Earth and Space Science - 4th Grade Science

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Question

This map shows Fire Island, which is off the coast of Long Island, New York. Fire Island has been studied since the 1800s, and using ariel photos and historical maps, the United States Geological Survey has been tracking both long-term and short-term changes to the island. This map is focused on long-term changes and identifies coastal shoreline changes from 1830 to 2007.

Using the legend and provided map describe a pattern that can be identified.

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 8.47.28 am

Answer

This ariel photo shows Fire Island, and each colored line shows how the shore has been changed over time. One noticeable pattern is that the shoreline became more narrow over time. When looking at the legend, the red lines represent 1830, and the blue line represents 2007. It can be seen that over time the lines are pushing closer and closer to the shoreline, and by 2007 the line is midway on the existing island.

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Question

This is a map of different active volcanoes in California and their hazard levels and zones.

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 8.23.01 am

Based on the map provided, what pattern can be identified with the location of the volcanoes?

Answer

Maps are a tool used to not only find locations and directions to a specific place but also a way to find patterns about Earth's landforms. When looking at this legend, we can see that the red triangles represent the most hazardous volcanoes in the state. Most of the high to very high hazard level volcanoes are located in Northern California. This pattern can be recognized based on the information from this map.

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Question

Maps can be used to identify patterns. Is there a pattern related to volcanoes that produce ash in amounts of two inches or higher? If so, what is the trend?

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 8.23.01 am

Answer

Maps are an excellent tool for finding your way when lost but also for finding patterns. Many times certain areas have similar characteristics or landforms, and a map provides a visual representation of these patterns. The map provided shows the location of volcanoes in California, their hazard level, and what the areas around them may experience. A trend that emerges when looking at this map is that volcanoes with a higher hazard rating are more likely to produce ash in amounts of two inches or higher. Of the four volcanoes circled, three of them are high to very high hazard levels. This indicates a pattern.

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Question

This map shows Fire Island, which is off the coast of Long Island, New York. Fire Island has been studied since the 1800s, and using ariel photos and historical maps, the United States Geological Survey has been tracking both long-term and short-term changes to the island. This map is focused on long-term changes and identifies coastal shoreline changes from 1830 to 2007. Crews have been working to restore part of the island, use the island as a barrier to protect landforms behind it, and create safe conditions for tourists.

Using the legend and provided map describe a pattern that can be identified.

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 10.26.29 am

Answer

Maps are an excellent tool for identifying patterns in Earth's landforms. This map uses colored lines to show how the coast has changed on Fire Island over time. Starting with the red line, which represents 1830, the island was very short; it is extended in 1870, again in 1933, and so on. In 2007 the blue line showed how much longer the shoreline has become over the years. Scientists and environmental groups have been working to restore Fire Island and extend the shore for years. By dredging and redepositing the sand as well as building barriers and drainage, they have been able to extend Fire Island and help protect it.

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Question

Below are maps of Dauphin Island which is off the coast of Alabama. The maps are models to show what would happen if the island faces less frequent and less intense tropical storms, moderate frequency and moderate-intensity storms, and more frequent and more intense storms. What pattern can be described after viewing these maps?

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Less frequent and less intense storms

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Moderate frequency and moderate-intensity storms

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More frequent and more intense storms

Answer

These maps are a great visual representation of what storms do to our barrier islands. Dauphin island is slowly being eroded daily by wind and waves, but intense tropical storms accelerate that damage. From the first map to the third map, a pattern can be identified. The island is eroded when faced with tropical storms. As the storms become more frequent and intense erosion is accelerated, and large pieces of the island are gone. The overall depth of the landform is also reduced due to severe, frequent storms.

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Question

There are 169 potentially active volcanoes in the United States. This map indicates the location of these volcanoes using multi-colored triangles. The different colors indicate levels of concern based on data from scientists observing them.

Screen shot 2020 08 28 at 10.58.06 am

Based on the map, what pattern can be determined about the volcanoes' location?

Source: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/index.html

Answer

This map provides precise data in the form of a visual image about the location of volcanoes in the United States. The volcanoes are primarily located near the Pacific Ocean. The Western United States, Alaska, and Hawaii are the central locations of volcanoes and volcanic activity. This happens to be part of the "Ring of Fire," and these areas also experience higher rates of earthquake activity than other parts of the world.

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Question

There are 169 potentially active volcanoes in the United States. This map indicates the location of these volcanoes using multi-colored triangles. The different colors indicate levels of concern based on data from scientists observing them.

Screen shot 2020 08 28 at 11.09.08 am

Based on this map, which state is most likely to experience volcanic activity?

Source: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/index.html

Answer

This map provides a visual representation of locations with volcanoes in the United States. When reviewing the map, a pattern emerges, Oregon is a state with a high concentration of volcanoes. Based on the four states provided in the answer choices, it is most likely that Oregon would experience volcanic activity due to the high number of active volcanoes.

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Question

The two maps below display important information used to keep people safe. The first map is of the United States and its volcanic activity. Each triangle represents an active volcano being monitored by scientists.

