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University of Leicester
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The Position of Volcanoes on the Earth and Mars
The movement of tectonic plates against each other can cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and most active volcanoes on the Earth are located along the edge of these plates. Volcanoes can also occur far away from plate boundaries, although this is less common.
These volcanoes are maintained by hotspots, localised areas of heating beneath the crust, which feed volcanoes with a constant supply of molten rock (magma). By comparing the distribution of volcanoes on the Earth and on Mars, we should be able to learn about how the volcanoes on Mars formed, and other characteristics of the surface of the planet.
Students will begin by looking at a map of the active volcanoes and plates on the surface of the Earth. By considering this they will answer questions about why volcanoes are found in the areas that they are, and how they relate to the movement of plates over the surface of the Earth.
They will then relate this information to a map showing the positions of the volcanoes on Mars, and try to work out how volcanoes on Mars may have formed and whether or not plate tectonics is in operation like it is on our Earth.
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Teacher's guide 112.5 KB
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Additional notes 171.5 KB
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Student activity 291 KB
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Teacher's answers 75.5 KB
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Teacher's guide 112.5 KB -
Additional notes 171.5 KB
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Student activity 291 KB
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Teacher's answers 75.5 KB
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