1. Assessing the angle of subduction using GeoMapApp
Tonga-Kermadec slab model
Tonga-Kermadec P-wave velocity model
USGS:
Global Tectonics, Kearey, Klepeis, and Vine, 2009

2. Content goal
-Examine relationship between subduction angle, oceanic lithosphere age, and convergence rate
Higher order thinking goals
-Formulation of hypotheses
-Analysis of large datasets
-Synthesis of ideas
Skills goals
-Ability to access online databases and mapping programs

3. Description
-Use GeoMapApp to examine datasets from four different subduction zones
-Directed homework assignment to aid in interpretation of data
Assessment
-Students submit completed homework assignment with answers to questions and images from GeoMapApp

4. GeoMapApp

5. Collecting and organizing earthquake data
Tonga-Kermadec earthquakes (1973–2009)

6. Collecting and organizing earthquake data
Which subduction zones have the largest earthquakes?
Which subduction zones have the deepest earthquakes?
Which subduction zones have the most earthquakes?
Based on these data, which subduction zones are most seismically active?
Based on the depth, magnitude, and frequency, discuss the possible prominent causes for the earthquakes at each of these subduction zones?

7. Determining the dip angle of subduction
Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone interface with profile

8. Determining the dip angle of subduction
Tonga-Kermadec profile across subduction zone

9. Determining the dip angle of subduction
What are the dip angles of subduction for each of these subduction zones?
Are these subduction dip angles what were expected? Explain.
What could be causes for the differences in dip angle of subduction for each of the regions?

10. Assessing the factors that influence dip angle
Age of oceanic lithosphere in Tonga-Kermadec region
Plate motion calculator:

11. Assessing the factors that influence dip angle
What are the estimated convergence rates?
What are the oceanic lithosphere ages?
Does the convergence rate influence subduction dip angle?
Does the oceanic lithosphere age influence subduction dip angle?

12. Summary questions and synthesis of course material
What other factors may have a significant influence on subduction dip angle?
Why do some subduction zones have deep earthquakes, whereas other subduction zones do not?
How do the factors that influence subduction dip angle also influence the type of accretionary orogen? Describe the possible types of accretionary orogens and determine what types of orogens these four subduction systems represent