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ASSIGNMENT #2 – CRUSTAL DEFORMATION, EARTHQUAKES, MOUNTAIN
BUILDING, RIVERS, GROUNDWATER, AND SHORELINES
DUE DATE: WEDNESDAY JULY 24TH, 2013 @ 11:55 PM
A. Introduction:
This writing assignment involves the research, analysis, and writing on geologic topics covered in
the second half of this course. The topics include Crustal Deformation and Structural Geology
(Chapter 10), Earthquakes and Earth’s Interior (Chapters 11 and 12), Mountain Building at Plate
Boundaries (Chapters 13 and 14), Mass Wasting and Running Water (Chapters 15 and 16),
Groundwater (Chapter 17), and Shorelines (Chapter 20). The following parts of this document
includes information on what topics to address, where to go for research information, how to
assemble your research paper, and where and how to submit it.
B. Research Topics:
This assignment has six written components (topic reflections) that you must complete:
Topic #1 - Structural Geology and Crustal Deformation
Topic #2 – Mountain Building Events at the Plate Boundaries
Topic #3 - Earthquakes and the Earth’s Interior
Topic #4 - Mass Wasting and Running Water Systems
Topic #5 – Groundwater Systems
Topic #6 – Shorelines
C. Assignment Resources:
First off, the course textbook is your primary source of information for completing this
assignment, and for the other assignments that follow. Note that the textbook comes with a very
useful CD-ROM that will be very helpful, especially for visually-oriented learners. Secondly, you
have access to the professor’s lecture outlines and PowerPoint presentations, which compliment
the textbook and CD-ROM very nicely. Thirdly, there is a very educational online Geology video
series, entitled “Earth Revealed”, which includes 26 half-hour streaming videos of all the geology
topics that you will study in this course. Lastly, additional Internet links are listed that could be
helpful. Together, these learning resources will provide you with more than enough information to
successfully complete this assignment. Finally, if for some reason you cannot find the information
that you need, you can always contact me, and I will point you in the right direction.
Chapter 10 is an introduction to structural geology, which focuses on crustal deformational
forces, processes, rock structures, and the means to interpret past deformational events, as
recorded in the rock record. Crust-deforming forces (stress) and the results of deforming rock
(strain) are examined. The various types of deformed rock structures are classified, described and
explained, including folds and faults.
Chapter 11 covers Earthquakes and Active Faulting exclusively. The basics of seismology are
laid out, which includes the explanation for how earthquakes form. Fault stresses and motion
along active faults are described. The major types of seismic waves, including the body and
surface waves are introduced, classified and explained. This chapter explains how earthquakes
are located and measured using seismometers, including finding an earthquake’s epicenter and its
magnitude. Earthquake hazards are outlined and described. Earthquake prediction is also
touched on.
Chapter 12 examines the interior structure and composition of earth, which is primarily gleaned
from how seismic waves travel through the earth. The various boundaries and layers inside earth
are listed and described, including the crust, mantle and core.
Chapters 13 and 14 are more in-depth studies of two principle aspects of the plate tectonic theory
– divergent and convergent plate boundaries and the crustal-building processes that occur in those
regions. Chapter 13 covers divergent plate boundaries, where the formation of seafloors along
active mid-ocean ridge mountain chains, and the rifting apart of continents take place. Chapter 14
covers convergent plate boundaries, where both, the formation of continental crust over subduction
systems, and the accretion of crustal terranes occur. Continental collision zone mountain building
also occurs along convergent plate boundaries. The origin and evolution of continents are also
addressed in this chapter.
Chapter 15 covers gravity-driven mass wasting processes and its role in landform development.
The categories and triggering mechanisms of mass wasting are listed and explained, including
slumps, rockslides, debris flows and earthflows. Less obvious forms of mass wasting, like creep,
solifluction and submarine landslides are also covered.
Chapter 16 covers the study of running fresh water moving over Earth’s surface, namely rivers
and streams. The scientific study of Earth’s fresh water, termed hydrology, examines how water
moves through the Earth’s hydrologic cycle, the various processes related to water’s movements,
phase changes, and affects on geology, weather, climate, and society. The primary focus here is
on the nature of how rivers and streams operate over the landscape, their nature and affects on
the geology they flow over, particularly in respect to their exceptionally powerful erosional powers
and flooding hazards. Additionally, rivers and streams are tremendously valuable as for both, fresh
water and hydropower.
Chapter 17 covers the study of running fresh water moving beneath the Earth’s surface, called
groundwater. Also part of hydrology, groundwater is a very important resource, which is currently
overexploited in many regions of the world as a readily available water source for agriculture,
drinking water and industrial needs. Groundwater is captured by pumping it out of the ground.
