Enthalpy of Magmatic Crystallization

John Brady

Smith College

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Initial Publication Date: July 17, 2008 | Reviewed: December 15, 2014 (see revision history: 2 events)

Summary

This is a problem set that gets students to think quantitatively about magmas. To be most effective, it should be done in conjunction with a showing of some or all (I recommend some...) of the movie "Volcano." How much water would be needed to stop a lava flow on Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles?!

Volcanology, Igneous Processes, Geology | College Lower (13-14), College Upper (15-16)

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Context

Audience

This problem set is designed for a sophomore or junior level required course in petrology.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

Students should know basic algebra, geometry, and how to convert units of measurement.

How the activity is situated in the course

This is a stand-alone exercise.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

The goal of this activity is to have students practice basic mathematics and unit conversion skills and to apply this information to real geo-hazards.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

Other skills goals for this activity

Description of the activity/assignment

This is a problem set that gets students to think quantitatively about magmas. To be most effective, it should be done in conjunction with a showing of some or all (I recommend some...) of the movie "Volcano". How much water would be needed to stop a lava flow on Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles?!