6.4G| In-Person Lab Activity: Connecting Volcanoes to Plate Tectonics Activity

Overview

The distribution of volcanoes on Earth is controlled by the distribution of magma. Magma, as you may recall, is rare, only forming where rock can melt. In this exercise, you'll apply what you've learned about volcanoes to illustrate where on Earth's surface they are located and why they form where they do. 

Materials 

• Plate boundaries map 
• Volcano locations map (scroll down to Figure 1.4)
• Colored Pencils 

Instructions 

1. Visually identify the plate boundaries on the plate boundaries map. Check with your tablemates that they have identified them as well.  
2. Without using any resources, locate the places on Earth where you expect volcanoes to form then share these locations with your tablemates. 
3. Locate the four settings for volcanoes (4.5.1. Distribution and Tectonics) and label the map with a colored line (if it's a linear feature) or triangles (if a singular location):
   1. mid-ocean ridges (blue)
   2. subduction zones (red)
   3. continental rifts (green)
   4. hot spots (purple)
   5. Include a key/legend that explains what each color represents
4. For each setting describe:
   1. the type of volcano and its explosiveness 
   2. the cause of melting (to make the magma)
   3. the typical composition of the magma
   4. silica content and magma viscosity
   5. the extrusive rock formed from the eruptions at that setting.
   6. Record this information in the Volcano Characteristics and Tectonic Setting table. WARNING! Make a copy (under File) first then add your answers.
5. Embed an image of your completed plate boundary map. 
6. Paste a link for your completed Volcano Characteristics and Tectonic Setting table. 

Learning Objectives 

• Students can describe the geologic processes, the relative movement of plates, and the distinguishing landforms associated with each type of plate boundary 
• Students can describe the eruptive and physical characteristics of different types of volcanoes
• Identify and describe how calderas form
• Describe the intrusive and extrusive rocks associated with each volcano
• Use texture to interpret the cooling history and origin of rock specimens
• Explain why some volcanoes explode while others do not