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plate tectonics...activities

© 2002 American Geological Institute http://www.agiweb.org

Contents: All Activities and Investigations

Plate Tectonics Activities
Activity 1 
Activity 2 
Activity 3 
Activity 4 
Activity 5 

Students will:

• Learn how and why portions of the lithosphere move and examine the speed of that motion. 
• Participate in scientific inquiry and construct logical conclusions based on evidence.  
• Understand critical aspects of the flow of matter and energy within the geopshere. 
• Investigate the results of the motions of plates, including volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain building, and other geologic activities. 

Activity 1  --  Taking a Ride on a Lithospheric Plate 

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:

1. The Interior Structure of the Earth
 

• "Earth" by R. Hamilton, from Views of the Solar System by C. Hamilton, Los Alamos National Laboratory 

Reviews the divisions of the Earth's interior, including the percentage of the Earth's mass that each division encompasses, the depth of each division, and their physical properties. 
(http://www.star.le.ac.uk/edu/planets/earth.html)
• "The Interior of the Earth" by E.C. Roberston, USGS 

Information about the make up of the crust, the mantle, and the core, and how each was "discovered" and studied.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/interior/)
2. Measuring Plate Motions with GPS
 
• "GPS: A New Constellation" - Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum exhibition  

Very comprehensive site explores scientific methods before and after the advent of GPS, as well as a review of how GPS works and what are its applications.  A good introductory site.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/galleries/gps/)
• "All About GPS: Sherlock Holmes' Guide to the Global Positioning System" 

Introduction to GPS written as a Sherlock Holmes Story.
(http://www.allgps.com/gps/)
• "Understanding Plate Motions" - from This Dynamic Planet, USGS 

This site reviews the basics of plate motions and introduces the science of geodesy and using GPS to track current plate movements.  Includes an image of a GPS satellite.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/understanding.html)
• "Seeing California Move With Global Positioning Satellites" - by G. Blewitt and Y. Bock, 1994, EOS, v. 75, p. 251 

Study using GPS data to measure the movement of plates along the boundary of the Pacific and North American plates.
• "Global Positioning Finds Applications in Geosciences Research" by R. Ware, 1995, EOS, v. 76, p. 187 

(http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/ware.html)
• "Tectonic Plate Motion" - Space Geodesy, NASA 

 
3. Sea-floor Spreading
 
• "Plate Tectonics and Sea Floor Spreading, Subduction Zones, "Hot Spot", and the "Ring of Fire" - USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory  

Reviews the basics of plate tectonics including taking a look at sea-floor spreading.  Includes several maps which highlight the "ring." 
 (http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/PlateTectonics/description_plate_tectonics.html) 
• "Sea-Floor Spreading" - Volcano World 

Begins with a review of the scientists who first proposed sea-floor spreading.  Click on the "forward arrow" at the bottom of the page to learn more about the magnetic record of oceanic rocks and how this record was used to validate the theory of sea-floor spreading.  Includes good illustrations.
(http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/plate_tectonics/part8.html)


To complete the investigation, each student group will need:

• GPS times series for a station near your community.  Data can be obtained from the MIT Global Time Series web page. (http://bowie.mit.edu/~fresh/index2.html) 
• Local topographic map (7.5 minute quadrangle).  
• World Outline Map – one for each student  (page G66 or blackline master) 
• Metric ruler 
• Calculator 
• Internet access:  
• To calculate the rate of movement of the plate on which your community is located: 
• Go to: Spreading Rate Calculator (http://triton.ori.u-tokyo.ac.jp/~intridge/calc.html) 
• Select the name of the ridge (Central MAR) 
• Select NUVEL-1A as the plate model 
• Enter the latitude and longitude of your community 
• Click on the "Execute calculation" button 
• If Internet access is unavailable during class, obtain the results prior to class. Photocopy the printouts and make them available for students. 


