GI S Analysis Research Activity 3 Volcanoes

Student resources can include:

Some starting points to assist with answers can be found at:
www.learner.org/exhibits/volcanoes/
www.agso.gov.au/urban/factsheets/volcanoes.jsp
www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volcanocams/msh/
vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/MSH/framework.html



Using the world map showing volcanoes and the PQE approach shown above,
describe the spatial distribution of volcanoes in relation to the plate boundaries.

(3 marks)

Using the world map showing earthquakes and the PQE approach, describe the spatial
distribution of earthquakes in relation to the plate boundaries.

(3 marks)

Describe the interconnection between earthquakes and volcanoes.

(4 marks)



Convergent boundary map




Divergent boundary map


Transform boundary map


Which type of plate boundary produced the least earthquakes? Use evidence from the
map to support your answer.

(1 mark)

Which type of plate boundary produced the most earthquakes?
Use evidence from the map to support your answer.

(1 mark)


Possible student answers:

Question 1:
The general pattern of volcanoes in relation to plates around the world shows that
they are largely located in linear patterns on the plate boundaries. Of the volcanoes in
the world, approximately 80% can be found on the plate boundaries. There are quite a
few exceptions to this rule however, as some volcanoes can be found scattered all
around plates such as some of the volcanoes in Africa and the Pacific Ocean where
there are volcanoes up to 5796.8501 Kilometres inland.

Question 2:
The earthquakes of the world in relation to plate boundaries shows that they are
generally located on plate boundaries or surrounding areas creating mostly linear
patterns with some clustering around the base of the Eurasian Plate and south- east
Asia. Of all the earthquakes approximately 80% are located on or around plate
boundaries. Some exceptions can be found in North America where some quakes
have occurred approximately 6028.94 km away from a plate boundary.

Question 3:
The volcanoes and earthquakes of the world have a strong interconnection with both
generally appearing in the same areas. Approximately 75% of volcanoes can be found
in areas that have large amounts of earthquake activity, especially in areas such as
South Asia, Europe and the west coast of America. Volcanoes are increasingly spread
out around Africa and the Antarctic areas.


Question 4
The least amount of earthquakes are produced by the divergent plate boundaries. This
can be seen by the map where there is only a small amount of earthquakes in the
highlighted area on the west coast of North America.


Question 5
The most earthquakes are caused by convergent plate boundaries. This can be seen
from the map above where large amounts of earthquakes have occurred along
highlighted areas such as the west coast of South America and top of the Pacific Plate,
the base of the Eurasian plate and the top of the Indo-Australian Plate. This areas are
not only earthquakes caused by convergent plate boundaries but are also areas with a
large number of earthquakes.