Earth Systems
Standard 2: Objective 2:e
Title: Locations of Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Description: Students will map the location of various earthquakes and
volcanoes. They will then relate the location of this phenomenon with the
location of plate boundaries.
Materials Needed:
Longitude/Latitude Map (Provided)
Map of plate boundaries (Provided)
Pencil
Blue and Red Pencils
Time Needed: 45-50 mins
Safety issues or specialized background knowledge: You may have to teach
longitude and latitude graphing.
Teacher Procedures:
1. Explain Alfred Wegner and his idea of continental drift, perhaps a little
about the controversy his theory caused. Explain how Harry Hess took the
idea one step further theorizing that the earth’s crust was made of plates.
Explain that people needed more evidence to prove that the Earth was made
of plates. Ask the students if they know of any other proofs that help support
plate tectonics. Either use this as time to explain some of the other proofs or
review what has already been taught. Ask the students “Why are there so
many volcanoes in Washington State and not any in places like Colorado.”
You could extend the question by asking “Why are there so many
earthquakes in California but not any in places like New York State.”
Chances are there students will respond, “because of plate tectonics.” Lead
them into the activity by saying that Alfred Wegner noticed patterns like this.
Challenge them to see if the theory on plate tectonics is true then evidence
should support that the greatest number of earthquakes and volcanoes take
place at plate boundaries as opposed to other locations.
2. Hand out maps and student sheet
3. Lead a small discussion at the end of the activity to brainstorm their ideas.
Higher Execution:
1. Allow the students to use the internet or Google Earth to find their own
volcanoes and earthquakes to prove the trend between earthquakes and
volcanoes and the relative plate boundaries.
Scoring Rubric or answer key:
1. Students will be able to graph appropriately………………………………4
2. Students will be able to draw their own conclusion……………………...4
3. Students are able to report and support their data………………………4
Name: _________________________________
Period: ______
Student Page
Title: Location of Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Introduction: For thousands of years we have known of the existence of
volcanoes and earthquakes. Pioneered by Alfred Wegner, the plate tectonic
theory has been thought to cause earthquakes and volcanoes. In this activity
you will prove the validity of the plate tectonic theory in relation to the location of
earthquakes and volcanoes.
Prediction/Hypothesis: How do you think the location of earthquakes and
volcanoes relate to the location of plate boundaries?
Procedures:
1. Map the volcanoes with a blue pencil by marking its location with a “v” on
your world map.
2. Map the earthquakes with a red pencil by marking its location with an “e”
on your world map.
3. Compare your map with your plate tectonic map to answer questions 1-8.
Data:
Name of Volcano
Mauna Loa
Volcano Arenal
Volcano Canlaon
Mt. St. Helens
Mount Vesuvius
Miyake
Krakatau
Askja
Latitude
19 N
10 N
10 S
46 N
41 N
34 N
6S
65 N
Longitude
156 W
85 W
123 E
122 W
14 E
140 E
105 E
16 E
Extra Credit:
Extra Credit:
Earthquakes
Latitude
50 S
48 S
67 N
35 N
5S
58 N
Longitude
170 W
75 W
14 W
142 E
160 E
142 W
Latitude
7N
25 N
31 S
22 N
35 S
43 S
79 N
Longitude
77 W
128 E
70 E
80 E
65 E
97 E
7E
Conclusion:
1. Describe the pattern of earthquakes and volcanoes on Earth.
2. Why do we find earthquakes and volcanoes on tectonic plate boundaries?
3. What part of the United States is most likely to experience earthquakes
and volcanoes (tectonic activity)? Why?
4. What two plates cause the Volcano Arenal?
5. What two plates cause the volcano Krakatau?
6. Which volcano is not located near any plate tectonic boundaries? How do
you think that volcano formed?
7. Do you think the location of volcanoes and earthquakes supports the
theory to plate tectonics? Why or why not?
8. Name another explanation (besides plate tectonics) that may be the cause
of this pattern of earthquakes and volcanoes.