Shaping Earth’s Surface: Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition -- Imaging the World

Overview of “Minerals and Rocks”

The Earth System is too large and, for some components, invisible to observe, so people have created amazing systems to describe it. Among the earliest and simplest of these models are maps. As part of this Session, you will learn more about various types of maps, including digital maps. With development of computers and satellites, electronic imagery has become widely available. Some familiar examples of these include weather satellite and radar images commonly seen on television.

We will also consider important concepts about the forces that shape Earth’s surface and ways in which these can be represented, especially topographic maps and remote sensing techniques. LDEO scientists currently conduct little research about such surface processes, but utilize these concepts as applicable to the problems they do investigate, such as estuary changes.

In the educational technology portion of this class, we will examine some Internet-based resources that depict various aspects of the Earth System. These include the American Meteorological Society "Water in the Earth System" course web page www.ametsoc.org/amsed/WES. Among some of government Internet resources are NASA (www.nasa.gov), U.S. Geological Survey www.usgs.gov and Environmental Protection Administration www.epa.gov.

1. Pertinent reading:
Spaulding & Namowitz, Heath Earth Science, ch. 7 – 12.

1. Weathering (ch. 8)
2. Erosion and deposition by running water (ch. 10)
3. Erosion and deposition by glaciers (ch. 11)
4. Erosion and deposition by coastal processes (ch. 12)
5. Underground water (ch. 9)
6. Maps (ch. 7)

2. Pertinent E2C Workshops
We have enjoyed several Workshops dealing with presentations pertient to this Session’s Theme. They include:

Imagery:

• “IRI and the Climate Groups’ Data Library”—Benno Blumenthal (Sep. 2000)
• “Imaging the World” –Benno Blumenthal (Sep. 2001)

Remote Sensing:

• “Using Satellite Data to Map the Sea Surface and Sea Floors”—Christopher Small (Apr. 2000)
• “Remote Sensing of Our Planet”—Christopher Small (Apr. 2002)
• “Overview of Remote Sensing Techniques”—Christopher Small (Oct. 2002)

Global Data Bases:

• “Introduction to CIESIN”—Alex deSherbinin (Sep. 2000)
• "Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) Data Resources"—Joseph Schumacher (Mar. 2002)

You can learn much about these concepts by exploring some of the resources available in these archived Sessions. They are of particular interest when taken in conjunction with the textbook readings.

3. Key General Concepts

Models, maps and globes

Remote sensing

Weathering, erosion, and deposition

4. Questions about the Key Concepts (These are to be answered and submitted.)

1. What are some advantages and disadvantages of topographic maps?
2. What are some advantages and disadvantages of aerial photography?
3. Make simple drawings to represent polar-orbiting and geostationary (geosynchronous) satellite orbits.
4. Make simplified drawings to illustrate “passive” and “active” observation systems from satellites.
5. Use the topographic map of your area to find the elevation of your school and home. What are some other important features shown on this map?
6. Find some digital maps of your area and describe what you can find through these.
7. Describe some examples from your local environment of physical and chemical weathering processes.
8. Use the "Surface Your Watershed" web site to learn more about your local water resources.
9. What are some types of evidence that the New York metropolitan area has been shaped by glacial processes.
10. What are some examples of weathering, erosion, and deposition on your school grounds?

5. Educational Technology

1. Open The AMS “Water in the Earth System” web site, www.ametsoc.org/amsedu/WES. Scroll down to see the image providing links to the components of the site: Earth System, Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Terrestrial. Explore what types of resources are available in each section. Give two examples of how you might utilize such resources with your students.

2. NASA pioneered technologies for observing our planet from space. On www.nasa.gov, there are literally millions of images that you can use to help your students understand ore about their world. Find some of the Education-related web pages, and give two examples of how you might incorporate what is available here with your lesson units.

3. Land and water features are among the areas of responsibility for the U.S. Geological Survey. Use either links though the WES page or www.usgs.gov to explore some of their available resources. Find some of the Education-related web pages, and give two examples of how you might incorporate what is available here with your lesson units.

4. The quality of our ecological surroundings is among the areas of responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency. They have much available through www.epa.gov. Find some of the Education-related web pages, and give two examples of how you might incorporate what is available here with your lesson units.

6. DLESE review

Open www.dlese.org. Follow the appropriate prompts to locate at least two web sites dealing with imaging. Send the URLs as part of your course submission materials. If possible, provide feedback to DLESE using the Community Review System.

7. Planning for Your Course

1. Identify representative state science education standards pertinent to this session’s theme.

2. Describe one activity in which students might utilize information or data available through the resources you used for this session.

Optional Opportunity
"The Real Classroom Is Outdoors—Get into It!" was the message of a 1960’s poster. Consider making digital images of geoscience features in the vicinity of your school and using them for a PowerPoint. They may include the materials used in your building, sidewalks, curbs, streets, statues, outcrops, etc. Don’t forget to “Look Up!” Cloud images enhance student learning.