Task
The surface of the Earth can change suddenly. In this task you will explain how sudden geological events and extreme weather change the Earth's surface, and you will use a source to describe how an event affected a community.
Part A — Causes and effects
1. Explain what causes an earthquake and describe one way it can change the Earth's surface.
2. Explain what causes a volcanic eruption and describe one way it changes the Earth's surface.
3. A tsunami and a cyclone are both sudden, powerful events. Complete the table to compare them.
| Tsunami | Cyclone | |
|---|---|---|
| What causes it? | ||
| How it changes the surface | ||
| One effect on a community |
Part B — Sudden or slow?
4. Some changes to the Earth's surface are sudden and some are slow. Explain the difference between a sudden geological event and slow change by erosion, giving an example of each.
Part C — Using a source
5. Look at the source your teacher has given you about a real extreme weather event. Using the source, describe how the event affected the land and the people, and name one way people prepared for it or responded to it.
Rubric criteria (weights as a percentage of this assessment)
| Criterion | Weight | Descriptor |
|---|---|---|
| Causes and surface effects of sudden geological events | 35% | High (5–6): Accurately explains the causes of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and clearly describes how each changes the Earth's surface, using correct vocabulary. Sound (3–4): Explains the causes and describes a surface effect for each. Limited (1–2): States a cause or an effect with little explanation. |
| Comparing events and distinguishing sudden from slow change | 35% | High (5–6): Clearly compares a tsunami and a cyclone and accurately distinguishes sudden events from slow change by erosion, with relevant examples. Sound (3–4): Compares the events and gives a mostly correct distinction with examples. Limited (1–2): Limited comparison or distinction, with few examples. |
| Interpreting a source about an extreme weather event | 30% | High (4): Uses the source accurately to describe effects on land and people and identifies a relevant preparation or response. Sound (2–3): Uses the source to describe some effects and names a response. Limited (1): Refers to the source with limited detail. |