Volcanoes

Volcanoes

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you will be able to explain what a volcano is and how it forms. You will understand the relationship between tectonic plates and volcanic activity. You will be able to identify and describe the different types of plate boundaries and their role in the formation of volcanoes. You will be able to distinguish between different types of volcanoes and their characteristics. You will be able to explain the concept of a hotspot and its role in volcano formation. You will understand the environmental impact of large volcanic eruptions and their historical significance. You will be able to compare terrestrial volcanism with that found on other planetary bodies.

What do you already know about volcanoes?

Definition and Formation of Volcanoes

Volcanoes are openings in Earth's crust that allow magma, ash, and gases to escape from below the surface. They are closely related to the movement of tectonic plates, particularly at divergent and convergent boundaries, as well as at hotspots caused by mantle plumes.

Tectonic Plates and Their Movement

Massive slabs of solid rock composing the Earth's lithosphere, moving over the asthenosphere.

Divergent and Convergent Plate Boundaries

Divergent Boundary: A tectonic boundary where two plates move away from each other. Convergent Boundary: A tectonic boundary where two plates move towards each other, often causing one to subduct beneath the other.

Hotspots and Mantle Plumes

Hotspot: A volcanic region thought to be fed by underlying mantle that is anomalously hot compared with the surrounding mantle. Mantle Plume: A proposed mechanism of convection within the Earth's mantle that pushes up the crust, forming hotspots and volcanic activity.

Volcanic Features and Types of Volcanoes

Large eruptions can influence climate and cause volcanic winters. Volcanism is not exclusive to Earth and also occurs on other planets such as Mercury.

Effects of Volcanic Eruptions on Climate and Society

Volcanic Arc: A chain of volcanoes formed above a subducting plate. Supervolcano: A volcano that has had an eruption with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 8, the largest recorded value on the index.

Volcanism on Other Planets

A rupture in a planetary crust that allows hot lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape from a magma chamber below the surface.

Definition List

Volcano: A rupture in a planetary crust that allows hot lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape from a magma chamber below the surface. Tectonic Plates: Massive slabs of solid rock composing the Earth's lithosphere, moving over the asthenosphere. Divergent Boundary: A tectonic boundary where two plates move away from each other. Convergent Boundary: A tectonic boundary where two plates move towards each other, often causing one to subduct beneath the other. Hotspot: A volcanic region thought to be fed by underlying mantle that is anomalously hot compared with the surrounding mantle. Mantle Plume: A proposed mechanism of convection within the Earth's mantle that pushes up the crust, forming hotspots and volcanic activity. Volcanic Arc: A chain of volcanoes formed above a subducting plate. Supervolcano: A volcano that has had an eruption with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 8, the largest recorded value on the index.

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.