Lab #5 Activity: Volcano Discovery in Google Earth

Student Handout

Introduction
In this activity, you will use Google Earth Web to examine several active volcanoes from around the
world, which have formed in many different settings: continental hotspots, oceanic hotspots, and
subduction zones. Characteristics of the resulting volcanoes: shield, composite/stratovolcanoes, and
cinder cone will be quantified in terms of the relative height, shape/slope, tectonic setting, and
composition.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity students should demonstrate ability to:
• Describe and identify the common volcano types

• Correlate between volcano size/shape and eruptive style

• Relate volcano types with associated volcanic hazards, tectonic setting, and geographic location

Required Materials
• KML File: Volcano Discovery.KML*** [Download files from lab activity folder. Instructions in this
lab activity will explain how to open files in the web version of Google Earth. If you try to open
files outside of the Google Earth application, you will get an error.]
• Google Earth Web: https://earth.google.com/ [Only works with Chrome browser]

Background
Volcano shape is strongly controlled by eruptive style, which in turn is controlled by magma
composition and tectonic setting. This lab is intended to give you the opportunity to examine volcanoes
from around the globe, and to interpret the tectonic settings in which they form. To learn more about
volcanoes, check out the following links:
• Course textbook: https://opengeology.org/textbook/4-igneous-processes-and
volcanoes/#45_Volcanism
• Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program: http://volcano.si.edu/ •
Volcano World: http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/
• USGS Volcanic Hazards Program: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/

Part 1: Volcano Data from Google Earth

Setting Up Google Earth and Downloading Data Files
• Download KML file: Volcano Discovery.KML IMPORTANT: When you download the file, do not
click on it to open - you will get an error message. You need to wait and open the KMZ/KML data
 files within the Google Earth web application.
• Using Google Chrome, open Google Earth https://earth.google.com/

• In Google Earth, click on File in the menu bar. Click on Import KML / KMZ file. Choose the Volcano
Discovery.KML data file from wherever you saved it on your computer (most likely it is in your
Downloads folder).

• Click on View in the menu bar. Click on Layers. It is suggested that you select ‘Clean’ to give you
the least distracting interface while you work (note you can change this any time by returning to
this same location You can add borders, labels, and other landmarks, if needed).
• Click on Tools in the menu bar. Click on Settings. Under 'Format and Units', 'Units of
measurement', select 'Meters and kilometers'. Then click 'Done'.
• Hover over the name of the KML file, and click on the 3 vertical dots, then select, Start Slideshow. The
‘Volcanoes of the World’ title is displayed. To advance to the different locations, click on the
forward arrow. If at any point, you leave and want to advance to where you left off, you can also go
to the Table of Contents and select a particular location.

This image shows how to

navigate through the
Google Earth presentation
and view the Use Table of
YouTube video of the volcano flyby. Contents to find a
particular volcano
Click on 2D and 3D to
change between tilted
to overhead views

Advance

Zoom in/out
Click to advance
to see YouTube

YouTube video to playwill

appear in this
window
Volcano Observations
View the Google Earth Tour – Volcanoes of the World. This tour will take you to various volcanoes that
from in different geological settings. Record observations from the Volcano Discovery tour on Table 1:
Volcano Observationsfound on the answer sheet. Listed here are some other tips on filling in the table.
Shape
When you get to a particular volcano site, there will be a small window that appears in the upper
right-hand corner showing a landscape view of the volcano. In the small window, click the advance
arrow. The next page has a YouTube movie that shows a fly-by view of the volcano. Record the
volcano shape after viewing the movie on Table 1. Are the flanks of the volcano steeply dipping or
flat?

2
Maximum Height, Base Elevation and Total Relief
In the bottom corner of the Google Earth window, you will see elevation data for the position of the
cursor. You may wish to zoom out to get a better idea of how the elevation varies over the region.
There is a button next to where you zoom that allows you to tilt the view. The button will show “2D”
for an overhead view and “3D” for a tilted, sideways view. You can change the view from sideways
(3D) to overhead (2D) by clicking the button. Move your cursor over the volcano summit (the
highest point of the volcano), as well as around the volcano base (the lowest point of the volcano).
Notice how the elevations change. The Base Elevation is an estimate of the lowest elevation of the
volcano. Approximate Base Elevation values are already listed in Table 1. Use your cursor to
determine the elevation of the volcano summit and record in the column Maximum Elevation on
Table 1 (be sure to use units of meters). The Total Relief is the estimated height of the volcano.
Take the difference of the Maximum Elevation and Base Elevations to determine the Total Relief.
Record the Total Relief on Table 1.
This
image
shows
how the
elevation
data is
displayed
(red circle)
according to
the position
of

the cursor (yellow circle).

