PAG 11.1 Lab-based investigation – this is an A level only independent student designed activity that assumes that the student has knowledge and understanding of the most of the course content including Modules 3 and 6. PAG 12.3 Exploring beyond the specification – this is an A level only independent research activity that assumes that students have knowledge and understanding of most of the course content including Module 6.
Title Organisation Link Description Specification mapping Predicting earthquakes Geology Society A link to a fascinating podcast about the book ‘the quake’, the book thinks about all the questions and uncertainties that exist when forecasting earthquakes, the use of historical research is discussed and the role of engineers. 6.1.2 (a) Earthquake probability Carleton College This link is to an activity where learners calculate the return period and probability of earthquakes from historical data. Students should work in groups to divide the task into more manageable sections. 6.1.2 (a) Earthquake forecasting The Guardian A very accessible article on the challenges surrounding predicting seismic events, the social and economic impact of not predicting or falsely predicting, errors in prediction. The importance of using knowledge on where earthquakes are likely to happen and how to prepare these locations is discussed. 6.1.2 (b) Tremor-rich shallow dyke formation followed by silent magma flow at Bárðarbunga in Iceland Nature Geoscience A case study of the seismic activity associated with the 2014-2015 Holuhraun eruption in Iceland. Makes use of clear data presentations and discusses both harmonic tremors (continuous long period rhythmic earthquakes) and microseismics (any small seismic event too small to be perceived by people) as precursors of, and evidence of intrusion of subsurface dykes. 6.1.2 (b) Tsunami risk NBC An article on how the community of Venice Beach, Los Angeles is dealing with being located in a tsunami zone, it mentions marking evacuation routes with signage which also raises awareness, it discusses the challenges which could face a very highly populated location. 6.1.2 (b)
Icelandic Earthquakes and Volcanoes Icelandic Met Office The Veðurstofu Íslands webpages on earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Contains current information as well as historical data, articles and reports on recent and historical activity. A rich source of useful information. 6.1.2 (b) Mapping earthquake impact CNET This article discusses a modern method of mapping earthquakes by recording statuses and posts on social media made by people experiencing an earthquake, some examples are discussed and the type of data which could be used. 6.1.2 (c) Eathquake monitoring European space agency This resource demonstrates how Icelandic volcanoes can be monitored using ground based radar measurements which help to predict the development of ash clouds and allow aircraft travel to make necessary preparation. 6.1.2 (c) Volcanic Alert warnings to the public; experience from Iceland Icelandic Met Office Presentation on the approaches and effectiveness of seismic hazard planning in Iceland. 6.1.2 (d) Iceland – Safety from Natural Hazards Verkis Consulting Engineers A summary report that focuses on earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and contains references to the results of a number of research projects and monitoring of natural hazards. 6.1.2 (d) Öræfajökull: evacuation time modelling Icelandic Met Office A case study of the modelling and planning for the emergency evacuation response to a future eruption of the Öræfajökull volcano; Icelands highest peak and the second largest volcano in Europe. 6.1.2 (d)
Preliminary Study of Seismicity in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China Seismological Research Letters (2012) 83: 806-814. Reservoir induced seismicity is a postulated link between reservoir loading which may induce large seismic events; controversy centres on whether loading is the final small contribution or the main cause of the seismicity. Examples include the 1967 M6.5–Koyna dam, India and 2008 M7.9–Zipingpu dam, China. This review examines data gathered during the filling of the Three Gorges dam. 6.2.2 (b) Plume busters Kansas University A detailed and extensive interactive task where learners work as geologists to investigate a leak from a pipeline which has caused contaminants to leach into the water table including chromium. Learners must locate the plume and work out how to prevent its spreading. 6.2.2 (c) Clay soil chemistry Soil Science Society of America Basic guide to the surface chemistry of clays, cation exchange and sorbtion. This topic develops and applies understanding from 2.1.1 and 6.1.3 to explain the adsorption of metal ions and complexes onto the charged surfaces of clay minerals. 6.2.2 (c) Phytoremediation Nature A detailed account of phytoremediation including all classifications and some diagrams, this could be a useful reference article for teaching staff. 6.2.2 (c) (S/S) geoengineer A web-based course which gives a detailed overview of the processes of and application of The content goes far beyond the understanding required by learners however the resources (data, graphics, PowerPoint slides and video) clearly illustrate the principals involved in S/S. 6.2.2 (c)