America's Volcanic Past: Volcanic Highlights and Features

This resource explores the evidence for earlier volcanism that is preserved in many rocks of North America. Students will discover that features seen in volcanic rocks only hours old are also present in ancient volcanic rocks, both at the surface and buried beneath younger deposits, and that a thick ash deposit sandwiched between layers of sandstone in Nebraska, the massive granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and a variety of volcanic layers found in eastern Maine are but a few of the striking clues of past volcanism. After an overall introduction, students may explore the volcanic history of the United States by state or by National Park. Each site has a map of the area and a detailed history of volcanism. Each site also offers multiple links to a glossary and to other sites for more detailed information. Educational levels: High school, Middle school, Undergraduate lower division