3D - Topography and Climate

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geological flats photo detail

Rationale:

Elevation above sea level is one of the key factors determining land use and land cover in any geographic region. Climate indicators such as temperature and precipitation are heavily influenced by elevation differences, and these conditions in turn affect the type of vegetation likely to predominate in a given area. Higher elevations receive greater annual snowfall and have shorter growing seasons. Land slope characteristics and regional relief are two additional topographic features that play major roles in land use decisions, especially regarding agriculture. Large plantations generally occupy low-lying flatlands, while smaller family farms are the rule in higher, hillier terrain. Elevations are almost always referenced to sea level and can be determined by standard ground surveying techniques as well as by satellite based global positioning systems (GPS). Mountains and other high points are easily recognized by travelers and are often used as landmarks for land and air navigation. Such dominant features are often named in honor of famous local or national personalities.

Themes

  • Elevation and Climate Patterns
  • Topography, Soils, and Agriculture
  • Surveying and Global Positioning Systems

Content Outline

  • Rationale
  • Performance Objectives
  • Assessment Rubrics
  • Newspaper Article
  • Study Area Description

Activity Titles

All activities include

  • Power Thinking Exercise
  • Materials
  • Performance Tasks
  • Enrichment
  1. Elevation Patterns and Landscapes
  2. Climate and Agriculture

3D Photo