Exploring Map Layers for Regions in Pennsylvania

Sharon Dykhoff, Washington D.C. Metro Area - ‎Science Teacher at Dominion Christian School - ‎Dominion Christian School, Susan Brantley, The Pennsylvania State University, Liza Brazil, Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc.

Introduction

Students are introduced to the importance of topography when studying surface and groundwater. Students will look at a map of oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania, a topographic map of Pennsylvania, and a map of network streams in Pennsylvania. Students will make connections about how topography may influence the impacts of drilling on streams.

Conceptual Outcomes

Students will learn about the importance of topography when studying surface and groundwater, where oil and gas wells are drilled in Pennsylvania, and why it is important to monitor streams even in areas where gas drilling does not occur

Practical Outcomes

Students will be introduced to using HydroClient
Students will be introduced to interpreting maps

Time Required

1 hour

Computing/Data Inputs

None

Computing/Data Outputs

None

Hardware/Software Required

Internet browser

Instructions

Explore the map below of PA Unconventional Oil and Gas Wells. You will see the density of wells is quite high in the northeastern part of the state (Susquehanna, Bradford, and Tioga Counties).

Now, open up HydroClient again and use Enter a location to type "Pennsylvania, United States" as shown below.

Think about why is it useful to know the shape of the land when studying surface and groundwater.

Looking at the map below of PA water wells (Source: PA DCNR 3/21/13), PA Springs (Source: PA DCNR 3/21/13), and 4th Order Streams (Source USGS), notice the extensive network of water sources in Pennsylvania.

Pick a stream and predict which way the water flows based on the topography shown previously.

Think about why it is important to monitor streams in areas where gas drilling does not occur, like southeastern Pennsylvania.