Screen shot 2020 08 28 at 10.58.06 am

Source: https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/volcano-hazards

The second map highlights what is known as the "Ring of Fire." The areas highlighted in red are zones of frequent earthquakes. The blue lines represent deep oceanic trenches.

Screen shot 2020 08 28 at 10.54.17 am

Source: https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/ring-fire

What pattern can be identified using both graphs?

Answer

These two maps can be compared to find patterns in Earth's features. The areas highlighted in red on the "Ring of Fire" map represent high concentrations of earthquake activity. When looking at the map of volcanic locations in the United States, one may notice that the fall along the same line or path as the "Ring of Fire." This indicates a pattern in the area. Places located within the "Ring of Fire" are more likely to receive earthquakes and have volcanic activity.

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Question

Below are maps of Dauphin Island which is off the coast of Alabama. The maps are models to show what would happen if the island faces less frequent and less intense tropical storms, moderate frequency and moderate-intensity storms, and more frequent and more intense storms. After analyzing the three maps, which frequency and intensity of storms would lead to the LEAST amount of erosion and destruction?

Screen shot 2020 08 28 at 11.32.20 am

Answer

These maps are a great visual representation of what storms do to our barrier islands. Dauphin Island is slowly being eroded daily by wind and waves, but intense tropical storms accelerate that damage. From the first map to the third map, a pattern can be identified. The island is eroded when faced with tropical storms. As the storms become more frequent and intense erosion is accelerated, and large pieces of the island are gone. The overall depth of the landform is also reduced due to severe, frequent storms.

Therefore, less frequent and less intense tropical storms would lead the LEAST amount of erosion and destruction to the islands.

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Question

A map of the tectonic plates of the Earth showing the different boundary types in different colors. In red are the areas where the tectonic plates collide. These areas are known as convergent boundaries. In yellow are the divergent boundaries, or places where the plates are spreading. If the plates slide past one another they are highlighted in orange.

Screen shot 2020 08 28 at 11.43.09 am

Source: The National Park Service

What pattern can be determined from this map?

Answer

This map provides a lot of information in a small space. Breaking apart the visual and determining what patterns are present can help readers understand what is happening in different parts of the world. This map shows an overlap between yellow dots (earthquake activity) and the convergent boundaries. Putting this information together, we can determine that along the convergent boundaries is where most earthquake activity is focused.

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Question

Which solution to reduce the impacts of an earthquake would be beneficial to the MOST people?

Answer

All of these solutions would mitigate the effect of an earthquake on residents in areas that are prone to natural disasters. Still, only one would be beneficial to a large population. Creating building codes that require all new construction and existing buildings to be built to a high safety standard will help save lives and reduce damage. These building codes have regulations that companies must follow to ensure they are stable and safe.

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Question

Tsunamis are severe oceanic storms that cause extreme devastation. They are a series of waves that can be miles long, up to 100 feet high, and can travel at 400 miles per hour. They are caused by significant and sudden disturbances of the sea’s surface. Volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes can trigger a tsunami. A massive wall of water will wash ashore, and there is very little time or warning for those who live in the communities nearby. The series of waves can last for hours, and massive flooding adds to the problem. If you find yourself in a tsunami, get to high ground, keep calm, do not drive, and follow instructions from local officials.

Melissa says that the best solution for reducing the impact tsunamis have on a city is to build a ten-foot wall around the city. Maggie thinks they should give all the residents boats so they can row away after the roads are flooded. Natalie says they should create a siren that goes off when there is a chance of a tsunami so people can evacuate. Brian thinks that each resident should build an emergency supply bag to keep in their car.

When comparing the four different solutions, which is the most reasonable and would have the most benefit to the residents?

Answer

Tsunamis are a deadly natural hazard and very unpredictable storms. All of the friends came up with ideas to try and reduce the impact a tsunami would have on a town, but only one is the most reasonable and would benefit the majority of residents. A siren to warn residents a tsunami may be approaching would be an excellent early detection system. If residents hear the siren wherever they may be in town, they can get to higher ground or evacuate before the storm arrives. Many people are caught by surprise and are on low grounds or even at the beach when the tsunamis approach so this would be a real life-saver.

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Question

Tsunamis are severe oceanic storms that cause extreme devastation. They are a series of waves that can be miles long, up to 100 feet high, and can travel at 400 miles per hour. They are caused by significant and sudden disturbances of the sea’s surface. Volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes can trigger a tsunami. A massive wall of water will wash ashore, and there is very little time or warning for those who live in the communities nearby. The series of waves can last for hours, and massive flooding adds to the problem. If you find yourself in a tsunami, get to high ground, keep calm, do not drive, and follow instructions from local officials.

Kaitlyn says that the best solution for reducing the impact tsunamis have on a city is to build a ten-foot wall around the city. Angie thinks they should send out warnings on all of the local television stations when a storm may be approaching. Jeff says they should create a siren that goes off when there is a chance of a tsunami so people can evacuate. Donald thinks that each resident should move to the lowest part of their house and hide.

When comparing the four different solutions, which would be the LEAST helpful to the residents?