Cursor
 Position

Elevation
Data

3
Base Width
Google Earth web has a Ruler Tool to measure distances. In the top of the Google Earth window,
click on the ruler symbol for ‘Measure Distance and Area’. A pop-up window will appear.
click here to
 change units of
distance

Window
displaying the distance using Ruler
Tool

Each volcano has a purple line drawn over it representing the Base Width – the width of the base of
the volcano. Use the Ruler Tool to measure the length of this line. Start by zooming in
so that the line representing the width of the volcano is visible, and the starting and
ending points of the line both appear in the view. Click on the Ruler Tool icon. A small
window showing ‘Distance’ will appear. Use your cursor, click on the one of the end
points of the purple line. Then use your cursor again to click on the other end point of
the line. A yellow line will appear indicating where the measurement was made. The
measured distance will appear in the little window. You can adjust the units by click on
the arrow next to the distance value. When you are finished with the distance measurement, click
on Done in the window. Enter the value of the Base Width of the volcano on Table 1.

4
Average Slope
To quantify how steep the volcano is, we will calculate the Average Slope. The slope is determined
by computing how much the elevation changes over a certain horizontal distance. For the elevation,
use the value of Total Relief that was computed. The Average Slope is found from the center of the
 volcano, down only one of the flanks of the volcano. For the horizontal distance, use half of the
Base Width.

Average Slope = rise = Total Relief x 100%

run ½ Base Width

Since the value for Total Relief and Base Width are both given in meters, the slope will not have
units. Instead, the slope is expressed as a percentage. Compute the Average Slope and record on
Table #1: Volcano Observations.

Maximum Height

Base Elevation
Base Width

Plate Boundary Information

Zoom out of the region to get a sense of the Plate Tectonic Setting for the region (divergent,
convergent, hotspot). Plate boundary lines are indicated with the following color codes: Divergent
(red), Transform (blue), Convergent (yellow), Diffuse (gray)
Record the type of plate boundary found in the vicinity of the volcano on Table 1. Diffuse
boundaries are poorly understood. If the geological setting is a hotspot, the volcanism might not be
related to a plate boundary. In this case, label the location as ‘hotspot’ on Table 1. You may need to
zoom out so you can see the plate boundaries for the region to determine the tectonic setting near
the volcano.

Volcano Type
There are 8 total volcanoes for you to observe – there are 2 shield, 2 cinder cones, and the rest are
stratovolcanoes. Using the information on the Shape, Plate Tectonic Setting and Total Relief, record
the Volcano Type (cinder cone, shield, stratovolcano) on Table 1. This source has more details on
the different types of volcanoes: Open Geology Text: 4.5.2 Volcano Features and Types
URL: https://opengeology.org/textbook/4-igneous-processes-and-volcanoes/#452_Volcano_Features_and_Types
It is also recommended to view the section of the Volcanoes lecture on Volcano Types.

5
Volcano Composition
 Describe the likely Composition (mafic, intermediate, felsic) of this volcano, based on your
background reading and observations of Shape, Plate Tectonic Setting, and Total Relief. Record the
composition on Table 1. This source has more details on the settings for volcanoes and how this
controls the composition of magma: OpenGeology Text: 4.5.1 Distribution and Tectonics
URL: https://opengeology.org/textbook/4-igneous-processes-and-volcanoes/ - 451_Distribution_and_Tectonics It is
also recommended to view the section of the Volcanoes lecture on Tectonic Settings for
Volcanoes.

Part 2: Analysis of Volcano Data

Once Table 1 has been completed, stop! Email your completed Table
1 to Professor Klosko so she can check your answers. Once she
replies back to you with feedback on your observations, you
can respond to the analysis questions #1-6 found on the answer sheet. (Note, this might mean that
you don’t turn in the lab on the exact date of the deadline – this is not a problem!!)

Part 3: Sources of Error and Conclusions

The last part of the activity involves an analysis for sources of error and drawing conclusions. Complete
questions #7-10 found on the answer sheet.

