Ready to Erupt!
Mount Rainier, WA.Copyright 1995 Pat Pringle, Washington State Department of Natural Resources http://www.dnr.wa.gov/geology/hazards/volcano
Students observe an in-classroom visual representation of a volcanic eruption. The water-powered volcano demonstration is made in advance, using sand, hoses and a water balloon, representing the main components of all volcanoes. During the activity, students observe, measure and sketch the volcano, seeing how its behavior provides engineers with indicators used to predict an eruption.
Even though we cannot prevent volcanic eruptions, there are telltale signs that an eruption is going to occur. Engineers design and build devices to detect indications of an impending eruption. One sign is a swelling of the mountain as the magma chamber fills. Engineers use tilt meters and surveying techniques to watch and measure this swelling, so that people near the volcano can be safely evacuated in advance of the blast.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Identify several elements of a volcano.
- Explain that sometimes a volcano rises as the magma chamber fills prior to an eruption.
- Describe how engineers create devices that can predict future eruptions.