Many groundwater aquifers are also becoming contaminated by human-made pollutants. The
scientific study of aquifers is crucial for monitoring, mitigating, and conserving groundwater
resources. Groundwater hydrology is fast becoming one of the most sought after job in geology.
Chapter 20 covers shorelines. The various types of features and processes occurring along
shorelines are described and explained. Features found along coastlines are described and
illustrated, such as beaches, rocky shorelines, sea bluffs, estuaries and coral reefs. Numerous
important coastal processes are also examined – they include breaking waves, wave refraction,
tides, longshore and rip currents, coastal erosion and deposition, river input, biological activities,
and sea level changes. Finally, a new force that is presently at work changing shorelines – for
better or worse - is humans.
Below are selectively chosen websites that will help compliment the textbook information:
1) Textbook CD material and textbook resource website:
URL: http://wps.prenhall.com/esm_tarbuck_earth_9
2) Professor’s lecture notes and PowerPoint presentations.
URL: http://www.terrasonics.com/costa_online_con.html
3) “Earth Revealed” videos #’s 7 through 24.
URL: http://www.learner.org/resources/series78.html#
4) Recommended websites for (Topic #1) for both, additional clarification and information
on structural geology and mountain building at plate boundaries
URL1: http://www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/students/almanza/earthsc.htm
Good, simple review of folds and faults
URL2: http://www.appstate.edu/~marshallst/GLY1101/lectures/11-Deformation.pdf -Excellent comprehensive coverage of crustal deformation and mountain building
5) Recommended websites for (Topic #2):both, additional clarification and information on
earthquakes and fault dynamics:
URL1: http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/earthq1/- USGS publication on Earthquakes –
URL 2: http://www.crustal.ucsb.edu/ics/outreach/understanding/ - a USCB website –
Good overview for understanding earthquakes
URL 3: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ - The United States Geological Survey’s main
earthquake website – Up-to-date maps of recent earthquakes worldwide
URL 4: http://www.sciencecourseware.org/eec/Earthquake/- Create and analyze your
own virtual earthquake – online interactive program
6) Recommended websites for (Topic #3)::both, additional clarification and information on
mountain building at plate tectonic boundaries
URL1: http://www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/students/almanza/earthsc.htm
Good, simple review of folds and faults
URL2: http://www.appstate.edu/~marshallst/GLY1101/lectures/11-Deformation.pdf -Excellent comprehensive coverage of crustal deformation and mountain building
URL3: Geological Mountain Building Models
- Mountain Building Models
URL4: http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/geotour/- Virtual fieldtrips to the of California
7) Recommended websites for (Topic #4) both, additional clarification and information on
rivers, streams, lakes, and flooding:
URL1: http://www.sciencecourseware.org/VirtualRiver/index.html - “Virtual River”
interactive online activities – Really helps in understanding rivers
URL2: http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/flooding/index.shtml General information on flooding –
URL3: http://www.noaa.gov/floods.html - Good source of information on rivers and
flooding -
8) Recommended websites for (Topics #5) both, additional clarification and information on
groundwater:
URL1:
http://www.vnrc.org/filemanager/filedownload/php493dnT/The_Science_Behind_GW.
pdf - An excellent reference to all aspects of groundwater - VNRC site
URL2: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/mearthgw.html - Good source of groundwaterrelated topics and concerns – USGS site
10) Recommended websites for (Topic #6) information on shoreline features, processes, and
dynamics.
URL1: http://oceansjsu.com/105d/exped_circulation/23.html
URL2: http://www.uwsp.edu/geO/faculty/ozsvath/lectures/Shorelines.htm
11) Recommended websites for (Topic #6) information on the various aspects of human impact
on shoreline systems and climate change.
URL1: http://www.uwsp.edu/geO/faculty/ozsvath/lectures/Shorelines.htm
URL2: http://www.beachapedia.org/Shoreline_Structures - Artificial Shoreline Structures
URL3: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Climate_Change/Science/Conveyor.asp
D. Ten-Point Instructions:
1) Review the six assignment #2 topics, including the set of questions (a-e) listed
for each topic. Keep these questions in mind when you begin your assigned
textbook reading for this half of the course.
2) Carefully read and study Chapters 10 through 17, plus Chapter 20 in your textbook. Also
study the professor’s lecture notes and PowerPoint presentations (found on his website) that
corresponds to the above chapters. Finally check the listed internet links for additional
information. Use all these sources to help you gather and organize the necessary information
asked for in the assignment topic list.
