4-ESS2-2

Yellowstone Supervolcano

Description:  Beneath Yellowstone National Park sits a large magma chamber that has erupted three times over the last two million years. Each of these eruptions was classified as an 8 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (or VEI) making them supervolcanoes. A supervolcano forms when magma below the earth is unable to break through the surface crust and builds up pressure. Thankfully scientists are monitoring this volcano to protect humans from any future eruptions. This could be used as a phenomenon on natural hazards and the technologies that help to mitigate their effects.

Web Resource:  Supervolcano - Wikipedia

 
supervolcano.jpg

The Marianas Trench - Deepest Ocean

Description: The Marianas Trench is the deepest point in the ocean. It is located in the western Pacific and reaches a maximum depth of 10,994 meters below sea level. If Mount Everest were dropped into the trench the peak would still be a mile underwater! This trench is formed at a subduction zone as the Pacific and Marina oceanic plates collide. This also creates the volcanic Mariana island. This phenomenon can be used to introduce patterns of landforms in elementary and the plate tectonics in middle and high school.

Web Resource: Marianas Trench - Wikipedia