Transcript Activity 37: Volcanic Landforms

Activity 37
Volcanic Landforms
Activity 37: Volcanic Landforms
Challenge  How do volcanic
eruptions vary?
Key Vocabulary:
Magma
Model
In this activity we are going to use a
model
In science, a model is a simplified
representation of reality; they can
be used to explain and predict
natural processes.
Agree or Disagree?
All volcanic eruptions are
the same?
Read the Introduction and define
the term “Magma” in your
notebooks.
Magma  hot liquid rock
(Underground)
In your notebook, record the
following data table:
Types of Eruption
Less gassy “magma”
More gassy “magma”
Results
Part A – Page D-10
Follow Steps 1-7 in your books.
We are only going to have
one “eruption” for each
type! Pay attention.
Make sure to record your
results in your notebooks
Part B
 Follow Steps 9-16
 Again, make sure to record your results
 Step 18: Compare the rocks and in your
notebooks record which rock is more likely
to be from the “more gassy” or “less
gassy” magma. Explain your reasoning.
Lava Rocks:
Less Gassy Magma:
BASALT
More Gassy Magma:
PUMICE
Follow Up Discussion
 What do you think the rubber stopper
represented?
Once magma erupts it is called lava
More gassy magma causes pressure to build up
and often causes a more explosive eruption.
This lava flows less smoothly
 What caused the more gassy magma to explode so
violently?
The chemical reaction of the baking soda and
vinegar formed a gas
Because of the stopper the gas built up and
created pressure
When the pressure was high enough the rubber
stopper popped off
 Volcanic eruptions are the result of building
pressure, BUT the pressure is NOT a result of a
chemical reaction as it is in the model.
Analysis Questions
In your notebooks, answer
questions 1-3 and discuss your
answers with your group
Analysis #1a
Differences
Similarities
Less Gassy
More Gassy
Chemical reaction
resulted in
“eruption”
Red bubbly lava
Released gas
Both caused
magma and gases
to form inside the
model to be
released
Gentle eruption
with smooth
flowing lava
Explosive eruption.
#1b
In general, the more gassy
“magma” produced a more
explosive eruption
#2
You would find both types (basalt
and pumice) at Yucca Mountain
because they had both types of
eruptions
#3
 If a volcano erupted many times over a
period of years, you would expect a
mountain to form.
 As lava comes up and hardens, it forms
new rock.
 New rock builds up over time forming
mountains.