3) When you have finished your study, begin composing a statement of your thoughts
concerning the list of questions a) though e) for each of the six topics (a detailed explanation of
the topics is found in Part C below).
4) Make sure to organize your paper into the SIX SEPARATE TOPIC responses – each topic
divided into each lettered subsection, e.g. Topic #1: parts a), b), c), d) and e). - Please
include the stated questions as listed below at the beginning of each response. For an
excellent example of a properly formatted and completed assignment, go to the professor’s
website at
http://www.geoscirocks.com/geology_assignment_example.htm
5) MAKE SURE to include References to ALL your responses for each topic, including
specific headings, page numbers, illustrations, and diagrams in the text. At the end of your set
of a) through e) topic responses, list the references that you used to gather your included
information. Here are some examples: 1) if you used the textbook, then list your reference as
“Course textbook, pages xx-xxx”; 2) if you used information from the professor’s website
material, then an example listing would be “www.oceansci.com, Plate Tectonics Lecture
Outline”; 3) if you used information that I directly gave you via email or a fieldtrip then
reference that as “Rector, personal communication”; and 4) Finally, if you use information
from an Internet site, then list the URL, such as:
“http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/dynamic.html”
6) I am looking for well-written, thoughtful, thorough, yet concise responses that adequately
address each noted topic. Your written response should be roughly 10 to 18 pages in length
(1 ½ spacing; roughly 2500-4000 words) for the entire assignment - including my topic
titles and posed questions. Note that I am more concerned with a too-short of paper than I
am of a paper that is over-length – if it’s longer than the above listed max – don’t worry about
it. It’s probably best to draft your response in your word processing program (saving it
frequently). That way, you can check the spelling and grammar, and make sure that you
express yourself clearly. Please take note: I will take off points for sloppy, inadequately
researched, and poorly written assignments, including spelling and grammar.
7) Once you've written and edited your research assignment, then you can save it as
ASSIGN_2_YOUR NAME. Note that it helps me greatly in grading your response if you
include your name in the title of your assignment document file.
I prefer that you save it as a WORD .doc file, but, .wps or .rtf files are “OK” too if you do not
use MS WORD. Also note that using symbols such as “/”, “#” or “\” in your file name will
cause uploading problems. Thank you!
8) Upload your completed research assignment as an ATTACHMENT with the
above file name. To submit your assignment, go to Assignment Center and
click on the “Assignment #2” link. Once on that page, scroll down to beneath
the “Submission:” text box. There you will see a button labeled "Add Attachments". Click on
that button and wait for an upload window to appear, titled “Get Files”. Then click on the icon
with the name “My Computer”. There you will be able to access your computer folders and
files for your assignment file. Find the file, click the “Open” button, and your assignment file will
automatically upload onto Blackboard. You will know if the upload was successful because
you will see your file name link appended above the “Add Attachments” button. DO NOT
submit your file by pasting your assignment as a block of text into the “Submissions:” text box
found directly above the “Add Attachments” button – pasted-in assignments will not be
accepted. As a final note, please make sure to include your name in the title of your
assignment word-doc file.
9) You must do your own work – NO plagiarism will be tolerated, either from the
textbook or online sources, nor sharing work with classmates. It is OK to point
your fellow student in the right direction on where to get information, but is not
OK to share your actual response information. My plagiarism policy is found in
the Class Start Info folder - read and understand it very carefully. Note that I
use plagiarism detection software like “Turnitin.com” and “Eve2” on the
assignments that you turn in to me. Any evidence that you plagiarized will result
in a big, fat ZERO on your assignment.
10) This assignment is worth 120 points (10 points for each topic). Below are
the SIX topics and the mandatory information that you must include for full credit:
E. The Six Topics You Must Write Responses To:
Topic I. – Crustal Deformation: Stresses, Strain, and Structure (5 points per subtopic – 20 total)
A) Provide a concise, yet brief, description of crustal stress and strain, including the following:
1) What is crustal stress and how/why does it generally develop in the crust?
2) Name the three general types of regional crustal stresses.
3) Name the dominant stress type for each of the three plate boundaries.
4) What is crustal strain (deformation) and how/why does it generally develop in the
crust?
5) Name the common types of crustal strain (deformation) that form in stressed rocks.
B) Describe how a specific type of crustal stress produces specific types of strain (deformation).
1) What sorts of deformation structures are produced by tensional stresses?
2) What sorts of deformation structures are produced by compressional stresses?
3) What sorts of deformation structures are produced by lateral shearing stresses?
