This event will emphasize the use of process skills within designated earth science topics. Topics
chosen for this year's competitions are plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes. Skills may
include, but are not limited to, generating inferences, drawing conclusions based upon observations,
making predictions, problem solving, formulating and evaluating hypotheses, and collecting and
interpreting data.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes
THE COMPETITION:
Participants will be asked to complete one or more tasks to demonstrate their knowledge of the
designated topics utilizing one or more process skills noted above. Tasks may be presented at single
or multiple stations. Participants must bring calculators. Use of resource materials, other than those
provided by the supervisor, is not permitted
REPRESENTATIVE TASKS
� Using seismic data gathered and recorded at three separate locations, participants will attempt
to locate the epicenter of an earthquake
� Using a map as a reference, participants will be asked to draw a cross sectional diagram
illustrating the formation of the Himalayan Mountains Participants will be asked to label the
plates, identify the type of interaction, and attempt to discuss the actions occurring at that
boundary.
� An earthquake has just occurred far out at sea creating a tsunami wave. Participants will
describe the changes in wavelength and wave height of the tsunami wave as it travels from the
surface above deep ocean waters to a shallow and distant shoreline. In their explanations,
participants must address why these waves are so destructive when they come ashore.
� Given a map on which the exact time a volcanic eruption occurred, plus the times and
locations of several distant ash fallouts resulting from that eruption, participants will attempt to
calculate the speed of the ash distribution, in kilometers per hour, as it crosses continental
landmasses.
SCORING
Points will be awarded for the quality and accuracy of answers, the quality of supporting reasons,
and the proper use of scientific technique Highest score wins Several pre-identified questions will
be used to break a tie
