Unit 1, Module 2
Formative Assessments #1:
Plate tectonic-scale observations of global variability in coastlines using Google Earth
Students are required to use Google Earth to fly to two different, predetermined locations and answer a series of 5 different questions for each location. These questions require the students to make observations about each of the indicated coastlines in the context of plate tectonic setting. Specific questions are provided to guide the students in their observations. The questions are designed also to introduce concepts that are covered in more detail later in module 2 and in module 3. Students will demonstrate that they can make large-scale observations about an array of different coastlines across a range of plate tectonic settings to further develop an appreciation for the global variability of coastlines.
Formative Assessment #1 Part 1.
Question / 1A. Describe the fundamental morphologic differences between the sub aerial (above sea level) landforms of the western and eastern United States within 500 km of the land-water boundary? Hint: Is the topography the same for each side of the United States within this 500 km zone? Explain the differences if there are differences. / 2A. Explain what large-scale process is likely contributing toward the differences in topography that you notice. Hint: What are the tectonic differences between each margin. / 3A. If you were to place each coastal margin into the plate tectonic classification scheme for coasts which categories would each fit into? / 4A. The lighter shading of blue on the edge of the continents indicates the shallow water continental shelves compared to the darker blue coloration beyond the shelves that is used to show the deeper water of the center of the oceans. What difference(s) do you notice between the North American continental shelf of the western margin and the eastern margin? / 5A. On the basis of the reading you have done for plate tectonic classification of coasts provide some ideas as to why you think there are differences between the western and eastern continental shelf? Hint: What processes can act to extend a continental shelf seaward through time.4 points / Thorough answer describing the morphologies of each location. / Thorough answer describing the reason for the differences. / Thorough answer describing the correct categories with rational. / Thorough answer describing the correct differences and provides rational. / Thorough answer describing several reasons for why these differences exist.
3 points / Recognizes one difference, does not make additional observations but answer is complete and thorough. / Recognizes contributing process but does not use correct terminology. / Recognizes the correct categories but does not use correct terminology. / Describes the correct differences and provides rational but not thorough. / Recognizes reasons but does not articulate the ideas well.
2 points / Very brief answer with little thought and/or no accuracy. / Very brief answer with little thought/accuracy or appropriate terminology / Very brief answer with little thought and/or no accuracy or appropriate terminology / Very brief answer with little thought and/or no accuracy or appropriate terminology / Recognizes differences but does not articulate and is brief.
1 point / Does not recognize any fundamental differences. / Does not recognize contributing process. / Very brief answer with little thought and/or no accuracy. / Very brief answer with little thought and/or no accuracy. / Very brief answer with little thought.
0 points / No answer. / No answer. / No answer. / No answer. / No answer.
Formative Assessment #1 Part 2.
Question / 1B. What type of plate tectonic classification is most suitable for the eastern and western margin of this part of Africa? Note that each margin faces a spreading center. / 2B. Using the measuring tool in Google Earth (measuring stick icon on the top tool bar) measure the linear distance across the continental shelf on the western margin (shelf is the light blue area adjacent to the land) at the latitude of the Tropic of Capricorn. Assume that the seaward edge of the shelf here is at approximately 13 º 00’ 00” E. Provide your answer in kilometers. Is the edge of the shelf here very pronounced or appear to have a gradual gradient into the deeper ocean. Note you will have to zoom in a bit to see the shelf and shelf edge more clearly. / 3B. Describe what happens to the continental shelf width to between the Tropic of Capricorn and S 17º 00’ 00” along the eastern margin of southern Africa? / 4B. What are two processes that could explain the differences in the continental shelf that you have observed between the two latitudes of the previous question? / 5B. Move over to the western margin of southern Africa at the latitude of the Tropic of Capricorn. Zoom into an eye altitude of 300 km and examine the shape of the coastline and the land area along the coast between the Tropic of Capricorn and S 24º 15’ 00”. What do you think is the dominant subaerial environment within 50 km of the coastline? Consequently what type of sediment do you think is most common along this section of the African coastline? Does the configuration of the shoreline suggest that this is an erosional or depositional coast?4 points / Recognizes correct type of tectonic classification and provides detailed, reasons and rationales for the classification. / Provides at least two observations with thorough descriptions of each. / Recognizes fundamental differences and provides detailed description and observations. / Recognizes at least two processes that could be controlling the morphology and provides detailed explanations. / Answers all questions with detailed responses.
3 points / Recognizes correct type of tectonic classification but provides brief rationales. / Provides at least two observations with brief descriptions of each. / Recognizes fundamental differences but provides brief/weak description and observations. / Recognizes at least two processes that could be controlling the morphology but provides brief and limited explanations. / Answers all questions with brief or incomplete responses.
2 points / Recognizes correct type of tectonic classification but provides very weak rationales. / Provides on observation with brief descriptions of each. / Recognizes only 1 fundamental difference but provides detailed description and observations. / Recognizes only one processes that could be controlling the morphology but provides brief and limited explanation. / Answers some of the questions with brief or incomplete responses.
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1 point / Recognizes incorrect type of tectonic classification and weak rationales. / Answer is inaccurate or poorly constructed / Answer is inaccurate or poorly constructed / Very brief answer with little thought and/or no accuracy. / Answers one of the questions with brief or incomplete responses.
0 points / No answer. / No answer. / No answer. / No answer. / No answer.