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?