Mapping Assignment 2

These past few weeks, you’ve learned a lot about how energy from the Sun is transported around the globe through atmospheric and oceanic circulation. For this second mapping assignment, you are going to demonstrate your knowledge and use an animation (one that you’ve previously explored in Mapping Assignment #1) as evidence to enhance your knowledge and discussion of these processes Visit the Earth – Map of Wind, Weather, and Ocean Conditions Animation  (Links to an external site.)  or use the link available here or in the Week 9 Module in Canvas. Note that this is the same animation you previously used for Mapping Assignment #1. Instead of focusing on current surface wind conditions, you will take a look at sea-surface movement and temperature. Click on the “earth” button on the bottom, left side of the page (see image below).  Note that the image should be in color (as in the screenshot above). If it isn’t, you may need to use a different web browser. Once the animation menu is visible, click on the “Ocean” link under Mode. This will change the map to show current ocean conditions. See image below. Lastly, click on the “Currents” link under Animate to change the map so it illustrates current ocean surface currents. Your map should look similar to the image below.   Click on the “earth” button again to hide the menu. Now, you are viewing surface, ocean current movement. Temperature values are also shown. For example, ocean currents in red, orange, and yellow represent warmer sea-surface temperatures. Ocean currents in green, blue, and purple represent colder sea-surface temperatures. Rotate the Earth (by clicking and dragging) and take a look at the currents on the west coast of the United States and compare them to the east coast. Take a screenshot or picture of your view so I know you are looking at the correct area and current settings. You will submit this along with a written response.   For your assignment, respond to the following prompt in the form of a short, original essay (500 words minimum): Based on what you see in the animation, (1) describe the sea-surface currents on the West Coast of the Unites States versus the East Coast of the United States. Considering what you’ve learned in the Weather Processes & Systems and Ocean Environments lectures/readings, (2) how have our major wind systems and these currents influenced weather patterns on both coasts? Think about the differences in weather patterns such as humidity, temperature, precipitation, etc., as well as differences in weather events such as hurricanes.    Same as with Mapping Assignment #1, any resources that are used (whether the readings/lectures or outside sources) must be cited in MLA format. If you are unfamiliar with MLA format, please see the Library Handouts page here. If you are using general information from a source, then simply adding the citation at the end of your assignment in a “Works Cited” section is sufficient. If you are using a direct quote (i.e. copying and pasting any portion of the source directly), then you must use quotation makes and parenthetical citations in the text, as well as adding the citation to the end of your assignment (see pg. 2 of the “MLA Handout” style guide). Use quotations sparingly. Responses that are quote-after-quote do not demonstrate your knowledge or understanding and will be marked down. The general rule of thumb is to aim for 20% or less (I highly suggest keeping it around 10%) of direct quotes in any assignment.  When you are ready to submit your assignment, click on the “Submit Assignment” button. If you have typed them, you can submit them by (1) copying and pasting them into the text box, or (2) submit them as a file (such as a Word document or PDF). Please do not submit other files types, such as Pages, since these cannot always be read on my end. For the image/screenshot, you can include them in your file, or upload them separately. Please note that Canvas does not recognize TIFF images files, so make sure your images (if separate from your essay) are in PDF or JPEG format. If you need assistance with this, please do not hesitate to ask. Your assignment must be submitted by 11:59PM on Friday, October 23rd.  See the rubric below for grading details.  Rubric Mapping Assignment #2 Rubric Mapping Assignment #2 Rubric Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Originality Student has submitted an original assignment that they personally have cultivated and written; sources are cited correctly in MLA format (as a Works Cited page as well as parenthetical citations if using direct quotes); direct quotes are used sparingly and do not make up more than 20% of the assignment. 25.0 pts Full Marks 0.0 pts No Marks 25.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Thoroughness & Accuracy The minimum requirements are met – the assignment is complete with at least 1 screenshot/image of the animation using the correct settings and viewing the correct area(s); the written portion is at least 500 words (excluding citations); the prompt is answered thoughtfully, thoroughly, and accurately. 15.0 pts Full Marks 0.0 pts No Marks 15.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Understanding It is clear the student thoroughly understands the topic and has met the learning objectives. 10.0 pts Full Marks 0.0 pts No Marks 10.0 pts Total Points: 50.0 Previous Next