Name: __________________________________ Period: ___________ Date: ___________ Lab 3-8: Landscapes of New York State 80 Minutes Landscape forms result from the interaction of erosional and uplifting forces upon various types of bedrock. These rocks differ in their resistance under existing climatic conditions. The great variety of landscape regions in New York is due to the diversity in structure, age and resistance of bedrock found throughout the state. Landforms are divided into three main features. Mountains have high elevation and are made of distorted metamorphic rock. Plateaus have high elevation with several layers of flat-sedimentary rocks. Lowlands have low elevation with flat-lying sedimentary rocks Objective: By interpreting maps you will identify the environmental factors (patterns of drainage and bedrock) which influence the development of landscape features within New York State. Procedure A: AREA ELEVATION Compare Map 1 to the relief maps provided and the “Generalized Landscape Regions of New York State” map in the Appendix. 1. On Map 1 write in the name of each landscape region in the correct location. MAP 1 – Landscape Regions 2. On Map 1, label each area as high elevation, middle elevation, or low elevation. Lightly shade each area using the following color key: High Elevation = red Middle Elevation = yellow Low Elevation = green 3. Name one example of a landscape region of high, medium, and low elevation in New York State. High: Medium: Low: 1 Procedure A Questions: Compare the “Generalized Bedrock Geology of New York State” map in the Appendix with your complete Map 1 and answer the following questions. 1. In the area of high elevation, what is the bedrock type? 2. In the low coastal plain region (Area F), describe the type of bedrock. 3. Area A includes the Catskill Mountains (a plateau, dissected by streams, which gives the appearance of being mountains). Describe the type of bedrock of this landscape. 4. Describe the Erie-Ontario Lowlands (Area B) in terms of rock type. Procedure B: SURFACE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS In addition to elevation, the patterns of water drainage (watershed) on a land surface play an important role in landscape formation. Map 2 shows some of the rivers, streams, and lakes in New York State. 1. Referring to the “Generalized Bedrock Geology of New York State” map in the Earth Science Reference Tables (page 3), find and label the following water features on Map 2. 2. Use a blue pencil to trace over and highlight each water feature. 1) Susquehanna River: (It flows out of the state midway between 6) Lake Erie 76° W and 77° W at the southern border.) 7) Finger Lakes 2) Hudson River 8) Lake Champlain 3) St. Lawrence River 9) Long Island Sound 4) Niagara River 10) Atlantic Ocean 5) Lake Ontario Map 2 – Watersheds of NYS 2 1. What major river system is in watershed A? __________________ 2. What major river system is in watershed B? __________________ 3. Watershed C drains into what body of water? __________________ 4. Watershed D drains into what body of water? __________________ 5. Watershed E drains into what body of water? __________________ 6. Watershed F drains into what body of water? __________________ Discussion Questions: (Answer in Complete Sentences) 1. How many major drainage systems (watersheds) are there in New York State? 2. Which regions show evidence that crustal uplift was dominant over erosional forces in the past? 3. What caused the development of the different watersheds in New York State? 4. In which landscape region of New York State is the most resistant bedrock found? 5. Compare the rock layer appearance of the Catskills to the rock layer appearance of the Adirondacks. *Be sure to include a plateau diagram and a mountain diagram in your answer. CONCLUSION: List and describe the factors that result in the formation of landscapes.
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