Sara Aldape
EDTC 6341.61
Orientation 2: Volcano Scenario
Mt. Pinatubo
In 1991, Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines exploded into Earth’s second largest volcanic
eruption this century. This eruption deposited more than 1 cubic mile (5 cubic
kilometers) of volcanic ash and rock fragments on the volcano’s slopes. Within hours,
heavy rains began to wash this material down into the surrounding lowlands in giant,
fast-moving lahars. In the next four rainy seasons lahars carried about half of the
deposits off the volcano, causing even more destruction in the lowlands than the
eruption itself.
Situation
A Washington State panel comprised of business people, state congressional
representatives, and concerned citizens have contacted your team for advice. They want
you to study the impact that Mt. Rainier might have if it were to erupt with the same
magnitude as the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. You will use the PBL Model and the Earth
system science approach in preparing your response.
Problem-Based Learning Model
1. Read and analyze the scenario and situation.
A Washington State panel wants the A Plus Detektives to compare the same
effects that happen in Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines to an eruption scenario if
Mt. Rainer erupts in Washington State. If Mt. Rainier does have the explosive
eruption as Mt. Pinatubo did in 1991, would the devastating impact be more
disastrous due to the populated areas around Mt. Rainier?
2. List your personal understanding, ideas, or hunches.
 Volcanoes form at plate boundaries.
 Volcanoes are mountains formed by lava and ash.
 Lava is magma that reaches Earth’s surface.
 Ash is small pieces of hardened lava.
3. List what is known.
 Mt. Pinatubo is located in the small islands of the Phillipines.
 Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991.
 Mt. Rainer is located in the center of Washington State.
 The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo was the second largest volcanic eruption in
this century.
 The eruption deposited more than 1 cubic mile of volcanic ash and rock
fragments on the volcano’s slopes.

The lahars carried about half of the deposits off the volcano causing more
destruction than the eruption.
4. List what is unknown.
 What type of volcano is Mt. Rainer and Mt. Pinatubo?
 How many times has Mt. Rainer and Mt. Pinatubo erupted?
 How many people lost their lives in Mt. Rainer and in Mt. Pinatubo?
5. List what needs to be done.
Investigation must be done in order to get more information to compare both
regions.
6. Develop a problem statement.
When all data analysis is obtained, a detailed report will be presented to the
Washington State panel on the impact and effects of Mt. Rainier in the
surrounding areas in case of eruption.