earth science in a national park

I’ve chose Mount Rainier National Park. What does Earth Science reveal about that national park through time? This research paper will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about a chosen park. In your report, be sure to cover the following topics:

• The geography of your national park – where it is located on Earth, what the topography is like (major mountains, lakes, etc.), and what surface processes are currently shaping it (rivers, ocean waves, etc.)
• The plate tectonic setting of your national park – where it is located relative to plate boundaries, what tectonic processes are active in your region (earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.)
• The geologic story of your national park – what rocks and minerals are found there, and what stories they tell about how your park has changed over geologic time. (For instance, was it once the site of an ocean or sea? If so, what evidence is there for that, and when did it happen?)
• The weather and climate of your national park – what the climate is like in your park, what extreme weather your park experiences, what effects of global climate change your park is already experiencing, what the projected impacts of climate change on your park may be—and what is currently being done, if anything, to address these challenges.

Your final paper should meet the following requirements:

• 6-8 pages in length (does not include title page, reference page, visual elements)
• 8-10 credible outside sources
• 4-6 visual elements that contribute to your paper (your own photographs particularly encouraged)
• Formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements

Attached is my outline previous submitted on the subject. Not all of the sources listed need to be used if others are substituted to reach the 8-10 requirement. The thesis statement needs help (“This does not work as a thesis statement. Imagine you are going to tell someone the MOST IMPORTANT thing they should know after reading your paper. That is the thesis.”). Also, be sure to mention glaciers in relation to Rainier. I recommend using this source to help:

Below is additional data on climate changes and the responses to the same:

I have chosen to write my portfolio about Mount Rainier National Park. Since 1920 the average park temperature has increased 1.5 degrees F and is projected to increase an additional 2 to 4 degrees over the next hundred years. This temperature increase has caused glacier retreat. When this happens, loose dirt is exposed and is washed into river channels, settling into lower elevations. When this happens, the waters top the river banks and cause flooding. The loose dirt can also be attributed to debris flows. The flows can be powerful enough to destroy roads, riverside buildings while uprooting trees and dislodging boulders that can also destroy the surrounds on impact.

Mount Rainier is also impacted by the increased emission of greenhouse gasses. Greenhouse gases are produced from burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and agriculture. It’s location downwind of Seattle can create high concentrations of air pollutants in the Park. Some of the locations in the Park experience higher ground-level ozone concentrations than Seattle.

There are several species of animals in Mt. Rainier that are considered threatened by the climate change. Bull trout have decreased spawning as the water temperature increases. Chinook salmon are lower in numbers because of the flooding. Because of the reduced alpine environment, mountain goats and American pika are not able to tolerate the increased heat.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to work for cleaner air quality. But the major disturbances in the park are due to forest fires. This will continue to increase as the temperatures do and precipitation decreases creating a dryer environment. The Park cannot only rely on the EPA for further regulations for air quality but must also prepare locally for the the inevitable changes. Providing resources to maintain animal habitats and regrowth of destroyed trees, meadows and river beds would help maintain the national park.

Reference:

Ford, K. (2011, June 6). University of Washington. The impacts of climate change at Mount Rainier National Park. Retrieved from

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the America’s most beautiful parks including its iconic landmark, Mount Rainier. The park has become a member of the Climate Friendly Parks program which is a network of parks that are focusing on climate friendly behavior for park sustainability. One of the park’s goals to reduce carbon emissions. According to the NPS (n.d.), the park has committed to reduce GHG emissions from its park operations by thirty percent below the 2006 levels. In order to meet the thirty percent reduction, the park will need to mitigate the effects of vehicles, facilities, and equipment emissions. To accomplish this the park should:

1. Replace current vehicles with more fuel efficient sources and limit access to personal vehicles.

2. Facilities and equipment operations should be held accountable by reducing waste and implement energy-efficient business practices.

The news media has substantial coverage of climate change and its future global effect. Do you think society is taking this serious? What are your thoughts on Greta Thunberg’s work against climate action, and do you think society is doing their utmost?

NPS. ( n.d.). Mount Rainier National Park Action Plan. Retrieved from

Great post on climate change and Mount Rainier.

Are there any estimates at this point as to how much longer the glaciers will endure on Rainier? I am guessing they will likely melt away within the next few decades.

What are the main sources of the ground-level ozone affecting Mount Rainier? Is anything being done to try to lessen that impact?

I am very sorry to read about the forest fires. Historically/ecologically, is the forest in the region adapted to wildfire? In other words, are wildfires a vital part of maintaining forest health? Or are they a new phenomenon resulting from unusually dry conditions associated with climate change?

Excellent post. It sounds like this park is in considerable danger of undergoing major changes in the years ahead.

To what extent are bark beetles posing a threat to Rainier’s forests? Are there any invasive species (the beetles are actually native) that are affecting the ecosystems of the park? How are these organisms responding to climate change?

We you able to find any articles projecting what the park might look like fifty years or so from now, if climate change continues as it appears likely it will?

Please let me know if you need any additional information to turn my outline and notes into the required paper! Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Do you need a similar assignment done for you from scratch? We have qualified writers to help you. We assure you an A+ quality paper that is free from plagiarism. Order now for an Amazing Discount!
Use Discount Code “Newclient” for a 15% Discount!

NB: We do not resell papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.