• How are wind and topography like a road map for ash and mud?

By understanding what mudflow and ashfall are and looking at historical accumulations, we can predict where mud and ash will go the next time a volcano erupts.

1. Research volcano hazards in VolcanoWorld.
2. Make a paper volcano.
3. Produce and watch the effects of ashfall.
4. Produce and watch the effects of a mudflow.
5. Create a hazard map by plotting historical ashfall/mudflow data from Mount St. Helens.
6. Compare your plots to real USGS plots.
7. Digitize and post your results to your web site. (encouraged)

• Past Predicts the Future
• Mount St. Helens Ashfall
• VolcanoWorld Searcher

1. 11" x 18" dark paper
2. cup of water
3. table salt
4. today's wind direction
5. compass
6. felt marker
7. masking tape
8. download: (use the print botton from the browser)
• ashfall instructions
• mudflow instructions
• topographic map of Mount St. Helens
• map of Washington state
• historical USGS mudflow graphic of Mount St. Helens
• historical USGS ashfall graphic of Washington state

1. In groups of 2-4, surf Past Predicts the Future and also do a general "volcano hazards" search of VolcanoWorld using the VoclanoWorld Searcher.
2. Lay the paper on a table. Apply 6 pieces of masking tape to it as indicated by the picture. On the tape in the upper left corner, draw and label an arrow to show which direction is north. Draw and label a second arrow to show today's wind direction and on the other 5 pieces of tape, number them 1-5 with 5 being in the middle.
3. Balance the paper on your closed fist, with the numbers up and the #5 above your fist. With the other hand scrunch it up while removing your fist. Tightly compress the center of the paper while leaving the edges somewhat flat.
4. Open up the paper and flatten it gently (don't smash it flat) on the table. You have just made a volcano with a summit, surrounding valleys, ridges and flatlands.
5. Orient your volcano to north.
6. Have one student spinkle some salt onto the summit about one foot above the volcano summit (#5) while a second student blows GENTLY to simulate today's wind direction. Mark the perimeter of the ash and the location of the deepest accumulation with a felt pen.
7. SLOWLY dribble a small amount of water onto the summit of the volcano. Watch the path it follows as it descends. It will form rivers and lakes and eventually follow the path of least resistance until it reaches the flatland.
8. Download and print both maps and both sets of historical data.
9. Plot the historical USGS mudflow data on the Mount St. Helens topographic map.
10. Plot the historical USGS ashfall data on the Washington state map.
11. Compare your work to actual USGS maps:
• USGS mudflow graphic
• USGS ashfall graphic

Encouraged:

1. Digitize your data and place it on your schools web site.
2. Send us the URL and we will link your site to VolcanoWorld.