Research & Summaries Question

THIS ASSIGNMENT SHOULD BE DONE TWICE AS IF TWO DIFFERENT STUDENTS WROTE THEM: (DO NOT WRITE THE QUESTION JUST ANSWER THEM!)

In this thought experiment, we are really going to have a thought experiment. Before beginning, do an internet search or ask AI and define the Anthropocene. 

Watch PBS Space Time- What if Humans are NOT Earth’s First Civilization

Questions:

Why did they propose the Silurian Hypothesis? What is the purpose of creating such a hypothesis? (you want to wait for the end of the video, not just take the answer in the beginning). 

What will our civilization look like in the future? What will happen to the proof of our civilization? What geophysical process is happening to cause this? 

Why is unlikely that we would have stumbled upon the physical remnants of a past civilization? Think about spatially and temporally and relate this to finding fossils of dinosaurs. 

1. Summarize how we trace geologic time with sedimentary rock
2. How big would our layer be in sedimentary rock?
3. List some specifics about how we (in the Anthropocene) are going to confuse future geologists and paleologists. 
4. How does the rise in temperature associated with atmospheric carbon influence the geologic record?
5. What is a hyperthermal and what triggers it?
6. What is an OAE- ocean anoxic event?
7. What are we (in the Anthropocene) doing that is hard to explain naturally?
8. What is the time scale paradox about searching the geologic record for ancient civilization? 
9. ASSIGNMENT 2 SHOULD ALSO BE DONE TWICE AS IF TWO STUDENTS WROTE THEM: (DO NOT WRITE THE QUESTIONS! JUST ANSWER THEM) 
10. Lesson 12: Ecosystems, Biomes, & Soils
11. Give definitions in your own words for the following biogeochemical cycles: The flow of energy, Carbon cycle, Nitrogen cycle, Oxygen cycle

Humans have extensively modified the biosphere. Your book has several examples or find an example online. Describe and explain a detrimental modification and what it means for the future of the land or species in 1 paragraph. 

Briefly define the 5 principal soil-forming factors.

What is soil order? Choose 1 of the 12 soil orders and describe its 2 characteristics and in what climate it can be found.

1. Lesson 13: Anthropogenic Effects, Geologic Time, & Climate Change

What are oxygen isotopes? What kind of information can scientists get from looking at isotopes?

1. What is Traditional Ecological Knowledge? What how does this relate to geography and climate change? 
2. Summarize climate change in a 2-3 paragraphs.
   How do we determine climates of the past?
   What are some causes of climate change?
   How do we model future climate change?
   Describe at least 1 feedback mechanism that would further increase global temperatures once a warming trend has started.

Lots of climate change information is all doom and gloom. Seems like we always hear about humans making a mess of the climate. Write 1 paragraph about some GOOD things that people are doing for the climate or find an example on the internet about adaption or mitigation and tell me about it.

1. ASSIGNMENT 3: ONLY DONE ONCE

Data Exercise: Survey Plan

You may either use Google Maps or a topo map to locate an area with no apparent sites or you may make up an imagined landscape to study. Your area should include changes in elevation, level areas and a water source.

1. Map, draw, or describe through writing the landscape you will be surveying. You have ten crew members. Map out how you will conduct a surface survey by drawing transects on the map or describing how you will be placing your transects.  Indicate how far apart your transects will be. Keep in mind probable site locations and crew endurance.  Should they walk up and down hillsides or follow the terrain? Where should they focus their transects? What were your reasons for placing transects where you did?  Are there areas where sites may have been missed or do you think your crew covered the area well?
2. To get full credit for this exercise:
3. Map or describe the landscape you wish to survey.

Indicate on your map or give a written QUESTION of how you will survey this area for sites.

Be specific about how far part, where, and in what direction your transects will go.

Explain why you decided to place your transects as you did and why you think this will help you find sites in the area.