Geography

1 Artifact and Reflection 2 SLO 2

I chose my volcano map analysis sets to represent SLO 2. SLO 2 focuses on the
demonstration of our ability to analyze and interpret complex processes and patterns in
the four spheres- atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. The specific
SPOs in this SLO concentrate on our abilities to compare and contrast different maps at all
three scales local, regional and global. With this SLO completed, we should be able to
analyze a map on any scale, with any geography pattern, and know how to research and
defend the processes shown. I chose my volcano map set assignment because I believe it
shows my competence in all of the parts of this SLO mentioned above.
To create this artifact, I had to spend a great deal of time looking on map making
websites to find a pattern that had enough information in the process of its formation to
have something new to say about each map at a new scale. I had to be proficient enough of
analyzing maps that I could accurately research and describe the pattern and process of
each map.
Before taking this class, I would never have thought about analyzing a map based on
a scientific process. Most likely, I would have looked at the Ring of Fire on a map and said
Oh, thats cool but not thought anything about what creates volcanoes. I had never
thought about the fact that volcanoes occur where tectonic plate meet, even though it
seems pretty obvious, now that I look back. I had never formulated the question in my
mind as to why they all occur in a line. Also, I learned that when you look closer at a map
and become more specific in the research you are for it, you can find out much more in
depth information than you kind with big, sweeping searches. Finally, I have learned that I
rather enjoy map analysis. Coming into this class, I had a general understanding about
maps and how to read them. Now, I feel I have learned a new set of skills that will not feel
like a chore, but more something I enjoy doing

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Lithosphereic Hazard: Valcanic Eruption

Volcanic Eruptions in Nicaragua Between 4360 BCE and 2013 CE (Local Scale)

Nicaragua is home to many active volcanoes. There are 19 active volcanoes on the west coast of
Nicaragua . Volcanoes occur here for one main reason: it is the joining place of two tectonic plates.
When two tectonic plates shift, they create mountains by pushing the two plates together. There
are three types of mountains that can be formed during earthquakes. Volcanic mountains are made when
one plate is pushed beneath another right over a hot spot, allowing magma to move further towards
the surface. While there are 19 active volcanoes in Nicaragua, only four are worth noting on the map due
to their large volcanic explosivity index (VEI). VEI measures the amount of tephra erupted form a volcano
during an eruption. The eruptions noted on this map have a VEI score between 2 and 5. This means they
excreted between .001km cubed and 100 km cubed of tephra during their largest explosion. To put
that into scale, the 1980 St Helens eruption had an VEI of 5, and had 50 mile mudslides and sent volcanic
ash into 11 different U.S. states. Many other eruptions have occurred form the 5 other volcanoes in this
country, but they remain a 0 or a 1 on the VEI scale, and are not shown on this map. Unfortunately, there
is no solution to volcanoes at this time. Scientists and local authorities will discourage people from
settling near an active volcano, and to visit with caution when a volcano is acting up


Volcanic Eruptions in Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvedor and Costa Rica
Between 4360 BCE and 2013 CE (Regional Scale)

Along the west coast of Central America, there is a chain of active volcanoes. Guatemala has 33
volcanoes, making it a tourist trap for those who wish to see an eruption from a safe distance. The Fuego
volcano in Guatemala has already had more than a dozen mini episodes of activity in 2016! There are also a
great number of volcanoes in Costa Rica. There are 15 active or dormant volcanoes, and over 50 extinct ones.
The tiny country of El Salvador has 20 active or dormant volcanoes, as well as many extinct ones. All of these
volcanoes are located here because of the tectonic plates colliding. The Cocos plate is slowly being pushed
under the Caribbean plate. The continental crust has filled with magma that is just waiting to be let out. As more
earthquakes occur, the magma is pushed further and further towards the surface, creating a more imminent
danger of a large eruption. This area is called the Central American Volcanic Arc, or belt, if you will. While this
are may seem like a generally safe and beautiful place to travel, tourists must be aware of current conditions of
each volcano they visit. It takes a smart traveler to visit and hike volcanoes safely. Officials recommend taking
a tour or a guide to these areas if ou are not educated enough on the state of a volcano.

Volcanic Eruptions on the South East Section of The Ring Of Fire (Global Scale)

Here we are zooming out to look at part of the larger picture. This whole coast is part of what is known
as the Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire is the line of volcanoes that lines the west, north and east side of the
Pacific Ocean. Scientists say that about 90% of all earthquakes occur on the ring, and over 75% of the
volcanoes on earth are on this ring as well. What is so special about this particular location in the Ring of Fire is
that here there are 4 plates converging. The Cocos plate, the Zaca Place, the North American Plate and the
South American Plate. Since there are four plates meeting each other in such a confined area, it is no surprise to
scientists that there are so many earthquakes and volcanoes here. There is such a significant amount of shifting
in these plates, that these countries experience many earthquakes. In fact, Earthquake Track says that there have
been 7 earthquakes in these areas in the last day, and over 4,000 in the last year. Every time there is an
earthquake, there is a chance that it disturbs an active volcano, bringing it closer to eruption. Countries like
Columbia and Ecuador, down in South America, experience these effects just as much as those in Central
America. Because of these constantly changing conditions, and constant threat of an eruption, people in these
countries often have to rebuild their lives. If buildings are not being built up to a certain standard, they will fall
down during earthquakes. Also, those brave souls who live near active volcanoes live in constant threat of
evacuation. Authorities recommend families have good evacuation plans, and to be on their toes in case of a
large eruption.

Sources

http://gocentralamerica.about.com/od/wildlifeconservation/tp/Central-America-Volcanoes.htm

http://plate-tectonic.narod.ru/volcanoam13aphotoalbum.html

http://nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/ring-fire/

http://earthquaketrack.com/v/caribbean/recent

https://www.volcanogallery.com/volcano_rofire.htm

http://nationalgeographic.org/education/mapping/interactive-map/?ar_a=1