Year 8 Humanities

Mountain Landscapes Project

Video Script
NAME: Casey Jane Boswell
CLASS: 8G
Term 2
2015
Assigned:
Handed in: Friday 1st May

{NOTE: WHEN WATCHING THE FILM, IF DRAWINGS ARE REQUIRED LENGTHLY OBSERVATION,
PAUSE TO VIEW WHEN DRAWINGS ARE COMPLETE AND FROZEN.}
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - TOPIC: Mount Vesuvius
SCENE 1: Title
DRAWING: Words with custom background.
Year 8 Humanities
Mountain Landscapes Project
By Casey Boswell 8G
SCENE 2: Want to go somewhere peaky?
DRAWING: Cabin window, beautiful mountain view, Italy style.
Dear humanities teachers, you have been wanting a holiday filled with high
peaks and high altitudes. A mountain landscape is quite the picture in mind.
There are so many locations to choose from, mountains to view. So here is my
suggestion.
SCENE 3: Introduction
DRAWING: Mount Vesuvius
This mountain has left a huge scar in history, you guys may know it. Settled
in Italy, it sports a ginormous magma chamber beneath it's form. Yes, an
active volcano. In fact it is the only active volcano in mainland Europe.
Still don't know what mountain this is? Then this might help you.
SCENE 4: Pompeii
DRAWING: Eruption
This volcano had erupted many times in the past, but the most well known event
occurred in 79 A.D. This eruption ejected one big cloud of ash, stones and
fumes, 33 kilometres into the air, which is approximately the height of the
volcano its self. Lava was spewed from the mouth at a rate of 1.5 million
tones per second, releasing a hundred thousand times more thermal energy than
the Hiroshima bombing. This massive explosion spread through the land of
Italy, destroying everything in its path. Victims died instantly as they took
in their last breath of flaming ash. The deadly fumes had run along the ground
as a big black cloud, all over the famous ancient rome city, Pompeii. This is
Mt Vesuvius.
SCENE 5: The name
DRAWING: Name word, other words. Hercules demigod family tree with names.
Mt Vesuvius. Somma Vesuvio in Italian, Mons Vesuvius in Latin. This mighty
volcano was regarded sacred to the demigod, Hercules, by the Greeks and

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Romans. It is thought that the mountain was also named by Hercules in some
way. Hercules is son of the gods Alcmene and Zeus, Zeus was also known as Ves.
Hercules was therefore also known as Vesouvios, son of Ves. This name was then
altered to Vesuvius to name the mountain.
SCENE 6: Location (World)
DRAWING: World map of mountain, BOLTS, write co-ordinates.
Coming back to present time, Mt Vesuvius is located in Italy. Italy is located
in the northern hemisphere of the world. This country is a peninsula in
southern Europe, extending into the Central Mediterranean Sea. The coordinates of Mt Vesuvius in the world are 4049'N 1426'E.
SCENE 7: Location (Area)
DRAWING: Local map of mountain, plate boundaries, surrounding cities, nearby
by major volcanos. BOLTS.
Within Italy, Mt Vesuvius rests on the west coast in Province of Naples, only
a short distance to shore. The mountains grounds is a national park. Viewed
across the bay, the city lines the foreground and Mt Vesuvius sits in the
background, big and powerful. It creates a beautiful landscape of the Province
of Naples.
SCENE 8: Appearance
DRAWING: Mt Vesuvius labelled drawing.
Mt Vesuvius is 1,281 metres tall, and the base of the mountain stretches over
48 kilometres. The slopes are scarred from the volcanos past activity but is
heavily vegetated, with vineyards rooted at the base, and forest and scrubs at
higher altitudes. Mt Vesuvius is called a hump-backed mountain. This is
because the mountain consists of two "humps". For the mountain contains a huge
main cone and a ridge to the side, it creates this hump-backed appearance from
afar. The main cone of Mt Vesuvius is called Gran Cono, the summit of Gran
Cono is presently at 1,281 m, the peak of the mountain. Mt Vesuvius is also
classified as a somma volcano, because the semi-circle ridge circling the cone
is the remains of the volcanic mountains previous and mighty form, now a
summit caldera.
SCENE 9: Mt Vesuvius Geology
DRAWING: Plates, magma chamber, labelled drawing.
Mt Vesuvius is part of the Companion volcanic arc, a subduction zone
stretching across the peninsula of Italy. A subduction zone is the area where
two plates have collided and one dived under the other, deep into the Earths
crust and mantle. In this case, the two plates that collided is the African
and Eurasian plate. The African plate is oceanic, it is denser than the other
plate that is continental. Therefore, instead of the two plates crushing and
crumbling against each other, the African plate heads down under the Eurasian
plate, creating a subduction zone. Subduction zones are often responsible for
some of the worst earthquakes, tsunamis and you guessed it, volcanic
activity. As the plate gradually moves deeper into the mantle, the extreme
heat releases fluids from the plates crust. These liquids, such as water and
carbon dioxide, rise to the plate above, melting the crust and forming magma
in result, volcanoes. This was how Mt Vesuviuss huge volcanic mass was
formed.
SCENE 10: Stratovolcano
DRAWING: Stratovolcano labeled.
Mt Vesuvius is also defined as a stratovolcano, also known as composite
volcano. A stratovolcano is formed over many, many years. Usually around tens
or hundreds of thousands of years. Stratovolcanoes are the deadliest of
volcanoes. Their eruptions are usually fierce and regular, belting lava, toxic
fumes and loads of ash. These volcanoes spill all types of magma to the

