PHY 103: Final Project Guidelines and RubricOverview The final project for this course is the creation of a preliminary report of environmental findings. The final project encompasses several Earth science processes that form the foundation of geosciences work—from understanding how human activities change a landscape to mitigating potential natural hazards to addressing the impacts of weather and climate. Students apply geologic science in a practical manner. For example, as a spatial analysis technician uses knowledge of water drainage, underlying geology, soils, and weather components to design and place roads, houses, power lines, and drainage systems in a new neighborhood, you will draw on the knowledge gained in this course to create the final project. Understanding Earth system processes is critical for projects such as bridge design, soil or water contamination studies, analyzing climate change, and developing policies that safeguard both humans and their environment. For this assessment, you will apply the Earth systems information learned throughout the course by assuming the role of an intern at an environmental consulting firm. You will be charged with conducting basic background research for an environmental report the company is preparing for a client in relation to the development of a subdivision. The supervisor has asked you to prepare a preliminary report that the firm can eventually incorporate into its report to communicate the findings to the client. The report should cover the basic geomorphology and climate for the area and highlight what these factors suggest for the planned subdivision in broad terms, using the provided documents—the geological cross section, topographical maps, historical data on volcanos and earthquakes, regional weather information, and stream discharge data. (Note that the location in this scenario is fictitious, although the landscape includes elements of the real world, and weather and climate data are representative of the region.) The project is divided into three milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions. These milestones will be submitted in Modules Two, Four, and Six. The final submission will be in Module Seven. In this assignment, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes: · Draw basic connections between the Earth’s spheres for their implications on human activities · Utilize basic geoscience information and data in determining how environmental settings are shaped by landform processes · Connect key lithospheric processes to the theory of plate tectonics for determining the potential for natural hazards · Analyze local weather patterns by summarizing how fundamental atmospheric processes create resultant weather and climate Prompt Imagine you are an intern working for an environmental consulting firm. One of the firm’s clients is considering building a subdivision .

1. PHY 103: Final Project Guidelines and RubricOverview
The final project for this course is the creation of a preliminary
report of environmental findings.
The final project encompasses several Earth science processes
that form the foundation of geosciences work—from
understanding how human activities change a landscape to
mitigating potential natural hazards to addressing the impacts of
weather and climate. Students apply geologic science in a
practical manner. For example, as a spatial analysis technician
uses knowledge of water drainage, underlying geology, soils,
and weather components to design and place roads, houses,
power lines, and drainage systems in a new neighborhood, you
will draw on the knowledge gained in this course to create the
final project.
Understanding Earth system processes is critical for projects
such as bridge design, soil or water contamination studies,
analyzing climate change, and developing policies that
safeguard both humans and their environment.
For this assessment, you will apply the Earth systems
information learned throughout the course by assuming the role
of an intern at an environmental consulting firm. You will be
charged with conducting basic background research for an
environmental report the company is preparing for a client in
relation to the development of a subdivision. The supervisor has
asked you to prepare a preliminary report that the firm can
eventually incorporate into its report to communicate the
findings to the client. The report should cover the basic
geomorphology and climate for the area and highlight what
these factors suggest for the planned subdivision in broad terms,
using the provided documents—the geological cross section,
topographical maps, historical data on volcanos and

2. earthquakes, regional weather information, and stream discharge
data. (Note that the location in this scenario is fictitious,
although the landscape includes elements of the real world, and
weather and climate data are representative of the region.)
The project is divided into three milestones, which will be
submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold
learning and ensure quality final submissions. These milestones
will be submitted in Modules Two, Four, and Six. The final
submission will be in Module Seven.
In this assignment, you will demonstrate your mastery of the
following course outcomes:
· Draw basic connections between the Earth’s spheres for their
implications on human activities
· Utilize basic geoscience information and data in determining
how environmental settings are shaped by landform processes
· Connect key lithospheric processes to the theory of plate
tectonics for determining the potential for natural hazards
· Analyze local weather patterns by summarizing how
fundamental atmospheric processes create resultant weather and
climate
Prompt
Imagine you are an intern working for an environmental
consulting firm. One of the firm’s clients is considering
building a subdivision and has asked the firm to evaluate a
potential site. Your supervisor has asked you to start laying
initial groundwork for the report by conducting basic
background research on the geological and climate features of
the site. Use the materials listed below (found in the
Assignment Guidelines and Rubrics folder) to prepare a
preliminary report of your findings, highlighting any issues or
concerns.

