Objectives
This section will help you to:
- understand the relationship between volcanoes and plate tectonics: know which tectonic settings volcanoes occur (e.g., convergence and subduction, divergence and mid-ocean ridges, and hot spot settings);
- locate where volcanoes occur in the U.S. and worldwide; know the “ring of fire” and why it exists;
- explain how a volcano forms, functions (erupts), and goes extinct/dormant;
- recognize the role of volcanoes in the rock cycle;
- state the types of material (e.g., silica content, tephra, and pyroclastic debris) a volcano erupts and know why this determines volcano shape and explosiveness (e.g., shield volcano, composite volcano, volcanic dome, cinder cone, and calederas);
- know what types of volcanoes are in the continental US and why they have the potential to be explosive (e.g., Composite Volcanoes such as Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens; and Calderas such as Long Valley and Yellowstone);
- explain the impact of an eruption on other earth processes;
- identify styles of volcanic activity;
- identify a volcanic style based on a case study or picture;
- know the volcanic hazards and interpret the relative risks of volcanoes on human society; and
- explain the influence of volcanic activity on the composition of Earth's atmosphere.
If you would like a guide to help you to achieve these learning objectives for this module, please click here for an “Objective Guide.”