4) For each of the above cases, make reference as to whether that scenario would
produce: a) crustal thickening+shortening, b) thinning+extension, or c) neither
(only translation).
C) List and describe all the major types of folds
1) List, describe, and explain the origin for the two major types of crustal folds
2) When describing folds, be sure to describe the difference between the horizontal and
plunging variations of the two basic fold types.
3) For each of the above cases, make reference as to whether that scenario would
produce: a) crustal thickening+shortening, b) thinning+extension, or c) neither
(only translation).
D) List and describe all the major types of crustal faults.
1) List, describe, and explain the origin for the two major types of faults: dip and strike slip
2) When describing the two basic types of faults, be sure to list and describe the
difference between normal, reverse, and thrust faults; between right- and left-lateral
fault variations of the two basic fault types.
3) For each of the above cases, make reference as to whether that scenario would
produce: a) crustal thickening+shortening, b) thinning+extension, or c) neither
(only translation).
Topic II. – Earthquakes: Where & Why? Effects, Hazards, Uses (4 points per subtopic – 20 total)
A) Provide a concise, yet brief, definition of an earthquake and related faulting dynamics,
including the following:
1) What is an earthquake exactly?
2) How are earthquakes related to faults?
3) Define focus, epicenter, and seismic waves.
4) Where do most earthquakes occur worldwide, in terms of the tectonic plates?
B) Describe and explain the basics of the Elastic Rebound Theory.
1) The relationship between stress and strain.
2) The release mechanism of stored strain energy.
3) The 4-step process that culminates in the release of strain energy.
4) Provide a practical example of this 4-step process.
C) Make concise, step-by-step instructions of how to determine the epicenter of an earthquake.
1) How many seismic recording stations needed?
2) What sort of seismic data needed?
3) What do you do with the seismic data?
4) Where and how do you plot the data?
5) How does the plotted data pinpoint the epicenter?
D) Describe in detail a major historic earthquake event that you find the most interesting.
1) When, where, and how big was this earthquake exactly?
2) What was the plate tectonic setting for this earthquake?
3) What were the major natural hazards associated with this earthquake?
4) What sorts of damage and casualties were the result of this earthquake?
E) Describe and explain how propagating seismic waves are used to image Earth’s interior.
1) Describe and explain the difference in behavior between the P- and S-waves through
the earth’s interior.
2) What characteristics of the propagating seismic waves tells seismologists about the
nature of earth’s interior, in terms of internal boundaries and layer composition?
3) How do we know that the earth’s outer core must be a liquid?
4) How are we able to image the crust mantle boundary with seismic waves?
Topic III. – Describe in Detail Two Specific Mountain Building Regions That You Find Most
Interesting - One from a Divergent Plate Boundary and One From a Convergent
Plate Boundary (10 points for each section – 20 total)
A) Provide a concise overview description and explanation of the mountain-building event (your
choice) for a divergent plate boundary, including the following:
1) Chose a specific site, e.g. Mid Atlantic Ridge, East Pacific Rise, or East African Rift
2 Describe specific divergent plate tectonic setting: – seafloor spreading or continental rift?
3) Note which tectonic plates (by name) were involved in the mountain building event.
4) Predominant type of regional crustal stresses
5) Describe the geographic character of the mountain range: How long, wide, tall?
6) Describe the geologic character of the mountain range: Volcanism? Faulting? Folding?
7) Major sorts of volcanism. Be specific about which types of volcanism and magma.
8) Major sorts of regional deformation features, such as folds and faults. Be specific
about which types of faults are found.
9) Note the span of geologic time it was actively deforming/building.
10) Any other significant geologic or tectonic features or events
B) Provide a concise overview description and explanation of the mountain-building event (your
choice) for a convergent plate boundary, including the following:
1) Chose a specific site, e.g. Andes, Alps, Sierra Nevada, Aleutians, or Himalaya as choices.
2) Describe specific convergent plate tectonic setting: – ocean-ocean or ocean-continental
subduction, or continent-continent collision?
3) Note which tectonic plates (by name) were involved in the mountain building event.
4) Predominant type of regional crustal stresses
5) Describe the geographic character of the mountain range: How long, wide, tall?
6) Describe the geologic character of the mountain range: Volcanism? Faulting? Folding?
7) Major sorts of volcanism. Be specific about which types of volcanism and magma.
8) Major sorts of regional deformation features, such as folds and faults. Be specific
about which types of faults are found.
10) Note the span of geologic time it was actively deforming/building.
