MQ_Dante's Peak
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EES 0836
Dante’s Peak Movie Questions
Disasters: Geology vs. Hollywood
Introduction
A volcanologist arrives at a countryside town recently named the second most desirable place to live in
America, and discovers that the long dormant volcano, Dante's Peak, may wake up at any moment.
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imdb.com
Learning Objectives
●
Critically assess the portrayal of science, forecasting, and eruptive behavior of Dante’s Peak in
the movie Dante’s Peak (1997).
(4, b)
Part 1:
Watch the movie
As you are watching the video clips, look for the answers to the following questions.
1.
In the opening scene of Dante’s Peak, Harry and his girlfriend are trying to escape during a
volcanic eruption. Visibility is poor because of falling volcanic ash. Do volcanoes really produce
ash? How can rocks burn/melt?
When dissolve gasses in magma expand and aggressively dissipate into the atmosphere, volcanic
eruptions produce volcanic ash. The gases’ force breaks the magma and sends it flying into the
atmosphere, where it turns into roc. Although it is rare for rocks to melt because this temperature
is rarely reached, once they do, the resulting hot lava substance is known as magma. Rocks can
melt once they reach 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.
What volcanic hazard kills Harry’s girlfriend?
The volcanic explosion kills Harry’s girlfriend from a clump of cooled lava landing on the roof of
Harry’s truck.
3.
When Harry, the mayor, and her kids visit Grandma’s cabin, there is foreshadowing of disaster.
List at least four signs (precursors) that Dante’s Peak is about to awaken.
-
In 1980 there were a series of small earthquakes.
-
In 1982 geophysicists were also observing other signs of volcanic activity.
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New steam vent development and swells in the Calder’s surface.
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Fresh hot spots that appear to be magma rising.
4.
Describe anything you saw in these clips that you think might be scientifically questionable.
Precursing earthquakes are typically on the smaller end, eventually leading up to the blast, but the
frequency of earthquakes preceding the volcano were simply too large to be realistically true.
EES 0836
5.
Explain Harry’s “proof” that Dante’s Peak is a “ticking time bomb?”
Volcanologist Harry makes a strong case against Dante’s Peak by pointing out elevated sulfur
dioxide gas levels, geological signs of reactivation, and the area's prior history of volcanic
eruptions. His argument is supported by his extensive knowledge of volcanology, which
emphasizes the possibility of another disastrous eruption. His knowledge of volcanology is
essential for persuading the public that the volcano poses a serious threat.
6.
What caused the helicopter crash?
The helicopter crash is caused by pyroclastic flow, ash and debris, and engine failure. Due to
extreme heat, volcanic ash from the eruption, and fast-moving clouds of extremely hot gas the
helicopter ultimately crashes.
7.
The film shows our hero et al. riding a boat that is rapidly dissolving in a lake made acidic by the
volcano. What part do you think is real, and where has Hollywood exaggerated to create drama?
Parts of this scene that are real include the acidic water which then causes the boat to dissolve,
making it hard for the characters to survive. While this could happen during a real-life volcanic
eruption, the film exaggerates the scene by using the concept of acidic water to rapidly dissolve
the objects scene in the movie rather than at a more gradual pace.
8.
The eruption melts the snow off the top of the mountain (volcano), which affects the surrounding
rivers.
It looks like muddy water flowed down Dante’s Peak, what is the scientific term for these
“flows?”
Lahar
9.
Harry dramatically drives through a lava flow. Do you think this is possible? Provide a couple
sentences to explain your reasoning.
Lava can reach a temperature of over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and molten rock can be incredibly
dense which could result in immediate damage. These types of flows can be extremely
unpredictable and driving through would put any person inside the vehicle at catastrophic risk.
10.
In the end, did the order of volcanic hazards make sense? Does something not add up? What, if
anything, is out of place?
Volcanic hazards, such as increased gas levels, small earthquakes, and unusual geothermal
activity, are depicted in the movie as early indications of volcanic activity. The hazardous nature
of pyroclastic flows and lahars, or volcanic mudflows, are portrayed as dangerous and
catastrophic events. For dramatic effect, the movie may have sped up the timing and enhanced the
immediate danger of these risks.
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