3. · Final Project Historical Data
· Final Project Climograph
· Final Project Walterville Topographic Map
· Final Project Stratigraphy and Cross Section
· Final Project Soil Profiles
· Final Project Site Topographic Map
Specifically, your preliminary report of environmental findings
must address the following critical elements:
I. Executive Summary. Begin your report with a brief executive
summary that identifies the project being proposed by the
client, what your report covers, and your most important
findings. Your goal is to provide a clear, concise snapshot of
the report’s content for those who may not have time to read the
full report. Although this is the first element of the report, it is
often helpful to write it last, once your analysis is complete.
II. Basic Geology. Examine the stratigraphy and cross section
provided, and complete the tasks listed below.
a. Accurately identify the types of rocks in the stratigraphy and
whether the types are igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary.
You may also want to discuss what the cross section tells you
about the relative age of the rocks.
b. Describe any changes in the rock types and their properties
by depth. What causes these types of changes? You may also
want to consider other features in the stratigraphy, such as
anticlines, synclines, or nonconformities.
c. Determine what rock subtypes are present, describing key
features and how and why they occur. For example, are the
rocks extrusive, intrusive, foliated, or detrital?
d. What might the stratigraphy and rock types imply for the
development of the subdivision in broad terms? Use your
knowledge of Earth system processes to support your response.
e. Use information on the soil depth and slope across the cross

4. section to discuss the potential for erosion. In other words, is
there a risk that the soil on the site will wash away? Why or
why not?
III. Streams. Use the topographical map provided to examine
the stream system(s) of the proposed location. Be sure to:
a. Identify landscape features that were shaped by the stream
system and explain how and why those landscapes might change
based on stream processes. For example, what areas of the
proposed development site are affected by erosion, landslides,
or the deposit of sediments? Why? How might that change?
b. Analyze how stream bank erosion is likely to affect the
development of the floodplain. In other words, what areas on
the site are at risk of flooding now or in the future? Explain
your answer using Earth science principles.
IV. Tectonics. Use the topographical and regional maps and
historical data on earthquakes and volcanos provided to
determine the following:
a. What type of faults, if any, are present in the area, and how
do they affect landform processes? In other words, might faults
change the landscape at the site? Be sure to use geoscience
concepts to explain how you arrived at your answer. (If no
faults are present, you should still explain how you determined
this and how faults would have affected landform processes if
they were present.)
b. Is the location likely to be affected by earthquakes? Explain
your conclusions, including the Earth processes involved and
scientifically supported observations about the likely frequency
and severity of quakes. You may want to calculate a simple
recurrence interval to help support your answer.
c. Does the location face any volcanic threats? Explain your
conclusions, including the Earth processes involved and
scientifically supported observations about the likely frequency

5. and severity of eruptions. You may want to calculate a simple
recurrence interval to help support your answer.
V. Weather. Use the climograph and weather data provided to
complete the tasks listed below.
a. Describe the average monthly temperature and precipitation
values and annual totals (average highs, lows, and precipitation
for the year). How and why do these figures vary by season?
You may want to discuss polar front theory in your response.
b. Which types of storms are common in the region by season?
What types of weather are associated with these storms?
Explain your answer using relevant Earth science processes.
c. What is the maximum recorded precipitation amount and
type? What type of weather system caused the extreme
situation? You may also want discuss the Earth science
processes that gave rise to the extreme weather event.
d. How frequently do extreme precipitation events occur? In
other words, is the location frequently subject to large storms?
Use the storm data provided to calculate a simple recurrence
interval to support your answer. Be sure to explain how you
arrived at your calculation.
e. Analyze the monthly stream discharge data provided. How
does stream discharge relate to the monthly weather and climate
data, and how does that affect surrounding landscapes? Explain
your answer using relevant Earth science processes.
VI. Analysis of Findings. Summarize what your preliminary
findings on the basic geomorphology and climate for the
proposed location suggest with respect to the planned
development. In other words, is the area a good location for a
subdivision? Why or why not?
Milestone One: Geologic Analysis

6. Milestones
In Module Two, you will submit your geologic analysis. You
will write a report detailing the underlying geology of the
project site. Using the cross section, topographic map, and soil
profile for your preliminary report on environmental findings,
be sure to fully explain any geologic features present and
include elements relative to the formation of those features.
Also, detail how you derived each of your conclusions. Lastly,
discuss how the base geology might relate to the proposed
surface development. This milestone will be graded with the
Milestone One Rubric.
Milestone Two: Streams and Tectonics Analysis
In Module Four, you will submit your streams and tectonics
analysis. You will write a report that details elements of the
surface landscape and larger scale tectonics for the project site.
Using the materials for the subdivision project, you will be
asked to properly analyze a topographic map in addition to
historical data on regional earthquakes and volcanos. You must
explain all landscape features and describe how each element
formed. Further, you will be asked to detail aspects of the
fluvial and tectonic landscape relative to the proposed human
development and discuss how you came to your conclusions.
This milestone will be graded with the Milestone Two Rubric.
Milestone Three: Weather Analysis
In Module Six, you will submit a weather analysis. You will
generate a report detailing climatic and weather elements of the
proposed development site. You will use the weather data and
climographs from the proposed subdivision to create an accurate
description of atmospheric elements (such as base climatology
and storm types/magnitudes/frequencies) and relate extreme
precipitation events to the landscape and fluvial systems. This
milestone will be graded with the Milestone Three Rubric.