To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:

To learn more about how technology is used to detect plate motions, visit the following web sites:

•  GPS: A New Constellation" - Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum exhibition  

Very comprehensive site explores scientific methods before and after the advent of GPS, as well as a review of how GPS works and what are its applications.  A good introductory site.
(http://www.nasm.si.edu/galleries/gps/)
• "All About GPS: Sherlock Holmes' Guide to the Global Positioning System" 

Excellent Introduction to GPS written as a Sherlock Holmes Story.
(http://www.allgps.com/gps/)
• "Understanding Plate Motions" - from This Dynamic Planet, USGS 

This site reviews the basics of plate motions and introduces the science of geodesy and using GPS to track current plate movements.  Includes an image of a GPS satellite.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/understanding.html)
• "Seeing California Move With Global Positioning Satellites" - by G. Blewitt and Y. Bock, 1994, EOS, v. 75, p. 251 

Real life study using GPS data to measure the movement of plates along the boundary of the Pacific and North American plates.


To view animated images of the motions of the lithospheric plates, visit the following web sites:

•  "Plate Tectonic Animations" - USGS 

(http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/docs/parks/animate/pltecan.html)
• "PaleoMap Project" by C.R. Scotese 

Allows you to view plate motions from the past 200 million years, as well as predicted motions 25 million years into the future.
(http://www.scotese.com/earth.htm)
• "Geology: Plate Tectonics" - Museum of Paleontology, University of California at Berkeley) 

Information on plate tectonics, including animations of plate motions for the past 750 million years.
(http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu:80/geology/tectonics.html)

 

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Activity 2  --  Plate Boundaries and Interactions

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:

1. Types of Plate Boundaries
 

• "Understanding Plate Motions" - from This Dynamic Planet, USGS 

This site reviews the types of plate boundaries and the basics of plate motions.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/understanding.html)
• "Main types of plate boundaries" from This Dynamic Earth, USGS 

Artist's cross section illustrating the main types of plate boundaries.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/Vigil.html)
• "Types of Plate Motion" - Volcano World 

Brief overview of the three types of plate motions.  Includes good schematic drawings of each type.
(http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/plate_tectonics/part13.html)
• "The Action is at the Edges!" - USGS 

(http://www2.nature.nps.gov/grd/usgsnps/pltec/pltec3.html)


2. Divergent Plate Boundaries
 

• "Divergent Plate Boundaries" - USGS 

Explains the driving force behind plate tectonics.  Click to view an animation of sea-floor spreading.
(http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/docs/parks/pltec/diverge.html)
• "Viewing the Morphology of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge From a New 

Perspective" by D.K. Smith, S.E. Humphris, M.A. Tivery, and J.R. Cann, 1997, EOS, v. 78, p. 265
An in-depth study into the formation of new crust along a very important divergent plate boundary: the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
(http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/eosdksmith.html)
• Mount Kilimanjaro 

Learn more about Africa's tallest mountain in the East African rift valley, formed when two plates move apart.
(http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/img_kilimanjaro.html)


3. Convergent Plate Boundaries
 

• "Convergent Plate Boundaries" - USGS 

Explains why plates are subducted at convergent plate boundaries and what happens to them once they are subducted.
(http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/docs/usgsnps/pltec/converge.html)
• "Cascade Range Volcanoes and Volcanics" - USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory 

An example of an oceanic-continental plate boundary is the Cascade Range in the Western United States.  Volcanoes are formed along the US coast as the oceanic Juan de Fuce plate plunges below the continental North American plate.  This web site provides an in-depth review of the geologic history of the Cascade volcanoes.
(http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Cascades/description_cascade_range.html)
• "Himalayan Front and Tibetan Plateau" - NASA, Geomorphology from Space 

The uplift of the Himalayan Mountains and the Tibetan Plateau was the result of the collision of two continental plates: the Indian and Australian.  This web sites has a review of the uplift history and includes excellent aerial images of the area.
(http://daac.gsfc.nasa.gov/DAAC_DOCS/geomorphology/GEO_2/GEO_PLATE_T-48.HTML)
• The collision of two oceanic plates can create areas of intense volcanic activity.  To learn more about volcanoes formed in this manner, click on the links below: 
• Kick 'Em Jenny, West Indies 

(http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/WestIndies/KickEmJenny/description_kick_em_jenny.html)


Part D: The Plate-Tectonic Setting of Your Community
To complete the investigation, each student group will need:

• US Geological Survey map: This Dynamic Planet 

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:

To learn more about life at the mid-ocean ridges, visit the following web sites:

• "What is a Black Smoker?" American Museum of Natural History 

 Follow your curiosity of black smokers by visiting this site. It includes images and information about lifeforms at the hydrothermal deep sea vents.
(http://www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/expeditions/blacksmokers/black_smokers.html)
• "Black Smokers and Giant Worms" from the Remarkable Ocean World web site 

