Use this page as a short cut to the links you'll need to complete the WebQuests found in An Explorer's Guide to the Earth System (EGES) by Ellen Metzger. These WebQuests require that you synthesize and apply information from several sources to answer a question or solve a problem. For more specific directions, refer to your EGES workbook. Good luck!
1. "Earth: The Just-Right Planet" (Module 1: Intro. to the Earth System)
Create a travel brochure that explains why Earth is the best planet to
visit.
A collection of some of the best images from NASA's planetary exploration program.
Exploring the Planets
The National Air and Space Museum's on-line gallery of planetary exploration.
The Nine Planets
A multimedia tour of the solar system by Bill Arnett.
Views of the Solar System
Calvin Hamilton's exploration of the Sun, planets, moons, comets, and asteroids using a vast array of photographs, text, graphics and video.
Windows to the Universe
A user-friendly guide to the solar system and beyond from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).
2. "Seattle or St. Louis?" (Module 2: Geosphere)
Research the natural hazards associated with each city and decide where you would rather live.
General Background:
This Dynamic Earth
This on-line booklet from the United States Geological Survey is an excellent source of basic information about the theory of plate tectonics and how it was developed.
Geologic Hazards:
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Volcanic Hazards Program
Lots of information about the nature, location, and effects of volcanic hazards. Discussion of the monitoring and prediction of volcanic eruptions.
USGS Geologic Hazards Team (Earthquakes/Geomagnetic/Land)
Global earthquake activity, earthquake science, and seismic hazard reduction. The site also features information about geomagnetism and landslides and interactive national seismic hazard maps.
Natural Hazards Data from NOAA's National Data Centers
Data and imagery for tropical cyclones, volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
For information about St Louis:
St. Louis University Earthquake Center
Seismic activity, past and present, in the New Madrid Seismic Zone of the central United States.
The Mississippi Valley - "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On"
A fact sheet from the United States Geological Survey about the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812 and actions being taken to reduce loss of life and property from future earthquakes in the central Mississippi Valley.
Center for Earthquake Research and Information, University of Memphis
An excellent source of information about earthquake basics and seismic activity in the central United States.
For information about Seattle:
USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory
Learn about volcanoes and volcanic hazards in the Cascades.
Pacific Northwest Earthquake information
Pacific Northwest earthquake activity and hazards from the Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network.
Mt. Rainier - Living with Perilous Beauty
Read about the "most dangerous volcano in the United States" and how an eruption might affect the Seattle area.
3. "El Nino News" (Module 3: Hydrosphere)
Prepare an article about El Nino for your campus newspaper.
4. Global Warming: Scientific Fact or a Lot of Hot Air? (Module 4: Atmosphere)
Write a letter to the President explaining why you think the United States should or should not support international treaties to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Background Information:
EPA's Global Warming Site
A comprehensive overview of global warming: its causes, impacts, and actions that can help reduce risks associated with climate change.
To find out about the believer's point of view see:
Warming of the Earth (Woods Hole Research Center):
"A beginner's guide to the issue of global warming". Includes a section entitled "What the Skeptics Don't Tell You".
Union of Concerned Scientists
A comprehensive scientific treatment of climate change with the theme "global warming is real and underway".
Environmental Defense Fund
"Explores the problem of global warming, its present and future ramifications, and its possible solutions". Also covers the Environmental Defense Fund's pursuit of international treaties on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
To find out about the skeptic's point of view see:
Instant Expert Guide from the Heartland Institute
This site focuses on uncertainties about global warming and the negative consequences of signing a global warming treaty.
Greening Earth Society: CO2 and Climate
"Our climate focus expresses scientific skepticism concerning the potential for catastrophic changes in climate due to humanity's emissions of CO2."
George Marshall Institute
Emphasis on uncertainties in temperature data and computer modules used to predict climate change.
5. "What Killed the Dinosaurs?" (Module 5: Cosmosphere)
Write a position paper defending the best hypothesis for why the dinosaurs went extinct.
Some Theories
A summary of possible explanations for the extinction of the dinosaurs.
The Extinction Files
A general overview of mass extinctions and their possible causes. Some pages have incorrect titles.
What Killed the Dinosaurs?
This site from the University of California Berkeley's Museum of Paleontology is filled with paleontological details that probably won't be in your paper, but are useful for evaluating extinction hypotheses.
Dinosaur Extinction
From Enchanted Learning. Fairly straightforward language, moderately thorough content. Also examine the other three main links at this page (short titles: K-T, Other, and Studying).
The Deccan Traps Volcanism-Greenhouse Extinction Theory
A site from Dewey McLean. Professor Emeritus in the Department of Geological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Much (but not all) of the science is fairly technical. The site includes an interesting description of the political aspects of the K-T extinctions debate.
