Teacher Guide
Volcanoes and Global Warming
Developed by: Ted Leuenberger
Activity Focus: Students investigate the type and amount of materials ejected by a
volcanic eruption and how these materials might affect the atmosphere. Based on data
and information, students decide the role volcanic activity plays in respect to global
temperature as compared to the affect human activity may have on global temperature.
Major Concepts: Volcanoes are single events that add material to the atmosphere.
Some of this material is in the form of greenhouse gasses (water vapor and carbon
dioxide) which may encourage atmospheric warming (the greenhouse effect). Volcanoes
also eject sulfur which forms a mist when combined with water. This mist forms
particulates called aerosols that move high into the upper atmosphere and act as a
reflector that reflects sunlight back into space. Sulfur aerosols persist for months and
even years to block sunlight and which results in a cooling effect. Therefore, volcanic
activity tends to cool the atmosphere. The cooling effect of volcanoes is documented with
examples. Regarding carbon dioxide, the amounts of carbon dioxide contributed to the
atmosphere by volcanic eruptions are shown to be insignificant when compared to the
amounts of carbon dioxide contributed by human activity.
Objectives: After completing this activity, students will be able to:
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identify materials ejected by volcanic activity
name the volcanic gasses that act as greenhouse gasses
describe how sulfur aerosols act to cool the atmosphere
compare and contrast the effect of human activity to volcanic activity on the
temperature of the atmosphere
transform data into a graphic form
Materials and Preparation: You will need to prepare the following materials before
conducting this activity.
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Copy the Volcanoes and Global Warming data interpretation and visualization
activity (make 1 copy per student).
Provide each student/group with graph paper for answering the data
transformation questions. You may want to provide each group with a grid paper
transparency to record their transformations.
Make a transparency or PowerPoint slide for each data set (appendix) for use in
the class discussion. You may want to make color copies of the data sets for
groups of students. (Providing a computer with the student copy opened works
well as the students can see the color images in the context of the activity.)
Activities for Conceptualizing Climate and Climate Change
Copyright © 2008, Revised 2014 Purdue University
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Procedures: Students may work individually or in small groups to complete the
activity.
1. Introduce the activity by asking students about the possible effects a volcanic
eruption might have on the atmosphere. Record ideas on the board.
2. Distribute the activity packet and ask students to read the Engage section. Have
students answer the “what I currently know and think” questions before starting
the activity. You may want to discuss these as a class.
3. During the Explore and Explain section, check student responses on an individual
basis. Take time to discuss and guide students who are having difficulty with the
concepts. Make sure students understand the concept of an aerosol (some may
just think of a spray can!). A review of scientific notation may be helpful.
4. Discuss the activity as a class, asking students to share their responses to the
questions. Have several groups share their data transformations and explain how
and why they re-visualized the data (You may want to provide each group with a
grid paper transparency). Use the data set to focus the discussion.
5. Have students reflect on their ideas by re-answering the Engage questions, writing
their responses to the “what I now know and think” questions, and have them
reflect on their own thinking by completing the “how my ideas and thinking have
changed” question.
6. Provide paper and colored pencils for the drawing activity.
7. Collect student/group responses. Administer assessment item.
Assessments: The following assessments may be used as a pre/post activity assessment
or as part of a module assessment.
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What materials ejected by volcanoes are greenhouse gasses?
What materials ejected by volcanoes have a cooling affect on the atmosphere?
Why do volcanoes tend to cool global temperature?
Quiz: The following quiz may be used as a post activity assessment.
1. Which gas ejected by a volcano is a greenhouse gas?
(Circle each one that correctly answers the question.)
H2O
CO2
SO2
HCl
Activities for Conceptualizing Climate and Climate Change
Copyright © 2008, Revised 2014 Purdue University
HF
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2. Which gas ejected by a volcano will combine with water and precipitate as acid rain?
(Circle each one that correctly answers the question.)
H2O
CO2
SO2
HCl
HF
3. Which gas ejected by a volcano will form long lasting aerosols that reflect sunlight?
(Circle each one that correctly answers the question.)
H2O
CO2
SO2
HCl
HF
4. Which statement is true? (Circle one)
Large volcanic eruptions tend to cool global temperatures.
Large volcanic eruptions have no effect on global temperatures.
Large volcanic eruptions tend to warm global temperatures.
5. Which statement is true? (Circle one)
Volcanic activity contributes more atmospheric carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than
human activity.
Human activity and volcanic activity are equal contributors to atmospheric carbon
dioxide.
Human activity contributes more atmospheric carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than
volcanic activity.
Bibliography
USGS Volcanic Hazards (2006)
http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/Hazards/What/VolGas/volgas.html
USGS Volcanoes and the Weather (2005)
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/VolcWeather/description_volcanoes_and_weather.ht
ml
About.com Mt. Pinatubo Eruption by Matt Rosenberg(2001)
http://geography.about.com/library/weekly/aa030901a.htm
Activities for Conceptualizing Climate and Climate Change
Copyright © 2008, Revised 2014 Purdue University
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Appendix:
Volcano
Tectonic Style
Temperature
Kilauea Summit
Hot Spot
1170°C
Erta` Ale
Divergent Plate
1130°C
Momotombo
Convergent Plate
820°C
H20
37.1 %
77.2 %
97.1 %
C02
48.9 %
11.3%
1.44%
S02
11.8%
8.34%
0.50%
USGS Volcanic Hazards (2006) http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/Hazards/What/VolGas/volgas.html
Activities for Conceptualizing Climate and Climate Change
Copyright © 2008, Revised 2014 Purdue University
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