Where Do You Feel Safer?

Web Quest

Introduction

Plate tectonics provides a framework for explaining the locations of volcanoes and earthquakes. In this exercise, you will explore the geologic settings and histories of two cities to understand how geologic hazards might affect them.

Task

You've just heard that the company you work for is reorganizing and that you will be transferred. You can choose to transfer to Seattle, Washington, or St. Louis, Missouri. Before making your decision, it might be a good idea to find out which place is at least risk from geologic hazards. Use the Web to research the hazards at each city and then synthesize your findings to decide where you would rather live. Your choice must be based on what you have discovered.

Resources and Process

1. Your decision about where to move should be based on the likelihood of natural disasters. You need to find the following information about each city.

· What is its tectonic setting?

· What is its geologic history?

· Has it experienced volcanism or seismic activity? If so, what were the sizes and dates of the events?

· Are other geologic hazards likely?

· What are the estimated risks associated with geologic activity? How are they determined?

· How well prepared is the city for an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or other hazard?

2. For information about geologic hazards, check these sites.

· United States Geological Survey (USGS) Volcano Hazards Program

· USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center (Earthquakes/Geomagnetic/Landslides)

· Natural Hazards Data from NOAA National Geophysical Data Center

3. For information about St. Louis, check these sites.

· St. Louis University Earthquake Center

· The Mississippi Valley—"Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On"

· Center for Earthquake Research and Information, University of Memphis

4. For information about Seattle, check these sites.

· USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory

· Pacific Northwest Seismic Network

· Mount Rainier: Living with Perilous Beauty

Learning Advice

· Did you use information from multiple sources?

· Did you cross-check the information that you found?

· Did you compare information from different sources?

Conclusion

· Which city is safer in terms of geologic hazards, St. Louis or Seattle? Explain your answer.

· Which city will be your new home?

Rubric for Web Quest

Poor (1 pt.) / Fair (2 pts.) / Good (3 pts.) / Exemplary (4 pts.)
Content / Does not address, for both cities, all four questions listed under "Resources and Process." Shows very little or no research done. / Partly addresses, for both cities, the four questions listed under "Resources and Process." Shows minimal research done. No synthesis of information from more than one source. / Good answers are given, for both cities, to all four questions listed under "Resources and Process." Synthesis of information from more than one source. / Excellent answers are given, for both cities, to all four questions listed under "Resources and Process." Outstanding synthesis of information from several sources.
Writing / Numerous errors in spelling and/or sentence structure make the assignment almost impossible to read. / Many errors in spelling and/or sentence structure. / Few errors in spelling and/or sentence structure. / Almost no errors in spelling and/or sentence structure.
Task / Explanation of which city was chosen refers minimally to information gathered. / Explanation of which city was chosen refers somewhat to information gathered. / Explanation of which city was chosen refers to most of the information gathered. / Explanation of which city was chosen refers extensively to the information gathered.