(http://www.oceansonline.com/smokers.htm)
• "Exploring the deep ocean floor: Hot springs and strange creatures" from This Dynamic Earth, USGS 

This site contains several photos of the strange creatures which inhabit the far reaches of the ocean floor.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/exploring.html)
• Dive and Discover: Expeditions to the Seafloor 

Expedition 2 in particular has some good information about life at sea vents.
(http://www.divediscover.whoi.edu/)
• NOAA - VENTS Program 

Information about black smokers and activity along mid-ocean ridges.
(http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/vents/)
• RIDGE Program home page 

Information about activity along mid-ocean ridges and links to further information.
(http://ridge.oce.orst.edu/)
• The REVEL Project 

(http://www.ocean.washington.edu/outreach/revel)

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Activity 3  --  What Drives the Plates?

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:

1. Evidence for Earth's Layered Structure
 

• "Earth's Interior and Plate Tectonics" by R. Hamilton, from Views of the Solar System by C. Hamilton, Los Alamos National Laboratory 

Reviews the divisions of the Earth's interior, including the percentage of the Earth's mass that each division encompasses, the depth of each division, and their physical properties.  Also includes a review of the lithosphere and plate tectonics.
(http://www.star.le.ac.uk/edu/planets/earth.html)
• "The Interior of the Earth" by E.C. Roberston, USGS 

Information about the make up of the crust, the mantle, and the core, and how each was "discovered" and studied.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/interior/)


2. The Flow of Matter and Energy within the Earth

• "What Drives the Plates?" - from This Dynamic Earth, USGS 

This site reviews the theories behind convection cells as the driving force of plate tectonics and also takes a look as to whether these mechanisms operate now, or in the past, on other planets.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/unanswered.html)
• "Plate Tectonics: The Mechanism" from the Museum of Paleontology, University of California at Berkeley) 

(http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/tecmech.html)

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:

To learn more about the driving forces of plate tectonics, visit the following web sites:
• "What Drives the Plates?" - from This Dynamic Earth, USGS 

This site reviews the theories behind convection cells as the driving force of plate tectonics and also takes a look as to whether these mechanisms operate now, or in the past, on other planets.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/unanswered.html)
• "Plate Tectonics: The Mechanism" from the Museum of Paleontology, University of California at Berkeley) 

(http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/tecmech.html)

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Activity 4  --  Effects of Plate Tectonics

To learn more about this topic:

1. Oceanic Trenches
 

• "Basic Geology of the Mariana Islands" - Volcano World 

The subduction of the Philippine plate below the Pacific plate has formed the deepest oceanic trench in the world, the Mariana trench.  Read about the geology of this area at this web site.  Also has links to the volcanoes which form at this subduction zone.
(http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/southeast_asia/mariana/basic_geology.html)


2. Volcanoes at Plate Boundaries

• Volcanoes formed at subduction zones (convergent plate boundaries) are called composite cone volcanoes.  To learn about two very famous composite cones, click on the links below: 
• Mount St. Helen's 

(http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/MSH/description_msh.html)
• Mount Pinatubo 

(http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Philippines/Pinatubo/description_pinatubo.html)
• "Cascade Range Volcanoes and Volcanics" - USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory 

The Cascade Range in the Western United States represents an example of active subduction volcanism.  This site provides an in-depth review of the geologic history of the Cascade volcanoes.
(http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Cascades/description_cascade_range.html)


3. Hot Spots
 

• USGS - "Hot spots:" Mantle Thermal Plumes  

Learn more about the geology of the Hawaiian islands as well as other other hotshots around the world. 
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/hotspots.html)
• USGS Hawaii Volcano Observatory  

Read about the Hawaiian Volcanoes and how they formed.  It also includes links to other pages about specific volcanoes on the islands of Hawaii and Maui.
(http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanoes/)
• Volcano World - Hot Spots and Mantle Plumes 

View a slide show with color photos and descriptions about the theory of "hotshots."  Site also includes a list of sample lesson plans, key concepts, references, and activities about hot spots and the Hawaiian islands.
(http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/hot_spots/introduction.html)


