Long Island was formed by glaciers during the Pleistocene epoch. The most recent glacier to shape the surface of Long Island occurred approximately twenty two thousand years ago. At that time, humans inhabited North America, although there is no evidence of humans co-existing with glaciers in the Long Island area.
Despite Long Island being one of the more populated areas in the United States, its geologic history has only been sporadically studied. Only recently, a whole new thinking has developed surrounding the formation of the very backbones of Long Island, called the moraines. Some geologists say the moraines are composed of the debris that washed off the glacier. More recently, other geologists have discovered evidence that instead of flowing debris, parts of the moraines are composed of sediments that have been pushed in front of the advancing glacier, much like a bulldozer pushes soil into piles. The origin of the moraines is only one question posed on the origin on Long Island's Landscape.
Because of the crucial role glaciers have played in the formation of Long Island, there are many intriguing questions that can be asked. Where do the glaciers come from and how can we show that? What glacial processes formed the shape of the land in our town? How did parts of Long Island develop their features and how can we show this? Why does farming occur mostly on the North Fork, and not in central Long Island? All these questions can be answered by doing research. Some projects that can help answer these questions are briefly described below.
Glaciers are not clear block of ice. The contain many of rocks of varying sizes. Perhaps by looking at rocks left here by the retreating glaciers, we can determine where the glaciers come from.
Collecting rocks, identifying them by their composition, then comparing these rocks to the rocks of areas north of here, where the glaciers most likely came from (why do you think this is so?) You can collect rocks from places in your town, but a north-facing beach is best. You will also use geologic maps of states in New England t identify potential source areas for the rocks you collect. If your teacher does not have any geologic maps for you to examine, check one out at WWW._____________________. You will also need to compare what you find in your area to rocks from other areas of Long Island. You can do this by visiting www.journey.sunysb.edu/glacialgeology/rocks/litowns2.html . You can also visit other areas to collect more rocks.
This project is especially valuable if you have easy access to rocks in your area. Ideally, you should also have assess to the Internet, either at school or at home, so you can compare what you collect to what others have found all over Long Island.
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As the last glacier formed the surface features on Long Island, called its topography. Because the features that are formed by ice sheets are fairly well known by geologists, you could map an area in your town or in a park and determine what caused its current appearance.
You will identify an area which you can frequently access and create a topographic map of this area. In the process of learning to topographic map, you will learn to use a compass, a spotting hand level, and to measure distances. You will also use topographic maps of the area you are mapping. Your teacher should have some topographic maps of your area for you to examine. After you construct your map (which will be more detailed than the one your teacher show you), you will need to determine what kind of glacial feature you have. You will also describe the process or processes that formed the area you mapped. You may also want to consult aerial photographs of your area for more detail and as a reference.
This project is convenient for anyone; you can select an area in a park or preserve that you like visiting, or an area near your home or school. Most of the time on this project is spent outdoors. In addition, you must work with a partner, so if you would like to work with someone else, this may be a good project for you to select.
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As mentioned above, there is some controversy over how the moraines of Long Island formed. By examining the structures, both on the surface and sometimes below the surface, you may be able to determine if the area you are examining was formed by fluvial (fluid) processes or tectonic (pushing) processes.
You will identify an area on a moraine which you can easily access. This may be a park or other public land. Sand pits and quarries on either moraine are the ideal location to do this project, but access to operating sand pits is limited by the owners. You may be able to obtain permission to measure and photograph outcrops in a quarry by phoning or writing the owner, but you will have to be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other adult. There are areas on the Long Island moraines where the topography provides clues as to its formation. Using topographic maps and even sterographic (3-D) aerial photographs, you may be able to identify some of these areas and use surface features to determine if an area was formed fluvialy or tectonically. Areas which have been tectonically formed often have beautiful folds and faults which you can describe, photograph, and even draw.
This project will involve the cooperation of another adult, particularly if you don't live or go to school right on one of the moraines. In addition, if you decide you want to look at structures below the surface, you will need to obtain permission to visit a sand pit. If your teacher does not have aerial photographs, you will either have to visit a library which has aerial photos (such as Stony Brook) or order the photos ($5-$10 each, and you will probably need at least two).
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Long Island is, essentially, a pile of sand and rock left behind by a series of glaciers. Why, then, is the soil not the same sandy rocky type? Why are there more farms on the North Fork than in central Long Island? By examining the soil characteristics and biota in your area, and comparing this information to other areas of Long Island, you can perhaps determine the answers to some of these questions.
You will collect and analyze soil samples from at least one area on Long Island. This should be from unaltered land; for example, may people use fertilizers in their yards, and therefore alter the properties of the natural soil. Therefore, it is important that you visit a preserve or park to obtain your samples. You will also need to look at several different kinds of maps, including land use soil type, and topographic maps of Long Island. Your teacher should have some of these maps for you to examine; you will have to obtain others from the library. You will learn to use soil analyses kits, as well as sieves to analyze grain size.
This project may involve the cooperation of another adult, depending on how close the nearest uncorrupted soil is located to your home or school. There may be some cost involved in obtaining the soil test kits; ask your teacher before you decide on this project. You may also need to visit a library other than you local library (such as Stony Brook) in order to obtain some kinds of maps.
If any of these projects interest you, ask your teacher for the packet relating to the project. Then read this packet and write your proposal.
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