Name ____________________________________________
Is It Safe to Live Near a Volcano? (ES0907)
Key Concepts
 Eruptions from subduction-related volcanoes endanger life in a large region surrounding the
volcanic vent.
 Maps of historical mudflows help delineate areas vulnerable to future eruptions.
 Evacuation planners must consider a range of issues to ensure public safety.
Key Skills
 interpreting maps and 3-D topographic models
 describing volcanic damage
 designing an evacuation plan for a volcanic area
Investigation overview
You will Peru’s interactive web pages detailing the devastation caused by the 1980 eruption of
Mount Saint Helens. You will examine historical eruption frequencies of Cascade volcanoes and
consider the possibility of another one erupting in your lifetime. Because areas of dense
population are near Mount Rainier, you will consider the steps that would need to be taken to
save lives if it were to erupt in a manner similar to Mount Saint Helens. You will examine maps
showing the extent of historical mudflows from Mount Rainier and delineate areas you think
would be in danger if it were to erupt again. Finally you will outline an evacuation plan that
could be implemented if an eruption of Mount Rainier seemed imminent.
Cascade volcanoes will probably continue erupting in a manner similar to the 1980 eruption of
Mount Saint Helens. The area of devastation from such eruptions can extend far beyond
volcanic mountain itself. Mudflows race down existing streams and rivers, burying everything in
their path. The blast of hot volcanic gas can also devastate living things in a large region. People
who live in or visit areas near Cascade volcanoes should make themselves aware of evacuation
plans in effect for the region.
Materials
Internet
Conclusions
1. Based on this map, how much of the area surrounding Mount Saint Helens would you evacuate?
Explain your reasoning.
I hereby declare upon my word of honor that I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on
this work.
______________________________________________________
Name ____________________________________________
2013
2. In the chart below, describe the impact in each zone. Give a descriptive name to each sound
indicate the cause of the destruction.
Zone number
Description of impact
Name for zone
1
2
3
4
5
3. Do you think a Cascade volcano might erupt in your lifetime? Explain.
4. Based on the graph, which Cascade volcano would you predict may erupt next? Describe your
reasoning.
5. What steps would need to be taken to save lives if Mount Rainier were to enter an active
eruptive phase?
2
Name ____________________________________________
2013
6. Write a description of the area you would recommend for evacuation, based on the map.
7. In the space below, outline a plan for safely and efficiently evacuating residents from the area
you identified.
3