They also follow the flow margins, channels, and levees to try to trace lava flows back to the source area. This activity examines the patterns of lava flows produced by multiple eruptions. We use a short cup to hold the baking soda because we are looking at the flows and not at constructing a volcano model. Volcanoes, like those so familiar to us on Earth, are not present on the Moon. A baking soda-vinegar mixture and playdough are used to model lava flows.
Different colors identify different eruptions.
Students will be asked to observe where the flows traveled and to interpret the stratigraphy. Making a vertical cut through the flow reveals the stratigraphy of the section. Point out how the oldest flow is on the bottom of the stack. Each succeeding flow covers older flows. The youngest flow is on top.