7. Final Project Submission: Preliminary Report of Environmental
Findings
In Module Seven, you will submit preliminary report of
environmental findings. It should be a complete, polished
artifact containing all of the critical elements of the final
product. It should reflect the incorporation of feedback gained
throughout the course. This submission will be graded with the
Final Project Rubric.
Deliverables
Milestone
Deliverable
Module Due
Grading
1
Geologic Analysis
Two
Graded separately; Milestone One Rubric
2
Streams and Tectonics Analysis
Four
Graded separately; Milestone Two Rubric
3
Weather Analysis
Six
Graded separately; Milestone Three Rubric
Final Project Submission: Preliminary Report of Environmental
Findings
Seven
Graded separately; Final Project Rubric
Final Project Rubric
Guidelines for Submission: Your preliminary report of
environmental findings must be six to eight pages in length (in

8. addition to a cover page and references) and must be written in
APA format. Use double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman
font, and one-inch margins. Include at least three references,
which must be cited in APA format.
Instructor Feedback: This activity uses an integrated rubric in
Blackboard. Students can view instructor feedback in the Grade
Center. For more information, review these instructions.
Critical Elements
Exemplary (100%)
Proficient (85%)
Needs Improvement (55%)
Not Evident (0%)
Value
Executive Summary
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and summary is clear and organized,
modeling real-world geoscience language and style
Begins report with brief executive summary, including project
being proposed by client, what report covers, and most
important findings
Begins report with executive summary, but response is lengthy
or does not include project being proposed, what report covers,
and most important findings
Does not begin report with executive summary
5
Basic Geology: Types of Rocks
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and response discusses what cross
section indicates about the relative age of the rocks
Accurately identifies the types of rocks in the stratigraphy and
whether the types are igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary
Identifies types of rocks but does not specify whether types are
igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary, or response contains
inaccuracies
Does not identify types of rocks in the stratigraphy
4.5

9. Basic Geology: Changes
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and response considers other
features in stratigraphy such as anticlines, synclines, or
nonconformities
Describes any changes in the rock types and their properties by
depth and what causes these types of changes
Describes changes in rock types and properties by depth but
does not explain what causes these types of changes, or
response contains inaccuracies or omits critical information
Does not describe changes in rock types and properties by depth
4.5
Basic Geology: Rock Subtypes
Meets “Proficient” and includes a detailed and nuanced
explanation of subtypes, their features, and the Earth processes
that give rise to them
Determines what rock subtypes are present, describing key
features and how and why they occur
Determines what rock subtypes are present but does not
describe key features and how and why they occur, or
explanation contains inaccuracies or omits critical information
Does not determine what rock subtypes are present
4.5
Basic Geology: Implication
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and analysis is particularly detailed
and clear
Analyzes what the stratigraphy and rock types might imply for
the development of the subdivision in broad terms, using Earth
system processes to support response
Analyzes what the stratigraphy and rock types might imply for
the subdivision but does not use Earth system processes to
support response, or response contains inaccuracies
Does not analyze what the stratigraphy and rock types might
imply for the development of the subdivision
6

10. Basic Geology: Soil Depth and Slope
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and includes a detailed and nuanced
explanation of the relationships between soil depth, slope, water
drainage, and precipitation in the erosion process
Uses information on soil depth and slope across the cross
section to discuss the potential for erosion
Uses information on soil depth and slope to discuss potential for
erosion, but response omits information on some segments of
the cross section or contains inaccuracies
Does not use information on the soil depth and slope to discuss
the potential for erosion
6
Streams: Landscape Features
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and description is particularly
detailed, nuanced, and clear
Identifies landscape features shaped by stream system(s) and
explains how and why those landscapes might change based on
stream processes
Identifies landscape features shaped by the stream system(s) but
does not explain how and why those might change based on
stream processes, or response contains inaccuracies or omits
critical information
Does not identify landscape features that were shaped by the
stream system
4.5
Streams: Floodplain
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and response is particularly
detailed, nuanced, and clear
Analyzes how stream bank erosion is likely to affect
development of floodplain and explains answer using Earth
science principles
Analyzes how stream bank erosion is likely to affect
development of floodplain but does not explain answer using
Earth science principles, or response contains inaccuracies or
omits critical information
Does not analyze how stream bank erosion is likely to affect the

