Volcanoes and Tectonic Disasters: Volcanoes

Lava fountains and lava bombs, glowing clouds and geysers are just some of the dramatic phenomena featured in this comprehensive, colourfully illustrated account of the Earth's volcanism past, present, and future, with an Australian focus

Examines the moving plates that make up Earth's surface and can cause earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis, discussing the damage that can result, and the scientists who explore this environment phenomenon.

Some of the planets most destructive forcesincluding earthquakes and volcanic activityare caused by the same factors that helped shape much of the Earth as it is today. Plate tectonics, or movement of the Earths outer layers, can occur in a number of different ways and produce a range of results, some minor and others far more considerable or devastating. Distinct maps, interesting sidebars, and annotated illustrations of the Earths layers are included in this volume, which details the motion of the planet and the nature and study of both earthquakes and volcanoes.

The theory of Plate Tectonics provides a coherent model of how the outer surface of the Earth moves and changes. These innovative activities represent a groundbreaking way for students to gain hands-on experience with this earthshaking theory In these activities, students travel to different geological hotspots-Hawaii, California, Iceland, Japan, and Nepal-to gather evidence. Engaging classroom models of erupting volcanoes, strike-slip faults, rock layers, seafloor spreading, and photographs of geological formations allow students to compare geological phenomena and structures found in far-flung parts of the Earth. Throughout, students record their observations, calculations, and conclusions in a geological field notebook. In the concluding activity, students discuss and debate the underlying plate movements that connect their findings, and arrive at a much deeper understanding of plate tectonics theory.Plate tectonics is a challenging subject that many middle school teachers are required to teach. This new GEMS guide provides clear, step-by-step presentation instructions, concise and accessible background information, built-in assessments, student readings and literature suggestions, and helpful class management suggestions from teachers who tested the activities in classrooms nationwide. No special science knowledge or background is required to present these activities which utilize readily available materials.Kevin Cuff was first inspired to become an earth scientist by pondering the coastlines of Africa and the Americas in middle school. The author of the GEMS Guide Stories in Stone, Kevin also directs the Student Radon Research Project (SRRP) at the Lawrence Hall ofScience at the University of California at Berkeley. He wrote Plate Tectonics in consultation with one of the world's leading geologists, Dr. Ian Carmichael.