ENGAGE
Since it's almost Winter in Alaska, let's take a Google Earth vacation for a few minutes by taking a look at the famous volcanic feature in the middle of the Pacific--the Hawaiian Island chain. Like the Aleutian Islands, it is also the result of plate tectonics, but for very different reasons and with very different results.
EXPLORE
Google Earth -- Measuring Up II Using Google Earth, measure the length of this chain of volcanoes, both above and underwater. Start at the big island of Hawaii and continue to where they collide with the tip of the Aleutian chain.
EXPLAIN
- How long is the Hawaii Island/Emperor Seamount chain?
EXTEND
- How is this feature geologically different than the Aleutians?
- Why do you think the island chain is not straight?
EXPLORE SOME MORE...
TD Resources-Volcanoes
Now take a look at the TD videos, The Hawaiian Archipelago and Underwater Hotspots to make some comparisons between the Aleutian and Hawaiian Islands origins and processes.
The Hawaiian ArchipelagoUnderwater HotspotsHelpful Hint: For more great resources about volcanoes, try the NOVA interactive resource, Deadly Volcanoes.
EXPLAIN
- What processes are creating the Hawaii Island/Emperor Seamount chain?
EXTEND
- Compare hot spot island chains to trench island arcs.
EVALUATE
- How useful are these digital media in helping geoscience learners grasp geologic processes.