4. Mountains at Plate Boundaries
 

• Mount Kilimanjaro 

Learn more about Africa's tallest mountain in the East African rift valley, formed when two plates move apart.
(http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/img_kilimanjaro.html)


5. Growth of Continents at Subduction Zones
 

• "Himalayan Front and Tibetan Plateau" - NASA, Geomorphology from Space 

The uplift of the Himalayan Mountains and the Tibetan Plateau was the result of the collision of two continental plates: the Indian and Australian.  This web sites has a review of the uplift history and includes excellent aerial images of the area.
(http://daac.gsfc.nasa.gov/DAAC_DOCS/geomorphology/GEO_2/GEO_PLATE_T-48.HTML)


6. Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics
 

• "Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Explains the distribution of earthquakes around the globe.  Includes a review of plate tectonic theory and the four types of seismic zones.  Also includes examples of each type of seismic zone. 
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/plate_tectonics/rift_man.html)
• "Plate Tectonics, the Cause of Earthquakes" - University of Nevada Seismology Lab 

This site contains many excellent images, including technical illustrations, satellite images, and maps, that illustrate the link between plate tectonics and earthquakes.
(http://www.seismo.unr.edu/ftp/pub/louie/class/100/plate-tectonics.html)

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:

To learn more about plate tectonics and climate, visit the following web sites:

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Activity 5  --  The Changing Geography of Your Community

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:

1. Development of Plate Tectonics Theory
 

• "Plate Tectonics: The Rocky History of an Idea" from the Museum of Paleontology, University of California at Berkeley 

Reviews the development of plate tectonic theory by the late, great Alfred Wegener.
• "Developing the Theory" - from This Dynamic Earth, USGS 

(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/developing.html)
• "Harry Hammond Hess" - from This Dynamic Earth, USGS 

Read about the man who developed what eventually became known as "sea floor spreading".
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/HHH.html)
• "Our Changing Continent" by J. S. Schlee, USGS 

Looks at the clues paleogeographers use to determine the positions of the continents back through time.  Many of these clues were used to initially validate the theory of plate tectonics.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/continents/)


2. Paleomagnetism
 

• "Paleomagnetic Analyses" - USGS 

Click on the links to learn about the varying scientific applications of paleomagnetics and the equipment used to complete these investigations.
(http://geology.cr.usgs.gov/capabilities/paleom.html)
• "The Geomagnetic Field - Frequently Asked Questions" - NOAA, National Data Centers, NGDC 

This site should clear up confusions about the use of geomagnetics and provides helpful links to other sites if more information is desired.
(http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/potfld/faqgeom.shtml)
• "AGU Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Section" - AGU 

Reviews the basic of paleomagnetics and how scientists measure the magnetic field of the Earth.  Also provides additional links for further exploration.

 
To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:

To learn more about the history of the development of the theory plate tectonics, visit the following web sites:

•  "Plate Tectonics: The Rocky History of an Idea" from the Museum of Paleontology, University of California at Berkeley 

Reviews the development of plate tectonic theory by the late, great Alfred Wegener.
• "Developing the Theory" - from This Dynamic Earth, USGS 

(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/developing.html)
• "Harry Hammond Hess" - from This Dynamic Earth, USGS 

Read about the man who developed what eventually became known as "sea floor spreading".
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/HHH.html)
• "Our Changing Continent" by J. S. Schlee, USGS 

Looks at the clues paleogeographers use to determine the positions of the continents back through time.  Many of these clues were used to initially validate the theory of plate tectonics.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/continents/)

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Resources:

Web Sites:

• This Dynamic Earth: The Story of Plate Tectonics by Kious and Tilling 

(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/dynamic.html)
• USGS - Information on Plate Tectonics 

(http://geology.er.usgs.gov/eastern/tectonic.html)
• The PLATES Project 

(http://www.ig.utexas.edu/research/projects/plates/plates.htm)
• USGS Home page 

http://www.usgs.gov/

Maps:

• This Dynamic Planet Map is available online (http://pubs.usgs.gov/pdf/planet.html): 
• Click on title ("This Dynamic Map") to download a copy of the map as a PDF file.  Note that you will need Adobe Acrobat (available for free on the USGS site) to open this file. 
• The map can also be purchased for $7 (plus $5 s/h) from: 

