows data on natural hazards in the atmosphere.
Three paragraphs written by you about the hazard you have mapped and description of the patterns seen on the maps.
Why maps?
Maps are something that we all use in our daily lives whether we are using Google Maps to divert our way around traffic, or trying to find a new restaurant with our in car navigation, or we are trying to follow a hand drawn map to get to a wedding reception.
For this project the maps you create must be original, that is you just didn’t search Google images for maps already created by other people. You will be creating maps of areas that you choose, using data you choose, and you will format it with a scale bar, north arrow, title, and paragraph caption that are all original.
What is a Physical Geography Hazard?
A Natural Hazard is any naturally occurring event that can have a negative effect on people or the environment. Examples include hurricanes floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tornado’s. These events are natural because they are a part of earths systems, but when they occur where people live, than they become a hazard to people. Find out more about hazards by checking out information from the USGS and the U.S.Federal Government.
Possible atmospheric hazard topics include (but are not limited to):
Lightning
Tornadoes
Hurricanes
Climate Change
To complete this project, follow these instructions:
Choose a free map maker from the list below and play around with the available data.
Pick an appropriate hazard from the list above.
Explore the mapping data provided in the links below to find an interesting pattern for your hazard. If no patterns emerge, then you may want to map a different data set or look in a different area (zoom in/out or focus on a different area)
Create 3 maps(one city scale, one state, one continental) showing the distribution of the hazard. Each map should be of the same hazard. If you choose lightning strikes, then all three maps should show the distribution of lightning strikes.
Capture an image of your completed map(or just a screen shot) and import it into a word processing program like Word or Pages where you can add a title, legend, any labels and a paragraph caption.
Write one paragraph(5 -10 sentences, college level writing) for each map explaining one or more of the following questions:
What is the pattern shown(Where does it occur or not occur)?
What process causes the pattern shown(Why does the hazard occur in some places and not others)
How dangerous is this hazard?
How could this hazard be managed?
Outside research should be conducted and cited
Submit all maps and paragraphs in a single file (PDF preferred)
This part of the project is basically asking you to create a series of thematic maps. Watch this short video which explains what thematic maps are and what they look like.
What is This Scale Thing?
A map which depicts a small territory is referred to as a large scale map. This is because the area of land being represented by the map has been scaled down less, or in other words, the scale is larger. A large scale map only shows a small area, but it shows it in great detail. A map depicting a large area, such as an entire country, is considered a small scale map. In order to show the entire country, the map must be scaled down until it is much smaller. A small scale map shows more territory, but it is less detailed.
The video below also explains large scale vs small scale
How will you make an original map set for each sphere?
In order to make a map you need a base map, and data. Choose one of the listed resources to create your map. Note: Some of the resources are more complicated than others. If you are having difficulty using the resource, you may want to try a different one.
National Map
National Geographic Map Maker
Google Earth (free download)
Weather Underground Mapper
ArcGIS Explorer (requires creating a free account) to get base maps and data
NOAA National Hazard Viewer
Historical Hurricane Tracker
Tornado History Project
Water Risk Atlas
Windyty
Video tutorial on how to Create your Own Original Map:
Map Set Examples:
Atmosphere Map Example
Hydrosphere Map Example
Lithosphere Map Example
Your Map Set Should
Be original, and cite all outside data and sources
Map the week’s sphere hazard at local (1 city or county), regional (1 state or small country) and global (the entire U.S., a continent, or the world) scales.
Contain a descriptive paragraph for each map (5-10 sentences, college level writing) which describes the hazard patterns, process and proposed solutions.
Contain a scale bar, north arrow, legend and descriptive title.
Be easy to see and read.
Here are some pointers to help you create your maps and start thinking about your Map Sets:
Your map needs to be original, meaning you created it using an online tool where you chose the data to be mapped, the area and zoom level. You should not use an existing (e.g., jpg, png, gif) image of a map that has already been created by someone else.
You need to do research to explain the patterns that you see. That is, you will need to discover the processes that create the map pattern. For example, if you see a line of volcanoes in the Pacific coast of Central America you will need to explain how the Cocos plate is subducting beneath the Caribbean plate in an oceanic-to-continental convergent plate boundary, how the sinking oceanic plate melts and rises, etc.
All the information that you use in the descriptive paragraphs needs to be properly cited. It is best if you have a separate reference section at the end of your map set. You also need to cite the source or sources of your maps.
Your maps need to have a scale bar, north arrow and descriptive title. In some tools such as the National Geographic Mapmaker, the scale bar shows up automatically. In others, you may need to draw it in. You may also need to draw in the north arrow. A descriptive title is one that describes the area covered by the map and its content. “Regional map” is not a descriptive title, “Volcanoes on the Pacific coast of Central America” is.
You need to describe the hazard patterns, process and proposed solutions. Describe the pattern you see in each map (e.g., Most tornadoes occur in the South and lower Midwest). Describe the process that causes this pattern (e.g, Clashes of cold and warm air masses, moist conditions, formation of thunderstorms, flat,open land, etc.). Describe proposed solutions (e.g., Practice a tornado drill, keep safety supplies, heed warnings, go to the basement, etc.). Again, you will need to do research and cite your sources.
There should only be one hazard or physical geography phenomena per map set. Do not use more than one layer in a map set. If your local map shows areas of landslide susceptibility, then your regional and continental/global map should also show areas of landslide susceptibility.
Make sure that each of your maps provides somewhat different information (different patterns and/or processes) so that you have something new to say for each of the different scales (zoom levels).
How will your project be graded?
The map and paragraph captions for each “sphere” will each be assessed based on simple rubric. You can find these rubrics in the submission areas for each. Please use them for reference.
How to Complete Your Assignment
Submit your work here in the CANVAS system as a .pdf file. If you do not know how yo create a pdf, see the announcement I posted about submitting assignments or use Google to find out how to make one using your preferred word processing program(this should not cost any money).
Directions to Submit
On the right hand Menu, you will see a SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT button with a white plus sign.
Click on the SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT button. Then click BROWSE to look for your file on your computer.
When done, click the SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT button.
