Magma Viscosity, Gas Content & Milkshakes
This video describes the principal control on the violence of volcanic eruptions. We define the term viscosity and show examples of everyday materials with different viscosity. Next we are splattered with soda and milkshake to illustrate how gases can drive volcanic eruptions (the sacrifices we make for science). Finally, we explain how viscosity and gas content influence the style of eruptions from shield and composite volcanoes.

Pyroclastic Flow in Japan: Maurice and Katia Kraft
Overview of the work by the Krafts in filming volcanoes, include footage of the pyroclastic flow that killed them on Mt. Unzen, Japan in 1991

The "Acid Test" - Reaction of Calcite
The mineral calcite is tested against a cold, dilute (10%) solution of hydrochloric acid (HCl). Observation reveals a reaction that is characteristic of this mineral, and helps in identifying calcite.

Reaction of Granite to HCl
A piece of granite is tested for reaction to dilute, cold, HCl. As granite is composed of a number of minerals, this "acid test" should reveal whether or not significant calcite is present in this rock. Without specific instruction, many students would not be able to predict whether a chemical reaction should be seen, or not. Good example of experimental science to determine an answer by observation.

Japan Earthquake: Helicopter aerial view video of giant tsunami waves
This video is of the tsunami in Japan in 2011.

Continental Drift
This video describes the evidence Alfred Wegener used to formulate his continental drift hypothesis and examines why this idea did not gain wide acceptance when it was originally proposed. Wegener pursued four lines of evidence to support continental drift and the existence of the supercontinent, Pangaea. His evidence included the fit of the continents, matching features between now separated land masses, reconstructions of past climates, and the distribution of several fossil species.

How to Classify Volcanoes
This video describes the features geologists use to classify common types of volcanoes. We compare and contrast the features of two types of large volcanoes - shield volcanoes and composite volcanoes. One of these types produces structures that can be larger than Mount Everest while the other represent the majority of dangerous active volcanoes on Earth.We also explain that two other types of smaller volcanic landforms are relatively common and often form in association with their larger brethren. Finally, you can take a simple volcano recognition quiz to try to classify five examples of US volcanoes.

What are Volcanic Hazards?
In this video we will describe the most common types of volcanic hazards associated with a volcanic eruption. We begin by considering the threat of an eruption from a Cascade Range volcano for citizens of Portland and Seattle. These are examples of composite volcanoes. Eruptions of these types of volcanoes produce tephra, lahars, pyroclastic flows and lava. Tephra represents the debris blasted into the air and can range in size from tiny glass shards to large blocks blasted out of the volcanic cone. When tephra combines with water it forms lahars that can transport all sizes of debris. Fast moving, toxic pyroclastic flows are among the most dangerous volcanic hazards. Lava plays a relatively modest role in eruptions of composite volcanoes but is a common product of shield volcanoes such as those in Hawaii.

Continental Rifting, New Oceans, and Passive Continental Margins for Beginners
This video presents some basic information about how rifts form, how they sometimes evolve to become new oceans, and how passive continental margins form as a consequence.It has been adapted from a previous video entitled "Continental Rifting, New Oceans, and Passive Continental Margins: Plate Tectonics Basics 2", which was intended for an upper division geoscience audience. This video was made for a lower division geoscience and is intended to amplify undergraduate education of plate tectonic processes.

The Formation of Clastic Sedimentary Rocks
In this minivideo we will discuss the three steps in the formation of clastic sedimentary rocks - weathering, transportation, and lithification.