Formative Assessment 3: Future Scenarios

Instructions

In 100-150 words, you are expected to express a succinct, informed response to the question, based on the module content and assigned readings. In most cases there will be no specific correct answer, but your stated position must be supported.

Question

Think of two different places with different climates that you are familiar with (e.g., Syracuse, New York and Flagstaff, Arizona, but not your hometown...that will be the focus of the Summative Assessment). Briefly describe the two different climates, the landscapes, ecosystems, and water resources, as best you can with limited additional research on the web. From Figure 3 and Figure 4, describe what the climate models predict will happen in each of these locations in terms of precipitation, runoff, soil moisture, ect.. What impacts would you expect those changes to have? How might water quality or availability be impacted? How might the economy or society be impacted? How might vegetation or fish species be impacted? Are there particular actions you might suggest to mitigate or adapt to expected climate change in these locations?

Submitting Your Essay

Bring your typed and printed answers to class.

Scoring and Rubric

Each answer will earn a maximum of 25 points, as described in the rubric below.