Exploring Tectonic Motions using GPS Velocity Maps of Alaska, Western United States, & Around the World | Lessons on Plate Tectonics

Index

• Goal
• Summary
• Context
• Audience
• Skills
• Design
• Download Materials
• Student Materials
• Module Development

Goal

Using maps showing the horizontal velocities of GPS stations in the Plate Boundary Observatory and other GPS networks in Alaska, Western United States, and regions around the world, students are able to describe the motions in different regions by interpreting the vectors resulting from long-term high-precision Global Positioning System (GPS) data.

Context

Audience

This activity was developed for middle school and high school students, grades 6 - 12. However, its focus on data makes it adaptable for introductory college courses.

Teaching Time

One class session (45 - 55 minutes) or homework.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

Students should be able to read maps and understand map scale.

How the lesson is
situated in the course

This activity can be used at any time in an earth science class particularly with in a sequence of lessons about plate tectonics. It can be used as an introductory activity for students to explore current plate motions and to learn about compression, extension, and horizontal slip.

Next Generation Science Standards

Performance Expectations: MS-ESS3-2, and HS-ESS1-5.

Objectives

Students will be able to:

• Describe how velocity vectors from GPS stations inform us about tectonic motion and plate boundaries.
• Describe and draw a velocity vector
• Analyze and describe regional plate motion data as represented as vectors.
• Interpret crustal deformation based on velocity vector map.
• Identify, discuss and defend the locations they chose that are most likely to have earthquakes.

Materials & Online Tools