Prep: 15 mins | Activity: 45-60 mins
This data analysis and data visualization exercise uses a small portion of data generated by the biologist Roger del Moral from the University of Washington, Seattle. Students analyze the eruption and biotic changes on Mount St. Helens since the 1980 eruption to produce evidence for the succession stage directly after the eruption and 30 years past.
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted. The energy of the blast equaled 24 megatons of TNT, and it destroyed everything on the mountain within 8 miles. The eruption column rose 80,000 feet in less than 15 minutes and consisted of molten, high-pressure gas and steam mixed with rock.
Geologists classified the erupted material as pumice, lightweight and porous volcanic rock, and tephra, rock fragments sized from ash (2 mm) to bombs (64 mm). The eruption cloud spread across the United States in 3 days and circled the planet in 15 days! The energy from the eruption melted most of the snow and glaciers at the top of the mountain, which resulted in severe lahars (volcanic mudflows). One of the lahars was reported to be 12 feet deep. Between the eruption and resulting lahars, the surface of Mount St. Helens was scoured, top soil was removed in blast areas, and a large proportion of living organisms was killed.
Ask students to watch the video of the Mount St. Helens eruption and generate questions they would need to investigate or explain what has happened to the mountain since the eruption. What do you need to know or study to understand the impact of the environmental changes on the mountain? Take a few minutes to discuss student ideas and questions before introducing the activity.
How are scientific data used to evaluate the impact of environmental changes on the number and types of species, including humans, in a given location?
PE HS-LS4-5. Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in: (1) increases in the number of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.
ESS PE: HS-ESS3-1. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
ESS3B: Natural Hazards
Cause and Effect
The species abundance data table is lengthy. Assign a plot to a pair or group of students to graph and share the results with the whole class. Copy the species abundance data table and cut it into sections for students prior to class.
A. Eruption Analysis Procedures
B. Mount St. Helens Succession Data
A. Eruption Data
Using your eruption analysis, summarize the impact the eruption had on the topography of the mountain.
The NW to E side of the mountain was blown out, leaving a gaping hole. The SW sector was covered in a mudslide. The areas not blown out by the eruption had deposits of tephra or pumice.Using the diagram and data table, predict the type or stage of succession (primary, secondary, or disturbance) each plot was in directly after the eruption. Place your answer on the Eruption Data Table.
B. Succession Data
1. Use the graph of average number of species over time to describe the process of succession for your assigned plot.
Student answers will vary depending on the plot they have. In general, all plots took time before there was evidence of plant life returning. Different plots had different plants, at different times depending on the amount of damage, type of depositions, and aspect of the plot.
2. Based on your graph, identify what type or stage of succession your assigned plot is in. What evidence supports your claim?
Student answers will vary, but they should be the same as predicted using the damage and deposition chart and diagram.
3. Examine the class succession graphs. Are all the plots on Mount St. Helens the same successional type or stage? What evidence supports your answer?
The plots are not all at the same successional level. Looking at the graphs, some plots only have pioneer species growing. In addition, the first segment of the graphs indicates how long it was before plant life emerged, and these segments are not all the same length.
C. Generalizations
1. Did the eruption data and succession data lead to the same conclusion for type or stage of succession? Use evidence to support your claim.
Student answers will vary but both sets of data should produce the same conclusion. The degree of damage to the area is related to the stage of succession-more damage gives earlier stage of succession.
2. Using evidence to support your claim, argue how the eruption of Mount St. Helens affected the type and number of plant species directly after the eruption through 2009.
Students answers may vary. (Sample claims with evidence are below.)
3. Using evidence to support your claim, argue how the eruption of Mount St. Helens affected human populations locally, within the continental United States, and globally. Identify if the affects were immediate or long term.
Student answers will vary but may include:
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