USGS Information Services
Box 25286
Denver CO 80225

• Geologic maps: State and local: 
• The United States Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database contains information on how and where to obtain geologic maps. (http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/) 
• Your state Geological Survey - find your state survey on-line at Association of American State Geologists (http://www.kgs.ukans.edu/AASG/AASG.html). 
• Download state geologic maps at About.com's site.  (http://geology.about.com/science/geology/cs/geomapsusstates/) 
• Reading Geologic Maps - informative review on how to read and interpret geologic maps.  (http://geology.about.com/science/geology/library/weekly/aa100800a.htm) 

 
• Geologic maps: Regional (two or more states): 
• The on-line bookstore of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (http://bookstore.AAPG.org; 918-584-2555) 
• Topographic maps: Local 
• The United States Geological Survey MapFinder allows you to order 7.5 minute maps online for $4 per map plus $5 s/h per order. (http://edc.usgs.gov/Webglis/glisbin/finder_main.pl?dataset_name=MAPS_LARGE) 
• The United States Geological Survey maintains a list of Map Dealers.  Click on your state to obtain a list of retailers who sell maps. (http://mapping.usgs.gov/esic/map_dealers/) 
• The United States Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database site on How to find topographic maps (http://ngmsvr.wr.usgs.gov/Other_Resources/rdb_topo.html) 
• TopoZone site allows you to download topographic maps (including USGS maps) for free, at various scales (from 1:100,000 to 1:24,000).  (http://www.topozone.com/) 
• MapServer offers free online viewing of topo, nautical and aeronautical charts plus high altitude digital ortho quads (nav photos). (www.maptech.com and www.mapserver.maptech.com) 
• General Map Resources: 
• An excellent list of map resources available online can be found on the Central Michigan University Resources for Earth Science and Geography Instruction web site.  Included are links to sites to make maps, as well as links to free downloadable outline maps, satellite imagery, GPS, and GIS databases. (http://personal.cmich.edu/~franc1m/locamap.htm) 
• "Maps" - USGS Earth Science Information Center, includes general map information, from how to read maps to how to obtain them.  Also includes links to further information regarding topographic, thematic, planetary maps, and more. (http://ask.usgs.gov/maps.html) 
• National Geographic (maps and videos): 1-800-962-1643 (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/maps/index.html) 
• "Maps of the United States" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of depictions of the United States, along with information on how to obtain additional US maps. (http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-us/index.html) 
• "Maps of the World" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of world maps, including outline maps, seismicity maps, and political maps.  Also contains information for ordering more specific world maps. (http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-world/maps-world.html) 
• "National Atlas Maps" - USGS site of a variety of US maps that are available online, including shaded relief maps, aquifer maps, and further information on how to order maps not available online.  (http://www-atlas.usgs.gov/atlasmap.html?) 

Videos:

• Continental Drift (T. Atwater) 
• Films Inc.: Making of a Continent, Parts I & II 
• Miracle Planet 
• Planet Earth (The Living Machine). 1987. 
• Shell Oil Company: This Land 

Books:

• Moving Continents -- Our Changing Earth, by T.G. Aylesworth, 1990, Hillside, New Jersey, Enslow, 64 p. 
• Dance of the Continents -- Adventures with Rocks and Time, by J.W. Harrington, 1983, Los Angeles, California, J. P. Tarcher, 256 p. 
• Continents in Collision, by Russell Miller, 1983, Alexandria, Virginia, Time-Life Books (Planet Earth Series), 176 p. 
• Shaping the Earth -- Tectonics of Continents and Oceans, by E.M. Moores, 1991, New York, W. H. Freeman, 206 p. 
• Mountain Press Publishing publishes a Roadside Geology series that encompasses many states.  The books describe the geology of the state and highlight local field sites for collecting and observing. 

Magazines:

Geotimes.  Published by the American Geological Institute, this magazine reviews current issues in the Earth Sciences and can serve as a valuable supplemental resource for teachers and students alike.  Visit the web site for online articles and information about obtaining a one-year subscription (40% discount for AGI Member Society members; 65% discount for students). 

(http://www.geotimes.org/current/)

CD-ROMS:

• From Mountains to Monsoons. Joint Oceanographic Institutions, Inc., 1755 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Suite 800, Washington DC 20036. Collect data linking the Himalayan uplift to climate. 

Plate Tectonics – Tasa Graphics