Setting the Scene: The Stages of An Island Arc
Student Page

 [Related Hot Links] [PDF File]

 

 

Object of the Lesson

 

Use the information in the Hot Links on the stages of development of a volcanic island to create a flour and salt relief map showing the stages of development.

You will use this map to help you "set the scene" for the drama of the Katmai Mountain area.

  

Steps to Follow:

First, read the information about the stages of development of the Hawaiian Island chain in the Pacific.

  • Evolution of Hawaiian Volcanoes:
  • http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/evolution/introduction.html
  • This site begins at the URL address above and continues through a set of sites that unfold the stages of development. Read each set in the series by clicking the right arrow at the bottom of each discussion.
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    • Use Relief Recipe to make the "raw material" for the stage of development you and your group have been assigned. Label its important features.

    When your models are complete, appoint one member of your group to explain your model and its relationship to the overall development of a volcanic island in a class discussion.

    Choose one member of your group to write a brief explanation of the volcanic activity your model represents.

     Note: If necessary, e-mail one of the field trip's geological experts to ask for help in making your demonstration and explanation clear and accurate.

    Within your group determine your own answer to the following question:

    • What is the connection between the development of the island arc in the Pacific 300 million years ago described in the video and the copper deposits discovered and mined in the early 1900s?

     

    Resources/Materials/Supplies

     

    Video Segment

    Internet access

    Flour and Salt Relief Recipe and ingredients or several colors of modeling clay or materials for paper mache

     

     

    Working Tips and Hints

    If you need help with any volcanic terms, check: Glossary of Volcanic Hazards, Features, Phenomena, Processes, Events, Topics and Terminology: http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/framework.html

    Be sure you have plenty of the needed ingredients for your model. You will also need paints and brushes, magic markers, paper and aprons to protect your clothing.

    You must work with other groups to determine the scale at which you will build your models and a color key to show elevation and formations including lava, coral, growing plants, etc. Note: All models should be painted to match the color code determined in class.

    Since many of the stages occurred under water, consider setting your models in a diorama format that would illustrate each stage both under and above the ocean's surface.