Volcano Web
In this lesson you will use the Internet to research
information on volcanoes and then write a report on
your results.
Introduction
A volcano is a location where magma,
or hot melted rock from within a planet,
reaches the surface. It may happen violently,
in a massive supersonic explosion, or more
quietly, as a sticky, slow lava flow.
Volcanoes have been a part of earth's history
long before humans. Compare the history of human
beings, a few million years in the making, to that of
the Earth, over four billion years in the making.
Volcano Terminology
The study of volcanoes, or Volcanology,
includes many odd terms.
How many of these do you know?
- caldera
- vesicularity
- pahoehoe
- rheology
- lahar
Volcanic Places in the US
Listed below are two places in the United States that are
considered "active" volcanic areas.
Mount St Helens
On May 18,1980, after a long period of rest, this quiet
mountain in Washington provided
detailed observations on the mechanics of highly
explosive eruptions.
Long Valley
Volcanic Places on Mars
Research Project
Your mission is to find information and report on a volcano,
other than the ones listed above, that has erupted in the last
100 years. Your reports must include:
- Type of volcano
- Geographic location
- Name, distance, and population of nearest major city
- Dates of most recent and most destructive eruptions.
- Other events associated with the recent eruptions
(earthquakes, floods, mudslides, etc)
Then, write a one page description on the major hazards to humans
in the vicinity of this volcano. Speculate on what you would do
if you were in charge of minimizing the risk to the population.
References