Module 1, Activity IIB: Western New York in the Mid and Late Devonian Period

Essential Questions:

1. What geologic events formed what is now Western NY during the Devonian period and later?
2. Why are the types of fossils found in the area located there?

Engage:

(Devonian Maps are available at http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~rcb7/nam.html,

1. Find Western New York on the Middle Devonian Map your teacher has provided for you. (Hint: It is located in the light blue area west of the mountains about 2/3 of the way down the map and a little right of the middle-you can see the present map outline of the state borders.) You may need to refer to a map of Western New York or use Google Earth.

Explore:

1. Describe the location of North America on your map. How does it compare to modern maps?
2. Where is the Elma, NY area located at this point in geological history?
3. What type of geological events would have been occurring in this area during this period?
   Obtain a Late Devonian Period map from your teacher and find the same area on it.
4. How did the topography change during the 25 million years spanning from the Mid to Late Devonian Period?
5. Hypothesize about how the changes you discussed in question 4 may have affected the development of the rocks found in the area today.

Elaborate:

1. In general, what types of organisms would you expect to be living in the area during the Middle and Late Devonian Period? Think, pair, share. (Hint: you may need to consult your textbook or other resources at this time for assistance.)
2. Is there any way for sure to know whether your answers for question one are correct? Explain.