Assignment 3(1)

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George Mason University *

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102

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Geography

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Dec 6, 2023

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Farid Samadli GGS 102 – Physical Geography Assignment 3 – Using the Scientific Method: Testing and relating your location to topics covered in class. Due March 29, 2023 at 11:59pm Assignment worth a total of 50 points, with each question noting the points associated with it. Please submit to Blackboard in .docx or .pdf format. 1. Looking back on Assignment 2 & the hypothesis you submitted – it helps to go back to your submission ? (Each part worth 5 points for a total of 10 points).  What could you do to test your hypothesis? What type of experiment would you design to test the hypothesis?  Comparison Research: 1. Choose distinct cliff faces at Les Calanques that have varied physical and geological characteristics. 2. Survey marine biodiversity for each segment to document species diversity and distribution. 3. To see if there is a relationship between the geological and physical characteristics of the cliffs and the richness of marine creatures, compare the species diversity in the various parts.  Managed Manipulation (this can be difficult in such a large ecosystem, but it can be somewhat simulated): 1. Determine whether parts of the cliff, aside from their physical structure and geological makeup, have comparable circumstances. 2. Try modifying the physical structure in a smaller, controlled region if at all feasible, for as by adding artificial substrates, and then track the distribution and variety of species over time.  Conversations with Historians: 1. To learn more about past observations and any identified changes in marine biodiversity, speak with fishermen, local people, and marine biologists. 2. If previous studies on the distribution and variety of marine organisms in connection to changes in geology and physical cliffs are available, review them.  What type(s) of data would you need/do you feel would be important? I think if I find any information regarding these aspects it would be the best way for me to analyze Les Calanques mineral content and kind of rock, steepness, ruggedness, and general topology of the cliffs, the existence of overhangs, cracks, and caverns, kind of substrate (e.g., muddy, rocky, or sandy), a list of the species seen in each area of the cliff, quantity of every species, the way that various species behave in respect to the cliffs, such as when they eat or reproduce, temperature, salinity, and pH.

Farid Samadli 2. Does the location in your photo suffer from moisture shortage or moisture oversupply? How can you tell? (Worth 3 points).  Rocky Terrain and Vegetation: Rocky cliffs and scant vegetation make up the majority of the environment. The vegetation type suggests that the plants are accustomed to living with little water.  Les Calanques is a coastal town close to the Mediterranean Sea. Summers are dry and winters are damp in the Mediterranean environment. Given the dry aspect of the flora, it is likely that the shot was taken during the drier time in the area.  The color and texture of the soil seem light when it is visible, and it seems to be made up of rocky and sandy components, which are typical of drier areas since they don't hold water effectively. These data suggest that, at least during some seasons of the year, there is a moisture deficit at the site shown in the picture. 3. Knowing the location of your photo, find out what the Koppen Climate Classification is for that area. Use your book – Figure 8.5 on pages 206-207 provides the classification needed for this question. (Worth 2 points). The Koppen Climate Classification of the area in my photo is _____CSA______. It means that Les Calanques has summers that are hot and dry, as well as mild and rainy winters. The letter "C" indicates a temperate climate, "s" stands for dry summer, and "a" indicates hot summers. 4. Using the Internet, find a climograph for the location in your photo, then copy and paste it into this assignment. Note: if the location is a small town or rural area, use the nearest larger town/location for your climograph. If you do a Google Search, click on the Image tab to obtain climographs, but pay attention to the location! (Worth 10 points). The left one is in European measurements and on the right is English.

Farid Samadli 5. What is a Milankovitch Cycle/what are its 3 components?  Milankovitch Cycle is… (Worth 3 points)  The cumulative impact of thousands of years' worth of shifts in Earth's motions on its climate is known as the Milankovitch Cycle. These cycles specifically define the cyclical variations in Earth's axial tilt and orbit around the Sun, which affect the amount and distribution of sunlight that Earth receives. The cyclical patterns of ice ages and other climatic shifts throughout geological time spans are thought to be caused by these fluctuations.  Component 1 is… (Worth 2 points)  Eccentricity: This describes how Earth's orbit around the Sun is shaped. Earth's orbit undergoes a nearly circular to slightly elliptical (oval-shaped) transition over a period of around 100,000 years. The difference in solar energy received between the point of closest approach to the Sun (perihelion) and the farthest point (aphelion) is larger in an elliptical orbit.  Component 2 is… (Worth 2 points)  Axial Tilt (or Obliquity): Earth's axis is inclined from perpendicular to its orbital plane, a phenomenon known as axial tilt, or obliquity. This tilt has a 41,000- year cycle with variations between 22.1° and 24.5°. The intensity of the seasons can be influenced by changes in axial tilt; larger tilts can result in more noticeable seasonal fluctuations.  Component 3 is (Worth 2 points)  Precession: is the term used to describe the slow shift, or "wobble," in the direction of Earth's rotating axis, akin to the wobbling of a spinning top as it slows down. The Earth's axial tilt shifts over a period of 26,000 years, affecting the dates of the solstices and equinoxes. Thus, throughout various phases of Earth's orbit, the hemisphere that gets the greatest solar radiation may shift. 6. How do you believe climate change is impacting your location keeping in mind that climate change is impacting the entire planet! (Worth 10 points.)  Temperature Rise: As a result of global climate change, the Mediterranean area has seen an increase in temperature, similar to many other regions of the world. This may have an impact on the region's distinctive flora and fauna, which might make it more difficult for local species to flourish.  Changes in Marine Ecosystems: The marine life in the seas of Les Calanques may be impacted by rising sea temperatures. This may cause shifts in the distribution of species, with some moving to colder seas and others becoming more prevalent in warmer regions.  Sea Level Rise: The melting of polar ice is a result of rising global temperatures. This may endanger the coastal regions of Les Calanques by accelerating erosion and perhaps having an adverse effect on nearby ecosystems.  Effect on Tourism: Les Calanques is a well-liked vacation spot. Extreme heat waves or a rise in wildfire frequency might discourage tourists, which would hurt the local economy.

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