Rock Quarry Locations

Rock quarries are places where rocks and minerals are extracted from the surface of the Earth. These materials/natural resources are used by humans in many ways. This map and photo of a specific quarry demonstrate that quarries are typically found near water sources. We often think about how humans affect the environment, but in this case the environment is affecting human choices and use of natural resources. Iowa. 
 

• What patterns do you notice about the location of rock quarries and sandpits in Iowa? 

• What reasons can you propose for these patterns? 
• How has the availability of natural resources played a part in the location of rock quarries and sandpits?

Students could:

• Be given the map and series of photos of different rock quarry locations and set up to notice location and answer the compelling questions.
• Conduct a notice and wonder activity rock quarries.

• National Resource Conservation Service | Iowa Geological and Water Survey: Bedrock Geological Map of Iowa: This source from the Iowa Geological and Water Survey is a Bedrock Geologic Map of Iowa.
• GIS Geography | Iowa Lakes and Rivers: Map of Iowa Rivers