11) Any other significant geologic or tectonic features or events
Topic IV. – Describe a River System and Explain Its Behavior (5 points per subtopic – 20 total)
A) Provide concise, yet brief, DEFINITIONS for stream gradient, discharge, and load capacity –
including the following:
1) How does stream gradient and channel area affect a stream’s discharge capacity?
2) How does stream gradient and channel bottom characteristics affect a stream’s erosion
power and load capacity?
3) What are the different types of river loads?
B) Go to the following website page and complete the VIRTUAL RIVER DISCHARGE ACTIVITY:
URL: http://www.sciencecourseware.org/VirtualRiver/Files/page01a.html
1) Peruse the various pages and study the material, answer questions, and solve problems.
2) When you have successfully completed the activity, you will receive a certificate of
completion.
3) Save the certificate image as a picture file – You must do this so that you can insert of
attach it to your assignment
C) Provide concise, yet brief, definitions and discussions for flood, channel capacity, and
floodplain – including the following:
1) What is a flood exactly and why do floods occur? – Explain in terms of discharge and
channel capacity.
2) What is a floodplain, and how does it relate to the stream channel?
3) What is a “hundred year flood”?
4) What types of hazards are associated with flooding?
d) Go to the following website page and complete the VIRTUAL RIVER FLOODING ACTIVITY:
URL: http://www.sciencecourseware.org/VirtualRiver/Flooding/index.html
1) Peruse the various pages and study the material, answer questions, and solve problems.
2) When you have successfully completed the activity, you will receive a certificate of
completion.
3) Save the certificate image as a picture file – You must do this so that you can insert of
attach it to your assignment
Topic V. – Describe a Groundwater System and Explain Its Behavior (5 points per subtopic – 20 total)
A) Give Definitions and Explanations for the following components of a groundwater system:
1) What is an aquifer?
2) What is an aquatard or aquaclude?
3) How does the permeability and porosity of an aquifer relate to its discharge (flow rate)?
4) Describe the difference between a good and bad aquifer.
5) What causes groundwater to flow?
6) What is a water table and how might it change seasonally?
7) How does a water table relate to natural springs, rivers, and lakes?
B) Give Definitions and Explanations for the following components of a groundwater well system:
1) What is the difference between a normal water well and an artesian water well?
2) What is groundwater recharge, and where does it come from?
3) How does a water table relate to a water well and its hydraulic head?
4) What is well drawdown and the cone of depression, and why does it happen?
5) What are the solutions to well drawdown and the cone of depression?
C) List and describe the threats to the QUANTITY of groundwater in our nation’s aquifers.
1) List at least THREE different major threats.
2) Describe each threat in some detail – how its originates, and how it affects the amount of
groundwater.
3) Note where each these specific threats are most pronounced in the United States.
D) List and describe the threats to the QUALITY of groundwater in our nation’s aquifers.
1) List at least THREE different major threats.
2) Describe each threat in some detail – how each originates in the groundwater, and what
are its harmful effects.
3) Note where each these specific threats are most pronounced in the United States.
4) List some ways that you think might minimize or remove each of these specific threats.
Topic VI. - Describe a Shoreline System and Explain Its Behavior (5 points per subtopic – 20 total)
A) Give Definitions and Explanations for the components and material sources of a beach:
1) What is a beach exactly? It’s make-up; Spatial extent – where it starts and ends?
2) Define backshore, berm, foreshore, and nearshore.
3) What are the major significant sources of beach sediment?
4) How does the source sediment get from the source to the beach?
B) Give Definitions and Explanations for the dynamic movement of sand of a beach:
1) What is a longshore current? What causes a longshore current?
2) What is a longshore drift? What causes the longshore drift?
3) Explain how the longshore current and its drift affect the beach system.
4) Describe the seasonal changes that a beach undergoes in terms of a "summer" beach
profile versus a "winter" beach profile
5) Where does beach material permanently leaves the littoral system?
C) List, describe, and explain the major types of structures erected by humans along shorelines.
1) List at least four (4) general types of structures.
2) Explain the basic intentional function of each of the four shoreline structures
3) List some of the negative unintentional outcomes from each type of shoreline structure.
D) Discuss how river dams and bluff face seawalls affect the sand supply to the local beaches.
- BE SURE to include discussion on the following:
1) Sediment source disruption
2) The movement of sediment in and out of the beach system
3) Overall long-term beach sand budget in affected shorelines
E) Discuss how climate change could impact the world's shorelines.
- BE SURE to include discussion on the following:
1) Discussion how changes to sea level could impact shoreline.
2) Discuss how changes in weather/climate might affect a shoreline.
3) Voice your own opinion on how shoreline communities might address the issues of
global warming in terms of dealing with the consequences of rising sea levels.