RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT

WEATHERINGAND MASS WASTING

Due FEBRUARY 1, 2016

Answer the following questions in paragraph form. The standard format will apply (12 font, New Times Roman, double spaced, one-inch margin) printed out BEFORE you come to class. This was assigned on January 8 and is due on February 1, 2016. If you are absent on February 1 an electronic copy must be submitted no later than 3:48 on February 1. Please number your answers according to the question.

  1. Describe how thermal expansion and contraction mechanically weathers a rock mass. In general, where is this thermal gradient greatest (at the rock surface or interior)?
  1. Describe the role of water in chemical weathering. Give an example of a weathering-limited environment in the US with regard to water in chemical weathering.
  1. Describe how CO2 dissolved in water affects chemical weathering in limestone terrain. Give examples of sources for this CO2.
  1. Describe the process of hydrolysis and hydration. Describe the similarities and differences between the two.
  1. Describe the relationship between weathering and climate.

A few sources you may find helpful

3.Fundamentals of Physical Geography - Page 292 - Google Books Result

James Petersen, Dorothy Sack, Robert Gabler- 2010 - Science

4.Geomorphology: The Mechanics and Chemistry of Landscapes (page 168)

By Robert S. Anderson, Suzanne P. Anderson

Here is the link

Extra Credit (+3) – A picture attached to your paper of any type of mechanical and/or chemical weathering or mass wasting taking place around Ashburn. You must identify the type of weathering or mass wasting and the date and location of where you took the picture.

Format and References (4 points)
4points
Advanced Proficient:Paper is typed in the appropriate
  • font
  • size
  • double-spaced
  • one-inch margins
/ 3 points
Proficient: Paper is missing one of the items listed under Advanced Proficient.
  • Font
  • Size
  • Double-spaced
  • margins
/ 2 points
Intermediate: Paper is missing two of the items listed under Advanced Proficient.
  • Font size
  • Size
  • Double-spaced
  • margins
/ 1 point
Beginner: Paper is missing three of the items listed under Advanced Proficient.
  • Font size
  • Size
  • Double-spaced
  • margins

Content of the Answers (44 points)
44 points
Advanced Proficient:
Communication is clear, logical, easy to understand, and organized. Information covers the assigned questions at an in-depth, honors level of understanding. Main points are emphasized and are relevant to the question. / 39 points
Proficient:
Organization and clarity of communication is generally good. Few minor points are confusing and do not answer the questions completely. Content is generally good and follows the requirements given in the guidelines. / 30 points
Intermediate:
Organization and clarity of communication needs to be improved. Partially covers information in order to answer the questions. Some of the content is not honors level and is used as filler. / 24 points
Beginner:
Researched answers need improvement and is not acceptable for an honors level student. Majority of information is at a lower level and will not supplement information needed to understand weathering concepts at an honors level.
References (12 points)
12 points
Advanced Proficient: Paper has three (3) different sources formatted correctly. *sources already provided do not count as a source* / 8 points
Proficient: Paper has two (2) different sources formatted correctly. / 6 points
Intermediate: Paper has one (1) different source formatted correctly. / 0 points
Beginner: Paper has one or no sources. Source, if present, is cited incorrectly.
Grammar and Mechanics (15 points)
15 points
Advanced Proficient:Paper includes depth, reflection, and excellent articulation of the topic. Sentences are complete, grammatical, and flow together easily. Students wrote in the passive tense. / 10 points
Proficient: Communication generally includes depth and a clear sense of the topic. Few sentences have grammatical errors and do not flow together smoothly. Pronouns are used occasionally. / 8 points
Intermediate:Communication includes some depth and reflection. At times the paper does not flow. Several sentences are incomplete with grammatical errors. Pronouns are used multiple times throughout the paper. / 4 points
Beginner:Communication is unclear and the paper does not flow. There is no clear sense of the topic. Sentences are incomplete or run-ons that are written using pronouns.
TOTAL POINTS ______/ 75 75-68 = A 67-60 = B 59-53 = C 52-45 = D >44 = F
40% off total points for 1 block late 0 points if not turned in after one block