*** This data lab is under construction and has not yet been published. We anticipate releasing this edition of the plate tectonics data lab around February 1, 2026 ***

Lab 4.4 – Making Connections

Fundamental concept: Describe how oceanographic instrumentation contributes to tsunami detection and early warning networks.
Estimated time to complete: 20 minutes
Data skills preparation: Lab 1.2 – Geography, Lab 2.1 – Time series, Lab 3.3 – Bathymetric charts
Materials needed: none

In this lab, we’ve explored the geologic hazards associated with plate tectonic boundaries. You may or may not live near a plate boundary, but understanding the natural hazards associated with them is important. Let’s review what you’ve learned so far.

ADD QUICK CHECKs

 

Perhaps you’ll visit a tectonically active region one day on vacation or maybe you’ll consider a cross country move some day. Knowing about natural hazards is key for preparation! In the following section, consider the tectonic setting and geologic hazards associated with the following common landscapes in the contiguous United States!

Map of the United States with images of iconic landscapes overlain. Steep rocky cliffs are shown on the Coast of California, an image of a volcano, Mount Hood, is shown in Oregon. A photo of a high-altitude, snow capped peak is shown in Breckenridge, Colorado. Flat farmland is shown in Champaign, Illinois, and in coastal South Carolina, a wide sandy beach. An image overlay shows the location of plate tectonic boundaries. On the East Coast, now plate boundaries exist. Plate boundaries border the West Coast of California, Oregon and Washington State along the continental margin.

The map above shows several iconic landscapes of the continental US relative to the location of nearby plate boundaries.

Orientation Questions:

For the following questions you may have one or more answers/locations for each question.  Use the following location choices

  • Hood River, Oregon
  • Big Sur, California
  • Breckenridge, CO
  • Champaign, IL
  • Charleston, SC
  1. Which of the above location(s) are located near an active margin?
  2. Which of the above location(s) are located near a passive margin?
  3. Which of the above location(s) are located far from a tectonic plate boundary?
  4. Which location(s) is located closest to a subduction zone?
  5. Which location(s) is located closest to a transform plate boundary?
  6. In which location(s) might you expect for large earthquakes to occur?
  7. In which location(s) might you expect for volcanoes to form?
  8. If an earthquake occurred relatively close by, in which location(s) might you expect for an earthquake-induced tsunami to occur?

Interpretation Questions:

  1. Breckenridge, CO is located in the Rocky Mountains, which are located far away from a tectonic plate boundary. Why do you think that the Rocky Mountains exist, given their distance from a plate boundary?

Application Questions:

 

Reflection Questions:

Hawai’i is a US state that includes an active volcanic island, the main island of Hawai’i. The island chain is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. 

Do some research on Hawai’i. How many people live there? Where do they live? What is the landscape of the Hawai’ian islands like? What is the tectonic setting of Hawai’i? Where are the nearest plate boundaries?

    1. Using your knowledge of the relationships between volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis to prepare a summary report for the people of Hawai’i. Are they at risk of tsunamis? Explain your reasoning and justify your conclusion in detail. Take into consideration what you have learned about the population and where they live as you formulate recommendations as a geoscientist.

 

⇐ Previous LAB 4.3
Next LAB 5 ⇒

Table of contents