Sources
This activity is modified from one created by Tamara Misner, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania:
Misner, T. (2017, May). Volcano Lab - Google Earth. Retrieved from SERC - :
https://serc.carleton.edu/integrate/workshops/online_learning/activities/178769.html

Additional ideas for activity came from:

Schipper, S., & Mattox, S. (2010). Using Google Earth to Study the Basic Characteristics of Volcanoes. Science Scope,
28-37.

as well as a volcanoes lab activity written by Dr. Robert Applebaum from SUNY WCC and a Plate Tectonics lab
activity written by Dr. Fred Marton from Bergen Community College.
6
 Name:
Lab #5: Volcanoes
Answer Sheet
Part 1: Volcano Data from Google Earth Answer Sheet

Table #1: Volcano Observations

Plate Tectonic
Volcano Ty
Shape Base Average Setting
Volcano Name Maximum Total Relief Base Width shield
steep Elevation Slope divergent
Location height (meters) (meters) (meters) stratovolca
flat (meters) (%) convergent
cinder co
hotspot

Site #1: Cone shape

Mt. Fujiysan with steep 3766 1750 2016 7553.14 53.38% Convergent stratovol
Japan, Pacific Ocean dipping

Site #2:
Mauna Loa Steep 4134 630 3504 70080 10% convergent shield
Hawaii, USA

Site #3: Mt. St.

Helens Washington State, Steep 2516 1260 1256 8373.3243 30% convergent stratovol
USA

Site #4:
Descabeza Steep 3954 2700 1254 6778.38 37% convergent stratovol
Chile, South America

Site #5:
Mt. Alayta Steep 1493 700 739 10557.15 14% convergent shield
Ethiopia, Africa

Site #6: Anak

Krakatau Steep 282 20 262 1637.5 32% convergent stratovol
Indonesia, SE Asia

Site #7: Etna

Sicily, Italy, steep 3347 1700 1647 9982 33% convergent stratovol
Europe

Site #8:
Paricutin steep 2787 2580 207 985.71 42% Convergent Cinder c
Mexico

BEFORE you complete the analysis in Parts 2 and 3, email your

completed Table 1 to Professor Klosko so she can check your
answers. Once she replies back to you with feedback on your
observations, you can complete Part 2 and Part 3. This might
mean that the lab isn’t submitted exactly on the date of the
 deadline. This is not a problem!!

Part 2: Analysis of Volcano Data Answer Sheet

1. To present the data from this investigation, use Excel to create 4 separate graphs of the observations
you made in Table# 1: Volcano Observations:
• Total Relief comparison of each volcano (histogram)

• Base Width comparison of each volcano (histogram)

• Average Slope comparison of each volcano (histogram)

• Base Width vs. Total Relief Comparison (scatter plot)

Be sure that each graph includes: Title, Labeled Axes (with units, where applicable). You can review Lab
#2 Activity: Excel Review and Designing an Experiment for a review of how to construct graphs.

You can attach completed graphs to the end of the lab, or insert them on the next two pages.

2. What is the meaning behind the slope % number. When the slope% is larger, does this mean the
terrain is steeper or flatter?
Slope percentage is the steepness of a particular terrain. The larger the slope percentage the steeper the terrain, a
small stope percentage indicates a flatter terrain while a negative slope larger in absolute value indicate a much
steeper downwards tilted line with a slope zero indicating a horizontal flat line while a vertical line shows an infinite
slope.
3. Which volcanoes had the largest slope and which had the smallest? Can you find any relationship between the
type of volcano and the slope?
The volcano with the highest slope was Mt. Fujiysan and the one with the smallest slope was Mauna Loa both of
which had a convergent plate tectonic setting.

8
4. Which volcanoes had the largest width and which had the smallest? Can you find any relationship
between the type of volcano and the width?
The volcano with the largest base width was Mauna Loa registering 70080 meters while Paricutin had
the smallest width of 985.71 meters. From the two volcanos it is noteworthy that shield volcanos have
much wider widths than cinder cones.

5. Which volcanoes had the largest height (relief), and which had the smallest? Can you find any
relationship between the type of volcano and the height? Mauna Loa had the highest relief with AnaK
Krakatau registering the smallest relief. Anak Krakatau is a stratovolcano volcano while Mauna Loa is a
shield volcano showing how shield volcano produce high volcanos than the stratovolcano volcanos.