Answer

Tsunamis are a deadly natural hazard and very unpredictable storms. All of the friends came up with ideas to try and reduce the impact a tsunami would have on a town, and not all of them would be the best, but Donald's plan would be the least helpful to residents. Donald's idea would be dangerous and put many peoples' lives at risk. A siren to warn residents a tsunami may be approaching would be an excellent early detection system. If residents hear the siren wherever they may be in town, they can get to higher ground or evacuate before the storm arrives. Warnings across the television stations would allow people to get prepared for an incoming wave. Building a ten-foot wall wouldn't do much against a 100-foot wave, but it would not put people at risk like Donald's plan.

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Question

The state of Hawaii wants to invest money in protecting residents and communities from volcanoes. Which solution would be the most beneficial to residents and reduce the impact of a volcanic eruption?

Answer

Volcanoes are a deadly natural hazard and can be unpredictable. If a volcano erupts, having better footage of the lava, smoke, and ash will do nothing at the moment to protect residents or their property. Lava would run right through, and under a fence, so it would not protect anyone from the volcano. Understanding the aftermath of a volcanic eruption is very important, but it does not address the issues with the explosion itself. Improving the monitoring systems would give people more time to evacuate or prepare, find a safe place, and would let scientists know the signs to look for future eruptions.

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Question

The state of Hawaii wants to invest money in protecting residents and communities from volcanoes. Which solution would be the LEAST beneficial to residents and reduce the impact of a volcanic eruption?

Answer

Volcanoes are a deadly natural hazard and can be unpredictable. Improving the monitoring systems would give people more time to evacuate or prepare, find a safe place, and would let scientists know the signs to look for future eruptions. A warning device or siren would give advanced notice to residents so they would be aware of the eruption before or as soon as it happens rather than it being too late. Building further away from volcanoes would be a smart investment for future construction, so there is a reduced chance of damage to the new buildings. Lava would run right through, and under a fence, so it would not protect anyone from the volcano. Building a fence would be the least beneficial investment.

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Question

Which solution to reduce the impacts of an earthquake would be beneficial to the LEAST amount of people?

Answer

All of these solutions would mitigate the effect of an earthquake on residents in areas that are prone to natural disasters. But, they would NOT be beneficial to a large population. Creating building codes that require all new construction and existing buildings to be built to a high safety standard will help save lives and reduce damage. These building codes have regulations that companies must follow to ensure they are stable and safe. The safety features should not just be in new homes or homes that cost over $1 million; this eliminates those who are living in less expensive homes or homes that were built previously. Only evacuating people over 80 years of age also narrows down the group of people receiving help drastically and leaves out a large piece of the population. None of these choices would be the best option to help large groups of people.

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Question

Tsunamis are severe oceanic storms that cause extreme devastation. They are a series of waves that can be miles long, up to 100 feet high, and can travel at 400 miles per hour. They are caused by significant and sudden disturbances of the sea’s surface. Volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes can trigger a tsunami. A massive wall of water will wash ashore, and there is very little time or warning for those who live in the communities nearby. The series of waves can last for hours, and massive flooding adds to the problem. If you find yourself in a tsunami, get to high ground, keep calm, do not drive, and follow instructions from local officials.

Melissa says that the best solution for reducing the impact tsunamis have on a city is to build a ten-foot wall around the city. Maggie thinks they should give all the residents boats so they can row away after the roads are flooded. Natalie says they should create a siren that goes off when there is a chance of a tsunami so people can evacuate. Brian thinks that each resident should build an emergency supply bag to keep in their car.

When comparing the four different solutions, which would most likely be the most expensive?

Answer

Tsunamis are a deadly natural hazard and very unpredictable storms. All of the friends came up with ideas to try and reduce the impact a tsunami would have on a town, but one would most likely be very expensive and impractical for a city. Melissa's idea of building a ten-foot-tall wall around the entire town would be too time-consuming, expensive, and labor-intensive. It would not be a practical solution.

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Question

The state of Florida wants to invest money in protecting residents and communities from hurricanes. Which solution would be the LEAST beneficial to residents and reduce the impact of a hurricane?

Answer

Hurricanes are a deadly natural hazard and can be unpredictable. If a hurricane hits Florida, the storm will move directly past the beach barriers and continue moving inland. The barriers will not stop the wind, rain, or storm surge. This idea would be the LEAST beneficial to the community and would have no reduction in the impact of the storm.

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Question

True or False: There are no ways to reduce the impacts of Earth's processes on communities and the residents.

Answer

The statement in the question is false. There are many ways that we can reduce the impacts of Earth's processes on our residents and communities. Warning systems, research, emergency preparedness kits, and plans, code enforcements for storms on new construction, and evacuation plans are just a few of the methods we currently use.

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Question

Students at Bowers Elementary are looking for inexpensive ways to reduce erosion around their local river. Which student's idea would be the most practical and least expensive?

  • Aaliyah thinks the town should build a dam upriver and control the flow of water.
  • Sean wants to plant trees and vegetation along the riverbank.
  • Wayne thinks that installing concrete barriers along the river.

Answer

Sean's idea to plant new trees and vegetation is not only the least expensive and most practical but a common practice. Tree roots hold the dirt in place and can help the banks of the river from being washed away and sliding down into the current. The other ideas are expensive and not practical.

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