Volcanology and Plate Tectonics

Volcanology and Plate Tectonics

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you will be able to explain the concept of a volcano and its role in Earth's geology. At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify the types of plate boundaries and their relationship with volcanic activity. At the end of the lesson you will be able to describe the different types of volcanoes and their characteristics. At the end of the lesson you will be able to understand the concept of hotspot volcanism and its examples like the Hawaiian hotspot. At the end of the lesson you will be able to explain the impact of large volcanic eruptions on climate and human society.

What do you already know about volcanoes and plate tectonics?

Definition and formation of volcanoes

Volcano: A geological formation through which magma, ash, and gases from below Earth's crust are expelled.

Plate tectonics and volcanism

Plate tectonics: A scientific theory that describes the large-scale motion of Earth's lithosphere.

Divergent and convergent plate boundaries

Divergent boundary: A tectonic plate boundary where two plates are moving away from each other. Convergent boundary: A tectonic plate boundary where two plates are moving towards each other.

Hotspots and mantle plumes

Hotspot: A location on Earth's surface that has experienced volcanic activity thought to be fueled by a mantle plume. Mantle plume: A hypothetical upwelling of abnormally hot rock within the Earth's mantle.

Types of volcanoes and their features

Shield volcano: A type of volcano with a broad, domed shape and gentle slopes, built by the eruption of fluid basalt lava. Cinder cone: A small, steeply-sloped volcano formed from volcanic ash, tephra, and bomb eruptions. Stratovolcano: A volcano built up of alternate layers of lava and ash, known for its steep profile and periodic explosive eruptions.

Volcanic hazards and their effects on climate and society

Volcanic winter: A reduction in global temperatures caused by volcanic ash and sulfuric acid droplets in the atmosphere.

Definitions

Volcano: A geological formation through which magma, ash, and gases from below Earth's crust are expelled. Plate tectonics: A scientific theory that describes the large-scale motion of Earth's lithosphere. Divergent boundary: A tectonic plate boundary where two plates are moving away from each other. Convergent boundary: A tectonic plate boundary where two plates are moving towards each other. Hotspot: A location on Earth's surface that has experienced volcanic activity thought to be fueled by a mantle plume. Mantle plume: A hypothetical upwelling of abnormally hot rock within the Earth's mantle. Shield volcano: A type of volcano with a broad, domed shape and gentle slopes, built by the eruption of fluid basalt lava. Cinder cone: A small, steeply-sloped volcano formed from volcanic ash, tephra, and bomb eruptions. Stratovolcano: A volcano built up of alternate layers of lava and ash, known for its steep profile and periodic explosive eruptions. Volcanic winter: A reduction in global temperatures caused by volcanic ash and sulfuric acid droplets in the atmosphere.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.