WEATHERING and EROSION PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT

Due Date: March 7, 2016

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of weathering and erosion in your environment.

Procedure: You must take pictures which illustrate different types of mechanical weathering, chemical weathering, and erosion, then print, label, and describe each picture.

Presentation:

Option #1: Photos are mounted on a poster board with labels and typed descriptions.

Option #2: Photos are glued onto pieces of paper with labels and typed descriptions, and they are then compiled in a portfolio and bound with a plastic or paper report cover. A title page must be included.

Requirements:

1) Include at least one photo per type of weathering/erosion (more than one is okay). Each picture must clearly show the natural effects of weathering or erosion on rocks (no constructions sites, asphalt roads, cement sidewalks, etc.). You MUST have 8 out of the 10 following examples:

1. Abrasion caused by water. Look for smooth rounded rocks in in streams or rivers. See page 299, Figure 2 for an example and explanation.

2. Abrasion caused by gravity. Look for jagged rocks at the bottom of a cliff or hillside. See page 299, Figure 2 for an example and explanation.

3. Chemical weathering. Look for moss growing on rocks that have changed color, or rocks that are orangish in color. See page 303 for an example, or look up “chemical weathering rocks”

4. Differential weathering. Look for rocks where softer rock has washed away leaving harder rocks behind. See page 304 or look up images of “differential weathering”.

5. Weathering caused by plant growth. Look for places where the roots of trees have broken thorough rocks. See page 300, figure 3 for an example and detailed explanation.

6. Weathering caused by animals. Look for places where insects or animals have burrowed into the ground contributing to weathering. See page 300, Figure 4 for examples.

7. Soil erosion caused by water. Look for places where flowing water has transported large amounts of soil. See pages 315, Figure 2 and 366 for an examples.

8. Abrasion caused by wind. You’re looking for rocks that have been shaped by particles of sand over time. Look up images of “ventifacts” or see page 299, Figure 2 for an example.

9. Coastal landform created by wave erosion. There are several possibilities. Include no more than three of these examples. See pages 334 – 335, Figure 4 for possible examples.

10. Erosion caused by glaciers. You will not find examples of this close to Los Angeles, but look for this if you’re traveling to Yosemite or Alaska. Examples on page 345.

**Extra Credit**

Include ALL 10 of the examples above OR do something creative (e.g. write a poem or story). Maximum extra credit allowed is 10%.

2) Each photo must be labeled (above, below, or next to the photograph) with:

· Type of weathering/erosion

· Date picture was taken

· Location

3) Each photo must also include a description (one to four sentences) that clearly and thoroughly explains how or why the picture demonstrates the type of weathering shown in the photograph.

4) You must be in the photograph in order to receive full credit. This is to prevent students from cutting and pasting photos from the internet. If you would like to have close up shots of the weathering/erosion, you may take one wide shot with you in the picture, and one close-up shot without you in the picture, and include both on your project.

Resources:

Information for possible photo locations can be found at the following websites:

http://www.latrails.com/sfvl.html

http://www.localhikes.com/MSA/MSA_4472.asp

http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-san-fernando-california

Additionally, information about close day hikes can also be found by purchasing or checking out the following book from the public library: Best Easy Day Hikes San Fernando Valley, by Deke Williams

Layout:

Grading Rubric

Criteria / ------Point Value------ / Points Awarded
Unacceptable / Satisfactory / Excellent
Neatness & turning in rubric / Project is not neat or rubric not turned in.
0-2 points / Project is adequately neat and rubric is turned in.
3-4 points / Project is exceptionally neat and rubric turned in.
5 points
Labeling / Few photographs contain a label with the correct type of weathering or erosion, date, and location.
0-2 points / Most photographs contain a label with the correct type of weathering or erosion, date, and location. Label is separate from explanation.
3-4 points / ALL photographs contain a label with the correct type of weathering or erosion, date, and location. Label is separate from explanation.
5 points
Explanation / Student did not provide clear explanation that describes how or why the picture demonstrates the type of weathering shown in the photograph.
0-5 points / Student provided a clear and accurate explanation that somewhat explains how or why the picture demonstrates the type of weathering shown in the photograph.
6-9 points / Student provided clear, accurate and detailed explanation that thoroughly explains how or why the picture demonstrates the type of weathering shown in the photograph.
10 points
Photography / Photographs do not clearly show erosion /weathering, student not in photograph, or no photographs turned in.
0-5 points / Photographs mostly show erosion or weathering. Student is in photo.
6-9 points / Photographs clearly show erosion or weathering. Student is in photo.
10 points
Total Score/Grade: /

**Questions? Concerns? Please email, call, or stop by room 107 and speak to Ms. Diana!!**