General Information on the Great Rift System
handout exercisesuggested grade levels: 9- C
view Idaho achievement standards for this lesson

Overview:
The Great Rift system is a group of fractures that are located in the Snake River Plain. It is a national landmark. This activity should make students more knowledgeable about this landmark. It is an activity that can be incorporated into any geology class.

Procedure:
Use the Digital Atlas of Idaho. To get there: Click on Idaho Overview, then on Great Rift System. Read through the site and click on the various links to observe the pictures. Use this information to answer the questions.

Handouts/Activities:
These are links to access the handouts and printable materials.
geo16ho.pdf | geo16AK.pdf | Great Rift System

Handout Sample:
The sample questions below are shown in the printed handout.

  1. What is the Great Rift System?
  2. What is King's Bowl and how did it form?
  3. What do all of the features that make up the Inferno Chasm Rift Zone have in common?
  4. How did Wild Horse Crater form?
  5. Explain the formation of Split Butte.
  6. How did Big Southern Butte, Middle Butte, and East Butte form?
  7. What are some of the other Rift Zones in the United States?

Related Lesson Topics:
Geology: Geology Topics

Lesson plan by James Scannell, 2001
Idaho Achievement Standards (as of 7/2001) met by completing this activity:
351.02.04.
352.01.
357.01.02.
401.01.04.05.
402.01.03.06.