physical science

Earth Science and Natural Hazards

Step 1- read/review the following:

• "Alfred Wegener" Article under Instructor Insights. The article is also available at: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/history/wegener.html
• Steps of the Scientific Method (Week 1)

Step 2- Respond to the following:

• Explain briefly  Wegener's Theory of Continental Drift 
• Discuss the steps of the Scientific Method that Wegener followed in developing his theory
• Was he able to follow ALL the steps of the Scientific Method? Why? Why not? Which ones (if any) did he forgo?
• What was the response of the scientific community to Wegener's theory originally? Why do you think scientists responded as they did?
• How long did it take for this theory to become accepted?
• What was required for full acceptance of Continental Drift?

Step 3- Independent research

Go to the “USGS Hazards” website under the Natural Hazards terms section of the Science Corner. You can also access the website at http://www.usgs.gov/natural_hazards/. Choose one of the following hazards:

• Earthquake
• Landslide
• Flood

Discuss the following:

• What are the key factors that influence the risk of this particular hazard?
• Analyze how human activity elevates the risk of this hazard occurring
• What strategies can humans take to minimize damage and loss of life due to this hazard?