Introduction: The Earth is made of several layers which display different properties. The materials that make
each layer are responsible for the unique properties that the layer displays. The asthenosphere is
the “plastic” layer of the mantle on which pieces of the lithosphere move. The asthenosphere is
made of solid rock that “flows” very slowly.
Objective:
To model the approximate consistency of the asthenosphere.
Procedure:
1. Perform each test and record the group’s observations/results on the data sheet. Put a check under the
term liquid or solid based upon the results of each test (how does it behave during the test?).
2. Total the number of “liquid-like” test results and “solid-like” test results.
3. Answer the analysis questions & write a conclusion, citing specific data and observations.
Tests/Stations
Quick punch test:
Try to poke your finger into the gluep so that the tip of your finger touches the
bottom of the cup of gluep. In order to make sure this is the quick punch
test, try to touch the bottom in 1 second.
Slow punch test:
Try to poke your finger into the gluep so that the tip of your finger touches the
bottom of the cup of gluep. In order to make sure this is the slow punch
test, try to touch the bottom in 10 seconds.
Pour test:
Try to pour the gluep from one cup to another.
Conformity test:
Put the gluep into a petri dish. Check to see if the gluep takes the shape of the petri dish
or if it stays in its original shape.
Shape test:
Form the gluep into a ball. Check to see if it holds its shape for 5 seconds.
Bounce test:
Hold the gluep 30 cm up from the lab table. Drop the gluep.
Analysis questions: (answer on back of data sheet)
1.
In what way(s) can gluep be used to model the material that makes up the asthenosphere?
2.
In what way(s) is the gluep different from the asthenosphere?
3.
What role does density play in how the asthenosphere behaves?
4.
Why is the asthenosphere considered to be “plastic” and not solid or liquid?
5.
How might the “plastic” properties of the asthenosphere affect the lithosphere?
Conclusion:
What were the different properties that the gluep possessed and how are these properties related to the Earth’s
asthenosphere? What is meant by the idea that the asthenosphere is “plastic”. Why is it necessary to consider
the properties of the asthenospehere when observing geologic phenomenon of the Earth’s lithosphere?
Name__________________________
Gluep Data Sheet
Test
Observations/Results
Liquid
(x)
Quick
Punch Test
Slow Punch
Test
Pour Test
Conformity
Test
Shape Test
Bounce Test
…………………………Total
Observations: Please record these additional observations.
Color:__________________________________________________________________
Texture: ________________________________________________________________
Shape: _________________________________________________________________
Smell: _________________________________________________________________
Other Characteristics: _____________________________________________________
Over
Solid
(x)
Analysis questions
1.
In what way(s) can gluep be used to model the material that makes up the asthenosphere?
2.
In what way(s) is the gluep different from the asthenosphere?
3.
What role does density play in how the asthenosphere behaves?
4.
Why is the asthenosphere considered to be “plastic” and not solid or liquid?
5.
How might the “plastic” properties of the asthenosphere affect the lithosphere?
Conclusion
What were the different properties that the gluep possessed and how are these properties related to the Earth’s
asthenosphere? What is meant by the idea that the asthenosphere is “plastic”. Why is it necessary to consider
the properties of the asthenospehere when observing geologic phenomenon of the Earth’s lithosphere?