The Hot Spot Hypothesis
suggested grade levels: 9-12
view Idaho achievement standards for this lesson

Objectives:
1. Students will use the Digital Atlas of Idaho.
2. Students will learn about the movement of the Hot Spot.

Materials:

Eastern Idaho SRP Hot S.	Gather some useful maps and figures for use with the module (from Chapter 2 of Rocks, Rails and Trails).
Rocky Mtns.	Timeline of Geologic Map
Spot Map	Geologic Map
Geologic Events

Procedure:
Encourage your students to explore the Topography and Hot Spot section of the Digital Atlas. To get there: Click on Atlas Home, mouse-over Geology, then click on Topography and Hot Spot.Encourage your students to read through the pages and explore the links to see the pictures. Have your students read through and explore Chapter 2 of Rocks, Rails, and Trails. Encourage them to find at least three lines of evidence that support the theory that the hot spot passed along the proposed course to its current position under Yellowstone National Park. For example, the hot spot would be located in an area of high topography, and though there may be thick sediment accumulations in that area, drainage should occur radially away from it. HINT: As the hot spot passes, the elevated volcanic plateau it created subsides, and through-going drainage systems may have been established in its wake.