6. When relief and width are plotted together in the scatter plot, do you notice any groupings in the
data, illustrating any patterns? From the data it is visible that volcanos that have a higher total relief
have tend to have a lower base width. On the other hand, those with lower total relief tend to have
larger base width.
 Frp9
Relief comparison of each volcano

(histogram) insert completed graph here

Total Relief Comparison of Each Volcano

4000
3500
3000

Total Relief (meters)

2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
n a s a ta au in
sa Lo en ez ay at na ut
jiy na Hel ca
b Al
a k Et a c
u
au t. es t. Kr ar
tF M tS D M P
M M ak
An
Volcano Name

Width comparison of each volcano

(histogram) insert completed graph here

 Base Width Comparison of Each Volcano
80000

70000
70080
60000

50000

Base Width (meters)

40000

30000

20000

10000
8373.32 10557.15 9982
7553.14 6778.38
0 1637.5
s 985.
sa
n
Lo
a
en za ta au na in
el be ay at Et ut
jiy na H a Al k ra
c
u
au . sc t. Kr
a
tF M t St De M Pa
M M ak
An
Volcano Name

10
Slope comparison of each volcano

(histogram) insert completed graph here

 Average Slope Comparison of Each Volcano
60.00%
50.00%

Average Slope (percentage)

40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
n a s a ta au in
sa Lo en ez ay at na ut
jiy na Hel ca
b Al
a k Et a c
u t. t. ar
tF au es Kr
M M tS D M
ak
P
M
An

Volcano Name

Width vs. Relief Comparison (scatter plot)

insert completed graph here

 Comparison of Total Relief and Base
Width
80000
70000
60000

Base Width(Meters)
50000 f(x) = 18.2459388183746 x − 10332.480504751
40000 R² = 0.740805557459362
30000
20000
10000
0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
Total Relief (meters)

11
Part 3: Sources of Error and Conclusions Answer Sheet

7. Throughout this lab, you had to make several approximations and this would introduce sources of
error to your analysis. Explain several of the approximations that you made in this analysis.

There might have occurred measurement assumptions in the determination of volcano dimensions and
slopes creating errors in the dimensions. The errors might also have occurred in the assumptions made
when categorizing volcanos, their types and their morphology
8. If you were to repeat this experiment, what could you do to improve your analysis and reduce the
errors? Explain several modifications to the design of the experiment, and what the expected impact it
would do to the results.

This experiment would require a high resolution topographical survey so as to make accurate
measurements of the slopes, height and width. One should also utilize proper remote sensing
equipment to help in the determination of proper landscape traits and composition.

12
9. Based on your observations from this activity, what are the overall characteristics in terms of 1)
shape, 2) relief, 3) plate tectonic setting, and 4) composition for each different type of volcano?

• Cinder Cone:
1) Shape -conical, small and steep

2) Relief -typically within a single vent and has low relief

3) Plate Tectonic Setting- localized hotspots

4) Composition -Volcanic rock and ashes

• Composite/Stratovolcano:
1) Shape -steep sided, tall and conical in shape

2) Relief -high reliefs due to the accumulation of several eruptions

3) Plate Tectonic Setting- commonly exist in subduction zones(convergent plate tectonic settings)

4) Composition-Mix of pyroclastic deposits and lava flows(felsic composition)

• Shield:
1) Shape -these are broad, wide and they slope gently

2) Relief -low reliefs due to low angle flows

3) Plate Tectonic Setting-often associated with hotspot and intra plate setting

4) Composition-basaltic lava

10. Review the background reading and lecture notes. Describe the major geologic hazards associated
with each type of volcano.

• Cinder Cone: these volcanoes are prone to sudden eruptions and small scale pyroclastic events that can lead to
localized damages.

• Composite/Stratovolcano: they are prone to wide scale and explosive eruptions posing a huge risk to
surrounding areas and wide destructions
• Shield: can lead to volcanic gas emission and they are known to be effusive and less explosive but can be
hazardous to the immediate surroundings

(when you submit lab activity, be sure to include Grading Rubric on the last page)

13
Grading Rubric
100% 75% 50% 0%
Definitely Mostly Somewha Not at All
t

Volcano Data Descriptions of volcanoes are consistent 12 points 10 points 6 points 0 points
and accurate. Observational data gathered using Google
Earth is accurate and thoughtful. Table #1: Volcano
Observations is completely filled, including slope
calculation.

Analysis of Data and Sources of Error Data 12 points 10 points 6 points 0 points
Presentation Plots are accurate, and include title
and labeled axes (including the appropriate units).
Generalization about data is detailed and accurate.

Student demonstrates an understanding of sources of

error and gives detailed explanation of how
improvements can be made in future analyses.

Tectonic Setting and Volcano Hazards 12 points 10 points 6 points 0 points

Student demonstrates an understanding of the
connection between tectonic setting the volcanic
processes involved, including the magma composition,
the type of volcano produced, as well as the size and
shape of volcano.

Student demonstrates an understanding the

geological hazards connected to different volcano
types.

Total /36 points

14