Question
Earth's Deformation and Volcanic Eruptions
Scientists can predict volcanic eruptions by monitoring certain surface changes on an active volcano. One type of change they can monitor is called deformation. Scientists can measure deformation by measuring the tilt (angle) of land in relation to the horizon. Magma chambers exist below the surface of a volcano. When a chamber fills with magma it inflates and the land surrounding the chamber is pushed out, in a process called inflation. After an eruption, the chamber deflates, or drops down, in a process called deflation. In the deformation model shown below, the balloon represents a magma chamber.
From left to right, the model titled 'Figure 1. Deformation' shows a volcano just before eruption and a volcano just after eruption. The left volcano shows a large balloon below the surface, labeled 'Inflation', with arrows pointing up labeled 'volcanic eruptions', and the surface is curved up. The right volcano shows a small balloon below the surface, labeled 'Deflation', with arrows pointing down and the surface is curved down.
The graph below represents tilt measurements and eruption data for an active volcano in Hawaii called the Kilauea Volcano. The arrows in the graph represent eruptions.
Constructed Response Question
In Figure 2, the change in tilt measurements before a volcanic eruption is thought to be a result of magma quickly rising to Earth’s surface.
A. Using Figure 1, explain the change in tilt measurements shown in Figure 2 AFTER a volcanic eruption.
B. Explain how scientists can use the tilt measurement data to predict future volcanic eruptions and to help protect people living near the volcano.
make it 3 sentences
Scientists can predict volcanic eruptions by monitoring certain surface changes on an active volcano. One type of change they can monitor is called deformation. Scientists can measure deformation by measuring the tilt (angle) of land in relation to the horizon. Magma chambers exist below the surface of a volcano. When a chamber fills with magma it inflates and the land surrounding the chamber is pushed out, in a process called inflation. After an eruption, the chamber deflates, or drops down, in a process called deflation. In the deformation model shown below, the balloon represents a magma chamber.
From left to right, the model titled 'Figure 1. Deformation' shows a volcano just before eruption and a volcano just after eruption. The left volcano shows a large balloon below the surface, labeled 'Inflation', with arrows pointing up labeled 'volcanic eruptions', and the surface is curved up. The right volcano shows a small balloon below the surface, labeled 'Deflation', with arrows pointing down and the surface is curved down.
The graph below represents tilt measurements and eruption data for an active volcano in Hawaii called the Kilauea Volcano. The arrows in the graph represent eruptions.
Constructed Response Question
In Figure 2, the change in tilt measurements before a volcanic eruption is thought to be a result of magma quickly rising to Earth’s surface.
A. Using Figure 1, explain the change in tilt measurements shown in Figure 2 AFTER a volcanic eruption.
B. Explain how scientists can use the tilt measurement data to predict future volcanic eruptions and to help protect people living near the volcano.
make it 3 sentences
Answers
GPT-4o mini
A. After a volcanic eruption, the tilt measurements shown in Figure 2 decrease as the magma chamber deflates, causing the surrounding land to sink and curve downward, as represented by the small balloon in Figure 1. This deflation leads to a reduction in the upward tilt observed prior to the eruption, indicating that the pressure from the magma has lessened.
B. Scientists can use tilt measurement data to monitor changes in the land's angle, which indicates the movement of magma beneath the surface; an increase in tilt suggests magma is accumulating and may signal an impending eruption. By analyzing these trends, scientists can issue timely warnings to residents in nearby areas, allowing for evacuations and safety measures to be implemented. Ultimately, this predictive capability can significantly reduce the risks posed by volcanic eruptions to communities living in close proximity to active volcanoes.
B. Scientists can use tilt measurement data to monitor changes in the land's angle, which indicates the movement of magma beneath the surface; an increase in tilt suggests magma is accumulating and may signal an impending eruption. By analyzing these trends, scientists can issue timely warnings to residents in nearby areas, allowing for evacuations and safety measures to be implemented. Ultimately, this predictive capability can significantly reduce the risks posed by volcanic eruptions to communities living in close proximity to active volcanoes.