Yellowstone: Monitoring the Fire Below
Educator Resources for "Yellowstone: Monitoring the Fire Below"
For general information about using Science Bulletins in your classroom, refer to the Science Bulletins Educator's Guide.Exploring In-Depth
Volcanoes are not all fiery cones of smoke and lava. Some can be much more subtle. Yellowstone Park, though famous for its tranquility, has been the location of some of the most violent volcanic eruptions in Earth’s history. Explore the feature, “Yellowstone”, and learn how scientists are studying its hidden dangers.
- What is the geologic definition of an “active volcano”?
- What are hotspots and magma chambers?
- What are the various ways in which geothermal activity manifests itself at Yellowstone?
- What signs do geologists look for in order to predict an eruption? How is geologic and seismic activity monitored?
- When was Yellowstone’s last eruption? Are scientists concerned about an imminent eruption? Why or why not?
- What would the effects be of an eruption at Yellowstone today?
- Describe other similar hotspots around the world. What do scientists know about them?
Related Links
- NASA Earth Observatory: Natural Hazards: Volcanoes
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/natural_hazards_v2.php3?topic=volcano
Amaze your students with these satellite photos of recent volcanic events around the world. - Atmospheric Science Data Center: Volcano Types
http://eosweb.larc.nasa.gov/EDDOCS/Aerosols/Volcano_Types_Lesson.html
In this activity, students research and identify the various types of volcanoes around the world. - NASA Earth Observatory: Sensing Remote Volcanoes
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Study/monvoc/
See how satellite technology is enabling scientists to detect volcanic activity around the world within just a few hours! - Windows to the Universe: Surface and Interior of the Earth
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/Interior_Structure/overview.html
Explore how the relationship between Earth’s surface features and its interior. From the National Corporation for Atmospheric Research. - Atmospheric Science Data Center: Exploding Volcano
http://eosweb.larc.nasa.gov/EDDOCS/Aerosols/exploding_volcano.html
Simulate explosive volcanic pressures with this easy-to-do hands-on exercise.
