Google Earth Assignment #2

Google Earth assignment #2 Volcanoes 1. Navigate to Amboy crater (you can go directly there by typing the name in the search bar at the upper left side of the screen). a) Describe the size and shape of the volcano by filling in the spaces, below: Maximum height (elevation) of the volcano above sea level: ~285 meters. Base elevation of the volcano: ~210 meters. Relief (maximum elevation – base elevation) = 75 meters total height. Base width: ~500 meters. Average slope of volcano ((relief ÷ 1⁄2width)*100%): 30% b) Using the information in the Volcanos lecture, describe the likely composition (mafic, intermediate, felsic) of this volcano, based on your observations. Explain your answer in one sentence. It appears to be a cinder cone volcano which indicates that it would contain mafic magma along with pyroclastic material. c) Using the lecture on volcanoes, speculate on the volcano type, based on size, shape, and composition. (note: this question may be easier to answer after completing the assignment so you can compare your answers among the different volcanos). This volcano is a cinder cone volcano due to its very small size, distinct rounded top, and a very steep slope for lava flows. 2. Navigate to Mauna Loa on the Big island of Hawaii. a) Describe the size and shape of the volcano by filling in the spaces, below: Maximum height (elevation) of the volcano above sea level: ~ 4,100 meters. Base elevation of the volcano: ~-1,675 meters. Relief (maximum elevation – base elevation) = 5,775 meters total height. Base width: 105,000 meters. Average slope of volcano ((relief ÷ 1⁄2width)*100%): 11% b) Using the information in the Volcanos lecture, describe the likely composition (mafic, intermediate, felsic) of this volcano, based on your observations. Explain your answer in one sentence. Mauna Loa is likely composed of mafic magma due to it being a shield volcano where lava can easily spread once it reaches the surface. c) Using the lecture on volcanoes, speculate on the volcano type, based on size, shape, and composition. (note: this question may be easier to answer after completing the assignment so you can compare your answers among the different volcanos). This appears to be a shield volcano due to its very flat and extremely wide appearance that also lacks a crater top. 3. Navigate to Mt. St. Helens (46.1958, - 122.1821) in southern Washington, USA. a) Maximum height (elevation) of the volcano above sea level: ~2550 meters. Base elevation of the volcano: 1,100 meters. Relief (maximum – base elevation) = 1,450 meters total height. Base width: 9,500 meters. Average slope of volcano ((relief ÷ 1⁄2width)*100%): 30.53% b) Describe the likely composition of this volcano, based on your observations. Explain your answer in one sentence. This volcano contains intermediate magma because it is a composition volcano and near a convergent plate boundary that turns the oceanic crust into lava. c) Zoom out and examine the region. Describe the likely tectonic setting of the volcanoes of Mount St Helens. Support your answer with observations on the major tectonic landforms of the region. This area is likely near a convergent boundary where subduction can take place. The oceanic crust is diving under the continental crust. There are many other mountains and volcanoes lined up indicating where the boundary runs through. d) Based on features present around the volcano, what type of geologic hazard exists here? The area would be prone to volcanic eruptions creating lava flows, lahars due to the steep slopes of the landforms, and lots of dangerous air emissions. e) Using the lecture on volcanoes, speculate on the volcano type, based on size, shape, and composition. Mt. St. Helen is a composite volcano because it is similar in appearance to a conic cone volcano, but still extremely large with steep slopes. 4. Navigate to Mt. Fujiyama, Japan (35.364, 138.731). a) Maximum height (elevation) of the volcano above sea level : 3760. Base elevation of the volcano: 1500 meters. Relief (maximum – base elevation) = 2260 meters total height. Base width: 12000 meters. Average slope of volcano ((relief ÷1⁄2width)*100%) = 37.67% b) Describe the likely composition of this volcano, based on your observations. Explain your answer with one sentence. This volcano is composed of intermediate magma due it being on a subduction zone that uses oceanic crust to form the composition volcano. c) Based on features present around the volcano, what type of geologic hazard exists here? Due to the number of volcanoes and mountains, lava flows and lahars would be common. Lava, mud and earth can easily slide off the steep slopes into the surrounding areas. On top of that ash fall and pyroclastic flows can occur here. d) Zoom out and examine the region. Describe the likely tectonic setting of Mount Fuji. Support your answer with observations on the major tectonic landforms of the region. Similar to St. Helens, Mt. Fuji would be found on a convergent boundary where subduction can take place. This is how it makes an intermediate composition. It also falls in line with many other volcano landforms that outline the subduction zones. e) Using the lecture on volcanoes, speculate on the volcano type, based on size, shape, and composition. (note: this question may be easier to answer after completing the assignment so you can compare your answers among the different volcanos). Mt. Fuji is a composition volcano because of its very large size, steep slopes, rounded top, and intermediate composition.