Part A Local Geology 15 Parts A, B, And C Should Be Submitte

Part A Local Geology 15parts A B And Cshould Be Submitted As Asi

Part A. Local Geology (15%) Parts A, B, and C should be submitted as a single document. Discuss and describe, in paragraph form, the geology of your region and location “Bowie Maryland” (state and local area, or country and local area - if you are overseas). Make sure you address all the following topics in geologic relation to your region: • Location (absolute – latitude & longitude – and – relative location in relation to global or national setting) • Tectonic plate setting and motion, including the nearest plate boundary location and type • Bedrock and surface material • Terrain or topography description (plains, hills, mountains, coastal, desert, etc.) • Significant and unique geological features • Geologic hazards • Glacial influences - past or present • Mineral and energy resources • Drainage basin and groundwater (regional scale) • Water quantity and quality (local scale – city, neighborhood, and home) This section will require you to do some local and regional geological research. You may use materials from the course e-Resources and Webliography, and any Internet sources, including the USGS, state geological offices (or natural resources departments – see Webliography for a state list), scientific organizations, and local government offices, but all sources must be cited in proper APA-style at the end of Part A. Feel free to use graphics (esp. maps, diagrams, photos, satellite images, etc) where appropriate to support your descriptions of the local geology. Do not just list or cut-and-paste as the study must be in paragraph style and in your own words. Part B. Volanoes (5%) Refer to the course e-Resources, the course Webliography, and geologic research sources from the Internet to complete this section. Sources must be listed in proper APA-style citations, at the end of Part B. Choose three volcanoes – one composite volcano, one shield volcano, and one caldera – and complete the data requested in the matrix below (Note: only the first line is included here), or another form may be substituted (e.g. Excel). Then write a paragraph or two on only one volcano from the matrix, describing: (1) Plate tectonic setting and common igneous rocks found there, (2) Eruptive history of the volcano, including the last eruption or volcanic activity, and (3) Potential for future eruptions, with a general description of the population distribution within the volcano’s hazard zone. Feel free to use graphics (maps, diagrams, photos, satellite images, etc.) where appropriate to support your descriptions and discussion. Volcano or Volcanic Range Name Location Elevation Type of Volcano: Composite Shield or Caldera Eruption Status: Active Dormant or Extinct Main Hazards. Part C. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE, GLACIERS, AND SEA LEVEL (10%) Refer to your course e-Resources, course Webliography, and the Internet to complete this part of the Final Exam. Check the Webliography carefully for doing research on climate change, glaciers, sea ice, and sea level change. Your research sources must be listed with proper APA-style citations at the end of Part C. Choose three glaciers - two alpine glaciers (also called mountain or valley glaciers) and one ice sheet - and complete the matrix (only the first line is included here so you will need to add more lines) below, but another form may be substituted (e.g. Excel). Then write a short essay on: (1) the connections between global climate change and glaciers, (2) climate change and sea level change, and (3) glaciers and sea level change. Make sure you give geologic location examples. Then answer (4) why glaciers are one of the best forms of evidence for climate change? Feel free to use graphics (graphs, maps, diagrams, photos, satellite images, etc.) where appropriate to support your descriptions and discussion. Make sure you give specific geologic example locations in each of the four topics covered. Glacier or Ice Cap Name Location Ice Elevation Range Type of Glacier: Alpine Glacier or Ice Sheet Status of Ice: Advancing Stable or Retreating Approximate Length and Thickness of the ice

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The geology of Bowie, Maryland, offers an intriguing insight into regional geological history and present-day hazards. Situated in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Bowie lies within a complex tectonic setting influenced by the overlapping Atlantic and North American plates. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its position on the Coastal Plain contribute substantially to its geological character. This paper explores Bowie’s absolute and relative location, tectonic plate interactions, bedrock and surface material, terrain features, geological hazards, glacial influences, mineral and energy resources, drainage and groundwater systems, as well as water quality at the local level.

