Name: _________________________________________ Date: ____________
Where are the Volcanoes?
Goal: Search for and describe patterns in the global distribution of volcanoes.
Materials:
USGS Map: This Dynamic Planet
Procedure: (write answers on separate sheet of paper)
1. Look at the map key to learn the meaning of the various symbols and how
to use the map scale.
a.
b.
c.
d.
What do each of the four kinds of triangles represent?
What do the red solid lines represent?
Describe how the scale of the map changes with latitude.
Does the map cover the entire Earth? Why or Why not?
2. For each time interval of volcanic activity shown on the map, find the
latitude and longitude for 1 volcano closest to New Jersey.
a. Make a data table on your lined paper to record your results
using the example below.
Time Interval
1900-1993
0-1900
Past 10,000
Uncertain
LAT
Volcano
LONG
3. Obtain a copy of a world map. Use this map to summarize any patterns in
the global distribution of volcanoes.
a. When volcanoes follow a linear pattern (looks like volcanoes are in
a line), draw a thick dotted line on your world map. Use the string
of volcanoes within the Aleutian Islands and southern Alaska as
an example.
b. For the red lines that appear on the USGS map to show divergent
boundaries, draw thin red lines on your copy of the map. See the
examples in the Pacific Ocean near Oregon and Washington.
c. Where volcanoes are less concentrated (only a few in one area),
circle the area that they cover. Try to be as accurate as possible.
See the group of volcanoes in the Cascades as an example.
Name: _________________________________________ Date: ____________
4. When your map is complete, answer the following questions on your paper:
a. Are most volcanoes found in random places or do they show a
trend or pattern? Explain.
b. Does the USGS map show any volcanoes associated with the red
lines (divergent plate boundaries) in the ocean basins?
c. Where is most of the volcanic activity located in the Atlantic Ocean?
d. Suppose that tomorrow a volcano forms somewhere in the United
States. Could it form in or near the state of NJ? Support your
answer with evidence from this activity.
e. Look at the circles that you placed on your map for less
concentrated areas of volcanoes. Are any of these areas
considered hot spots? (check out the map key to help with your
answer)
f. Looking at the Pacific plate, describe the location and types of
boundaries surrounding the plate edge.
g. What do you notice about the pattern of volcanoes around the
Pacific plate?