GEO-101: Nature's Fury

Nature's Fury

This assignment will require you to do some internet research both inside and outside of class time. I've listed some good resources at the bottom of the page, but you are encouraged to find more resources on your own.

Submit the answers to the following questions on a separate piece of paper (be sure to write the answers in your own words and use proper grammar and spelling). In all of your answers, cite the internet web site where you found your information. You will give me a status report on your progress on this assignment on Tuesday, November 7. Your final report will be due by Thursday, November 9.

Earthquakes

The video made the statement that there is no place on Earth that is safe from Earthquakes. That’s a pretty bold statement! After all, they also say that most earthquakes and volcanoes occur at plate boundaries. What about New Mexico?

Are we on a plate boundary?

Do we have earthquakes? If so:

What are they caused by?

Where are they most likely to happen?

What is the average magnitude?

How frequently do they occur?

What was the largest in recorded history, and when and where did it occur?

List any other pertinent or interesting information about New Mexico earthquakes,
including any personal experience or observations your have with them.

Tornados

The video says that most tornados that ravage the US occur in the Midwest and central portions of the country. What about New Mexico?

Do we have tornados? If so:

Where are they most likely to happen?

How frequently do they occur?

What is the average strength of tornados in New Mexico (eg. category F1, F2 …)

What was the strongest in recorded history, and when and where did it occur?

What conditions are necessary for a tornado to occur?

What other types of extreme weather conditions are common in New Mexico?

List any other pertinent or interesting information about New Mexico tornados (or
other extreme weather occurrences), including any personal experience you have with them.

Floods

The video says that floods can be the most destructive nature force of all, mostly because they last for such a long time. The most flood-prone area in the US is the Mississippi River area, in Midwestern US. What about New Mexico?

Does New Mexico suffer from floods? If so:

What is the usual cause of New Mexico’s floods?

Where are they most likely to happen?

How frequently do they occur?

What is the worst flood on record, and when and where did it occur?

What about the recent flooding that occurred this year:

Which areas were most strongly hit?

Which area suffered the highest monetary damage?

Which of the areas hit were named ‘disaster areas’ by the US government?
What does it mean to be considered an official disaster area?

List any other pertinent or interesting information about New Mexico floods,
including any personal experience you have with them.

General Questions

Out of all of the above natural disasters, which one poses the greatest threat to New Mexico?