this lesson, students will model lava flows and their effect
on volcano formation and model two additional means by
which mountains can form.
Purpose – Exploration of volcano and mountain formation and explanation
of where different types appear and why.
will be able to:
Describe two types of mountain formation that are not
directly associated with collision boundaries.
2. Describe how lava flow affects volcano formation.
3. Explain, in a group discussion, that detailed observation of rocks, minerals
and rock layers are necessary to identify the processes that form some mountains
Science Education Standard:
CONTENT STANDARD D – Earth
and Space Science
ENERGY IN THE EARTH SYSTEM
• Earth systems have internal and external sources of energy, both of which
create heat. The sun is the major external source of energy. Two primary sources
of internal energy are the decay of radioactive isotopes and the gravitational
energy from the earth's original formation.
• The outward transfer of earth's internal heat drives convection circulation
in the mantle that propels the plates comprising earth's surface across the face
of the globe.
THE ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF THE EARTH SYSTEM
• Interactions among the solid earth, the oceans, the atmosphere, and organisms
have resulted in the ongoing evolution of the earth system. We can observe some
changes such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on a human time scale, but
many processes such as mountain building and plate movements take place over
hundreds of millions of years.
Science is not always straightforward. Although most volcanoes
are formed at subduction zones and form volcanic mountains
on land and islands in the sea, this is not always the
case. Nor do all volcanoes look alike. Some volcanoes are
formed over “hot spots.” These are places where
the magma in the mantle spurts upward, breaking through
the crust. Volcanoes also vary their shape depending upon
the material that is extruded from them. High viscosity
magma, or ash eruptions result in the formation of strato-volcanoes
also known as cinder cones. Low viscosity magma that pours
out of the volcano over a great area results in the formation
of shield volcanoes.
Mountains also vary. Many very large, tall mountains ranges
are the result of two continental plates colliding with
each other; however there are other ranges that are the
result of faulting in the earth. Parts of the plates are
uplifted and form mountain ranges.
and Resource Websites
When Continents Collide
of Volcanoes http://web.archive.org/web/20040604204436/http://www.ssanpete.k12.ut.us/EMS/staff/Staff/Bishop/Bishop-7/dynearth/volcano3.htm