The activity describes Eratosthenes' experiments which determined that the Earth is spherical, rather than flat. Students reproduce Eratosthenes' methods using a slice of pizza to calculate the circumference of the entire pie.

We will begin with a review of what minerals are inferred to be in the core and what minerals are inferred to be in the mantle. Students will then sketch what they think the core-mantle boundary looks like. Students will make observations of samples of pallasite (identify texture and compositions). Next using phase diagrams (e.g., Fe, olivine, post-perovskite) determine the temperatures and pressures at which these minerals might be stable at the core-mantle boundary. What is the coordination number for these inferred phases at this boundary? Are the phases liquid, solid or both? Next assess and describe how P and S wave velocities change at the core-mantle boundary.

(Note: this resource was added to OER Commons as part of a batch upload of over 2,200 records. If you notice an issue with the quality of the metadata, please let us know by using the 'report' button and we will flag it for consideration.)

This U.S. Geological Survey clearinghouse provides a diverse array of over 40 links to information on the Yellowstone volcanic system. The links are organized by category, including background and information; special items of interest; maps, graphics, and images; items of interest; useful links; educational outreach; and other menus of interest.

This is the homepage of the United States Geological Survey's (USGS) Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. It features news articles, monitoring information, status reports and information releases, and information on the volcanic history of the Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field. Users can access monthly updates with alert levels and aviation warning codes and real-time data on ground deformation, earthquakes, and hydrology. There is also a list of online products and publications, and an image gallery

This resource is a video abstract of a research paper created by Research Square on behalf of its authors. It provides a synopsis that's easy to understand, and can be used to introduce the topics it covers to students, researchers, and the general public. The video's transcript is also provided in full, with a portion provided below for preview:

"Scientists recently set out to answer a seemingly straightforward question “Where is the coldest place on Earth?” They found that there really is no single “coldest place” But a region near the highest part of East Antarctica's ice plateau has areas that reliably reach the limit for Earth’s lowest temperature Air temperatures in this region can be as low as -94°C or -138°F But only when conditions are just right The sky has to be clear, and the air extremely dry which allows the heat to radiate from the snow into space until it reaches nearly -140°F at this level, heat radiating back from the clear air itself slows the cooling to a standstill When these conditions occur near the highest part of the Antarctic ice sheet they lay the foundation for the lowest naturally occurring temperatures possible on Earth Scambos, et al. Ultralow Surface Temperatures in East Antarctica From Satellite Thermal Infrared Mapping: The Coldest Places on Earth..."

The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.

Plate tectonics is a quantitative, robust and testable, geologic model describing the surface motions of Earth's outer skin. It is based on real data and assumptions, and built using the scientific method. New space geodesy data provide important quantitative (and independent) tests of this model. In general, these new data show a close match to model predictions, and suggest that plate motion is steady and uniform over millions of years. Active research continues to refine the model and to better our understanding of plate motion and tectonics. The exercise presented here aims to help students experience the process of doing science and to understand the science underlying the plate tectonic theory.

Key words: plate tectonics, global plate motion models, assumptions, geologic data (spreading rates, transform fault azimuths, earthquake slip vectors), space geodesy tests.

(Note: this resource was added to OER Commons as part of a batch upload of over 2,200 records. If you notice an issue with the quality of the metadata, please let us know by using the 'report' button and we will flag it for consideration.)