Location and Tectonic Setting

Bowie is located at approximately 38.94°N latitude and 76.73°W longitude. Relative to the broader North American continent, it is situated in the eastern part of Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coast. The region is primarily influenced by passive continental margin tectonics, with no nearby active plate boundaries. However, the Appalachian Orogenic Belt, part of past convergent plate activity, has historically shaped the area's geological features. Presently, the region experiences minimal tectonic activity but is susceptible to seismic hazards associated with distant plate interactions and inherited fault systems.

Bedrock and Surface Material

The region's bedrock largely consists of sedimentary formations, primarily consisting of the sedimentary deposits deposited during the Paleozoic era, such as sandstone, shale, and limestone. The surface material is predominantly unconsolidated Quaternary sediments, including clay, silt, and sand, overlaying the older bedrock. These surface materials support the region's fertile soil and are remnants of historic fluvial, coastal, and deltaic processes.

Topography and Geological Features

Bowie’s topography is characterized by gently rolling plains with some low hills, typical of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The landscape is relatively flat with occasional small valleys, and the proximity to Chesapeake Bay influences local drainage patterns. The region lacks significant mountain ranges but features notable geological deposits such as former delta channels and estuarine environments, alongside features like the Patuxent River floodplain. Unique geological features include localized karst formations and early evidence of glacial influence during the Pleistocene.

Geologic Hazards and Glacial Influences

The main geological hazards include flooding, especially during storm surges from hurricanes or nor’easters, and occasional seismic activity linked to distant plate movements. Past glacial influences during the Pleistocene period have left behind glacial till and shaped the regional landforms, contributing to the flat terrain and fertile soils. Evidence of glacial influence can be seen in the sediment deposits and the many moraines present in the broader Maryland region, although Bowie itself was not directly glaciated.

Mineral and Energy Resources

The region has limited mineral resources but is known for its clay, gravel, and sand deposits used in construction and agriculture. The area's energy resources are primarily fossil fuels, with some historical interest in natural gas and oil prospects, though resource extraction remains limited.

Drainage Basin and Groundwater

Bowie lies within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with numerous streams contributing to bay health. Regional groundwater is chiefly supplied by confined and unconfined aquifers, including the Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system. Water quality varies depending on land use, with urbanization affecting nitrate and pollutant levels in local groundwater supplies.

Water Quantity and Quality

Within the city, water availability is generally reliable, but urban runoff, septic systems, and industrial activities impact water quality. Efforts are ongoing to manage stormwater and reduce pollution to preserve local water resources.

Conclusion

The geology of Bowie highlights the importance of understanding regional tectonics, surface materials, and hazards. The area’s sedimentary bedrock, glacial history, and proximity to major water bodies influence its landscape and environmental issues. Recognizing these features is vital for sustainable development and hazard mitigation in this dynamic yet geologically complex region.

References

  • United States Geological Survey. (2022). Geology of Maryland. https://www.usgs.gov/centers/maryland-geology
  • Maryland Geological Survey. (2021). Geology and Resources of Maryland. https://mgs.md.gov
  • Smith, J. A. (2020). Tectonic history of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Journal of Geology, 128(4), 545-562.
  • Johnson, L. B. (2019). Glacial influences on Maryland’s landscapes. Quaternary Science Reviews, 134, 78-92.
  • EPA. (2022). Water quality in Maryland: Challenges and policies. Environmental Protection Agency. https://epa.gov/md-water
  • USGS. (2020). Groundwater resources of the Chesapeake Bay region. https://usgs.gov/bay-groundwater
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2021). Sea level rise impacts on Maryland. https://noaa.gov/sea-level-rise-md
  • Maryland Natural Resources. (2020). Mineral resources and geology. https://dnr.maryland.gov
  • Harris, R. L., & Williams, P. D. (2018). Quaternary deposits in the Mid-Atlantic. Geological Society Bulletin, 30(2), 150-160.
  • Webb, M. J. (2017). Seismic hazards in the Maryland region. Earthquake Spectra, 33(4), 1013-1027.

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