LAB 4: Mass Wasting Scouting Trip

Mass Wasting Introduction Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGG599pdEUM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1tXq-VVZ2M

Punch Bowl Falls-example of Mass Wasting event

https://wyeastblog.org/2018/05/28/cliff-collapse-at-punch-bowl-falls/

OBJECTIVES: (1) apply classroom (textbook unit #37 and Week 7 Lecture) information to help identify and explain the cause(s) of geomorphic processes observed in the field; and (2) be able to report, explain, and interpret geomorphic observations in a brief, written report using technical writing.

Format: Short written report, 1 page maximum (double-spaced), excluding photographs

Assignment: Locate in the field, either locally or some place you will be traveling very soon, one example of mass wasting such as a landslide, flow event, rockfall, soil creep, etc. ***NOTE: Due to the pandemic, you are not required to locate an example of mass wasting out in the field. Instead, feel free to find an example on Google Earth or on the street view of Google Maps, and submit a screenshot of your mass wasting example with your lab write-up.***

Classify the type of mass wasting process, describe its location, and speculate whether it is recent or old (see below).

Take a selfie with your chosen mass wasting event. Include the selfie in your report. Make sure the mass wasting event is clearly visible in the selfie. If not, take a second photo closer up, and include both photos in the report.

Some Things to Consider at Minimum: What process is involved? What do you think is causing the process? What evidence supports your ideas about the cause of the process? Is the process recent or old (look for evidence of vegetation growth and/or stability)? Why do you think that is the case? What do your observations tell you about weathering and mass wasting in this area? Cite lecture notes or information from the textbook to support your analysis.

Photograph Specifications: Do not use pictures downloaded from the web. If you submit a report with pictures or information from the web, you will receive a zero for this assignment. Include at least one photo that is a selfie of you with the mass wasting event, and supplement with additional photos if necessary to clearly show the mass wasting event.

A Note on Safety: Please do not use study locations that may jeopardize your safety, such as poorly lit or sparsely populated areas, busy roadways, or perilously steep slopes. Err on the side of caution when choosing locations. If you think or feel you might be in danger at a location, leave and choose another location. You may pair up with a classmate to visit your study sites, but do not use the exact same sites. Study sites, observations, and interpretations should be your own.