Geosphere: Glaciers

It's almost impossible to get a sense of the power of glacial erosion without exploring landforms. This activity combines US Geological Service data, topographic maps, and linked images to help students make the connections.

Summary:

In the first part of this investigation students learn "What determines where glaciers are located?" This investigation focuses on the conditions under which glaciers are most likely to be found (i.e., temperature as a function of elevation and latitude). Looking at the conditions under which glaciers are formed helps students understand how climate have varied over time.

In Part two of the activity students investigate historic records of glacial movement during the last ice age and the view the resulting landscape of Glacier National Park.By examining the landforms of Glacier National Park, students see how important glaciers have been as an erosional agent in the past, and how glaciers fit in the larger cycle of global weathering and erosion.

(The activity is in four parts, and designed for 3-5 class periods)

This activity is available for download at the My World Activity Center. Click on the Activity Center link and look for the activity entitled:

"Glacier Activity"

Here's what you need:

• My World GIS

My World GIS is a Geographic Information System (GIS) designed by educators specifically for learning with a GIS--not about a GIS. It is a powerful mapping and analytical tool that provides visual representation of data in a geographic context.

PASCO offers a variety of licensing options for K-12 and University students.

See the product description and licensing options.