User:Lgkirst/Wiki Homework

== Plate Tectonics Wiki-Homework #1 ==

Topic: Antarctic Peninsula's Subduction Zone Tectonics

Wikipedia Article #1 A). Antarctic Geology B). This is a decently put together page that highlights the basic geologic history and knowledge of Antarctica. C). Could have additional information on glacial cycles since the last glacial maximum. Could also elaborate on details of the types of plate boundaries around the Antarctic plate. D). In terms of grammar and language used, the page is pretty solid and not much alteration is needed. I like how it goes through various important ages of the continent, briefly describing them as time progresses to the present. But, I would separate the Era divisions(Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Gondwanaland Breakup, Neogene) into further separations, differentiating paleontology from other geologic subjects. This would give the page a little more organization. E). The page has great maps and photographs of Antarctica. Only downfall here is that they should add maps of the continent through geologic time, helping non-geologists understand the orientation of the continent as well as "big-picture" elements of the Gondwanaland Breakup.

Wikipedia Article #2 A). Ancient Phoenix Plate B). This page is an abomination and briefly describes the Phoenix Plate and it's tectonic history. C). This page has huge lapses in information, it desperately needs a geologic map of the proposed spatial orientation of the Phoenix Plate, as well as diagrams of a subduction zone to help people understand it's disappearance. D). The fact that this page highlights and lists different names of the ancient plates is useful. Article desperately needs additional content. E). This is the most improvable part of the article, it completely abandons the aid of visual representations within the page. The addition of paleo-maps, and other diagrams could be an easy addition to this page. For an example of a similar page that has all these elements, check out this one: Cimmerian Plate

Wikipedia Article #3 A). Antarctic Peninsula B). This page highlights general information pertaining to the Antarctic Peninsula. C). This page is a slightly useful gathering of very basic knowledge pertaining to the Antarctic Peninsula, desperately needs a "Geology" section. D). The page does a decent job of being "Short and Sweet", it doesn't get too technical. Surely additional information regarding "Climate change" could be added, especially with all of today's current studies on the peninsula's glacial reactions. E). The page does a great job in providing a variety of maps and pictures. Some are very interesting to look at and and provide a good visual element to help understand certain information. Although, some of the pictures could be a bit larger, this page does a good job of listing a variety of visual aids.

Outline
A) I will have my first section introduce the subject matter and give info on the Antarctic Peninsula in general, also showing a few present day maps and figures. B) I will then begin to explain the early history of the Antarctic Peninsula right after the break-up of Gondwanaland. Showing the tectonic environment and associated rift features in cross-section. C) I will progress through time until I reach the present day. I will talk about the peninsula’s most recent tectonic and volcanic activity, what volcanoes are still active, etc. D) I will then conclude with the possible future of the peninsula, what might happen to it when continents start to collide, will volcanism ever cease or increase?, etc.

Value
This article will add depth to the general Antarctic Peninsula page here on Wikipedia, as well as help people get a better understanding of why it is such an interesting area. In terms of a wider audience benefitting from this page, I think that ordinary people will find it interesting and they will more than likely get something out of it and generally enjoy it. I think that the specialists will enjoy having a page that is more technical and in-depth concerning the peninsula.

Structure
The article will be structured in almost a chronological order type style with an intro paragraph at the beginning. I will have numerous figures showing the break-up of plates, movement of plates, cross-sections of the subduction zone and Phoenix rift subduction(If I can get enough info).

Extra Credit Created smileyface.jpg using Adobe Illustrator CS5 on LSU's Virtual computer lab. This took longer than you think, I was very frustrated upon completion of the image...