Current
Geologic Activity along or near Plate Boundaries
within the Pacific
"Ring of
Fire"
{an Earth Systems Science project developed by Cliff Bishop,
Eisenhower High School, Yakima, WA}
(Updated 10-28-02)
The relatively new field of Earth Systems Science is an
amalgamation of several sciences, including planetary,
meteorological, environmental, ecological, and biological sciences.
The interconnectedness and interdependence of the various organic and
inorganic systems that comprise Earth have led to the development of
this important new area of scientific pursuit.
"Selected by the SciLinks program, a service of the National Science
Teachers Association. Copyright 1999-2002."
Pacific "Ring of Fire" and Plate
Boundaries
|
Current Hotspots within the Pacific "Ring of
Fire"
|
1. Pacific "Ring of
Fire" Unit Abstract:
This is an 8-class period unit
within the Comparative Planetology term of Astronomy, or the
Planetary Geology term of Planetary Science. It is part of a
larger investigation of the Earth-Moon-Sun system. In this unit,
we focus on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and its associated tectonic
plate boundaries. Student groups (2-3 per group) will investigate
some of the major hotspots (areas of active volcanism and
earthquakes) along or near the plate boundaries within the Pacific
"Ring of Fire". Correlations between these hotspots and greater
activity along the nearest plate boundaries will be investigated.
During the course of these investigations, students will learn the
major components of Plate Tectonics, involving dynamic movements
of crustal plates within Earth's lithosphere. The depth of
investigation will be adjusted or refocused depending on current
data, accessibility of internet resources, and time constraints.
2. go to "Ring
of Fire" Activity Calendar
3. go to "Ring
of Fire" Rubric
4. go to Website
Investigation Form (a copyable/printable investigative
activity form)
5. go to Cyberspace
Guidebook Entry Form (a copyable/printable cyberspace website
visitation form)
6. "Ring of Fire"
and Plate Tectonics Reference Sites:
This
Dynamic Earth: The Story of Plate Tectonics: This
site is an online U.S.G.S. representation of the publication of
the same title. It furnishes the introductory investigation into
the concept of Plate Tectonics.
Plate
Tectonics Glossary of Terms and Concepts: A
U.S.G.S. site containing a glossary of Plate Tectonics terms and
concepts.
Volcano
World: A comprehensive, yet easily navigable site,
dealing with volcanism on a global scale, and containing
information on recent
volcanic activity and images
of volcanoes (by region).
National Earthquake
Information Center (NEIC): This U.S.G.S. site
contains current information regarding global earthquake activity,
including current
earthquake location maps.
Smithsonian
Institution's Global Volcanism Program (GVP): This
site contains current volcanic activity information, with
global
and regional maps, and access to SI's GVP data base.
7. go to "Ring of Fire" EALRs
and Benchmarks.
8. Return to Earth
Systems Projects Page.