11. development of the floodplain
4.5
Tectonics: Faults
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and response is particularly
detailed, nuanced, and clear
Determines what type of faults, if any, are present in the area
and how they affect (or would affect) landform processes, using
geoscience concepts to explain how arrived at answer
Determines what type of faults, if any, are present in the area
and how they affect (or would affect) landform processes but
does not use geoscience concepts to explain how arrived at
answer, or response contains inaccuracies or omits critical
information
Does not determine what type of faults, if any, are present in
the area and how they affect (or would affect) landform
processes
7.5
Tectonics: Earthquakes
Meets “Proficient” criteria and uses a simple recurrence interval
in supporting an answer that is particularly detailed, nuanced,
and clear
Analyzes whether the location is likely to be affected by
earthquakes, including Earth processes involved and
scientifically supported observations about likely frequency and
severity of quakes
Analyzes whether the location is likely to be affected by
earthquakes but does not include Earth processes involved and
scientifically supported observations about frequency and
severity, or response contains inaccuracies or omits critical
information
Does not analyze whether the location is likely to be affected by
earthquakes
7.5

12. Tectonics: Volcanic Threats
Meets “Proficient” criteria and uses a simple recurrence interval
in supporting an answer that is particularly detailed, nuanced,
and clear
Analyzes whether the location faces volcanic threats, including
Earth processes involved and scientifically supported
observations about likely frequency and severity of eruptions
Analyzes whether the location faces volcanic threats, but does
not include Earth processes involved and scientifically
supported observations about frequency and severity, or
response contains inaccuracies or omits critical information
Does not analyze whether the location faces volcanic threats
7.5
Weather: Temperature and Precipitation
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and response is particularly
detailed, nuanced, and clear, discussing how polar front theory
affects weather
Describes average monthly temperature and precipitation values
and annual totals, explaining how and why figures vary by
season
Describes average monthly temperature and precipitation values
and annual totals but does not explain how and why figures vary
by season, or response contains inaccuracies or omits critical
information
Does not describe average monthly temperature and
precipitation values and annual totals
6
Weather: Storms
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and response is particularly
detailed, nuanced, and clear
Identifies types of storms and associated weather common in the
region by season, explaining answer using relevant Earth
science processes
Identifies types of storms and associated weather common in the
region by season but does not explain answer using relevant
Earth science processes, or response contains inaccuracies or

13. omits critical information
Does not identify types of storms and associated weather
common in the region by season
6
Weather: Maximum Recorded Precipitation
Meets “Proficient” criteria and includes a clear and detailed
explanation of the Earth science processes that gave rise to the
extreme weather event
Specifies the maximum recorded precipitation amount and type
and explains what type of weather system caused the extreme
situation
Specifies maximum recorded precipitation amount and type but
does not explain what type of weather system caused the
situation, or response contains inaccuracies or omits critical
information
Does not specify maximum recorded precipitation amount and
type
6
Weather: Extreme Precipitation Events
Meets “Proficient” criteria and includes a clear and detailed
explanation of how extreme events are linked to regional
circulation or climatology
Determines how frequently extreme precipitation events occur,
calculating a simple recurrence interval based on storm data to
support answer and explaining how arrived at calculation
Determines how frequently extreme precipitation events occur
but does not calculate a simple recurrence interval based on
data and explain how arrived at calculation, or response
contains inaccuracies or omits critical information
Does not determine how frequently extreme precipitation events
occur
6
Weather: Stream Discharge
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and explanation of relationships

14. between climate and surface processes is particularly detailed,
nuanced, and clear
Analyzes how monthly stream discharge relates to weather and
climate data and how that affects surrounding landscapes,
explaining answer using relevant Earth science processes
Analyzes how monthly stream discharge relates to weather and
climate data and how that affects surrounding landscapes but
does not explain answer using relevant Earth science processes,
or response contains inaccuracies or omits critical information
Does not analyze how monthly stream discharge relates to
weather and climate data and how that affects surrounding
landscapes
5
Analysis of Findings
Meets “Proficient” criteria, and summary is clear, organized,
and succinct, modeling real-world geoscience language and
style
Summarizes findings with respect to whether the area is a good
location for a subdivision, justifying why or why not
Summarizes findings with respect to whether the area is a good
location for a subdivision but does not justify why or why not,
or response contains inaccuracies or omits critical information
Does not summarize findings with respect to whether the area is
a good location for the subdivision
4
Articulation of Response
Submission is free of errors related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, and organization and is presented in a
professional and easy to read format
Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, or organization
Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, or organization that negatively impact
readability and articulation of main ideas
Submission has critical errors related to citations, grammar,
spelling, syntax, or organization that prevent understanding of

15. ideas
5
Earned Total
100%