Mount St. HelensTopographic Mapping

Volcano Project

http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_models/three_d.html

Objective: TLW understand how Topographic maps

relate to actual 3-D landforms.

TLW Identify a hilltop, stream, and valley on a topographic map.

TLW construct profiles from topographic contours.

Materials: Lots of cardboard (7 pieces per student) Scissors or razor-blade knife A photocopy of the topographic map of

Mount St. Helens. Tape or glue Paint (optional)

Purpose: To develop a profile

by making three-dimensional cardboard volcano from the Topographic Map of Mount St. Helens after its 1980 eruption but before the major dome building episodes.

ProcedurePart 1: Creating a Pattern

Use the page with the simplified topographic map or

Make your own map by highlighting index contour lines.

It is best to make the pattern about 9 or 12 inches on a side. If needed, enlarge the map to the appropriate size.

For a simplified

topographic map of

Mount St. Helens

Go to http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_models/contour_map.gif

Part 2: Cutting Layers

The number of layers (pieces of cardboard)

to the volcano depends on the scale (contour

interval) of your map and the amount of time

you wish to invest on the model.

Cutting Layers Cont. The yellow lines on the highlighted/simplified

map are at intervals of 250 feet going up Mount St. Helens. You will have a total of 7 layers to be cut (one for each elevation)

Step 1: Cut out the lowest elevation from the map and trace onto one piece of cardboard. Then cut out the pattern from the cardboard.

Step 2: Continue to cut and trace each elevation on separate pieces of cardboard.

Step 3: Stack the cardboard cut-outs in order from

lowest elevation (BOTTOM LAYER) to highest elevation (TOP LAYER).

Step 4: Tape or glue the layers in the appropriate

order. Label the elevation of each layer.

Step 5: Compare your 3-D map to the original

simplified topographic map. Label the crater in the volcano.

Conclusion Questions: Explain the purpose of contour lines. Explain the purpose for not labeling all

contour lines, and what are the names of the contour lines that are labeled.

Describe how a crater may be indicated on a topographic map.

Explain the importance of Topographic maps.