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surface, but the majority of it cools and solidifies before travelling too
far. This then creates all types of hardened igneous rock at the scene of the
volcano, creating a more narrow base of the volcano then most, therefore
giving the volcano site a cone appearance. Over time, a stratovolcano's many
eruptions build up it's form in many layers of it's stuff. Like Mt Vesuvius,
it's form was created that way.
SCENE 11: Mt Vesuvius formation over time
DRAWING: Several Mt Vesuvius's drawings of it's self over time. Dates
labelled.
Okay, so now you know all of Mt Vesuviuss geology and classifications, here
is a summary of how Mt Vesuvius came to be how it is today.
So there was the collision of the African and Eurasian plates around 400,000
years ago. The African plate went down under to create a subduction zone. This
then resulted in the beginning of volcanic activity in that area.
It was only 25,000 years ago when the volcanic mountain started to take on
its form, built up on its series of lava flows and small eruptions.
19,000 years ago the volcanos minimal volcanic activity took a huge turn, and
turned ferocious. Several huge eruptions took place over the years, the
destruction of Pompeii being the last of its temper.
This well known event in 79 AD was the final explosion that caused the
mountain to fall. The impact was so huge the original summit collapsed to
create a caldera, a hot, volcanic crater. It was also at this time that a new
volcanic cone started to rise.
Mt Vesuviuss new form pursued its volcanic activity regularly for the years
after. Some of these eruptions ejected the most lava ever recorded from the
mountain.
After its last eruption in 1944, Mt Vesuvius has been quiet since, resting in
modern Italy.
SCENE 12: Eruptions
DRAWING: Mt Vesuvius erupting, known dates written.
Mt Vesuvius is a very active volcano, and has erupted thoroughly in history.
As I have mentioned earlier, the most famous eruption was the destruction of
Pompeii in 79 A.D. There was so much ash the city was buried in it. The people
and animalss bodies had been preserved, as had died from the boiling air and
were instantly covered in ash. It is not known how many people died, but it
was discovered that Pompeiis population was around 20,000, and adding on the
other populations nearby. 1,500 preserved bodies have also been discovered
from the destruction. After this tragic disaster, Mt Vesuvius erupted several
more times in 203 AD, 472, 512, 787, 968, 991, 999, 1007 and 1036. It was then
quiet for a few hundred years, the mountains slopes and even crater was
filled with ancient vegetation. But that peace was disturbed in 1631, lava
flows buried many villages, killing over 3,000 people. After that, severe
eruptions became very regular; 1660, 1682, 1694, 1698, 1707, 1737, 1760, 1767,
1779, 1794, 1822, 1834, 1839, 1850, 1855, 1861, 1868, 1872, 1906 and finally
1944. The 1906 eruption was particularly destructive, ejecting the most lava
ever recorded from Mt Vesuvius, killing over 100 people. The last and most
recent event in 1944 destroyed some villages while Italy was in the midst of
WW2. Ever since then, Mt Vesuvius have been quiet till this day. There is no
telling when the mountain will erupt again.
SCENE 13: Hazards
DRAWING: Worried person thinking about Mt Vesuvius eruption, and other
dangers.

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So As you can see, Mt Vesuvius is pretty vicious when it wants to be And its
the second most dangerous volcano in the world. The mountain could cause a
natural disaster at any time. If something was to happen, there will be of
things going on. There might be a hurried evacuation, blue skies replaced with
black, ash falling everywhere, plane flights cancelled, lava rolling into the
streets, poisonous gas contaminating the air very dramatic indeed.
I know what you must be thinking, why on Earth would I want to go anywhere
near that mountain?!
SCENE 14: Safety Precautions
DRAWING: Thoughtful person thinking about Mt Vesuvius precautions , and other
facts.
Well think about it. Mt Vesuvius sits right in the middle of Italys
civilisation. Do you think they will still be there if they didnt have
precautions? With todays technology, experts will be able to tell when a
disaster is coming, and I have no doubt they will be keeping a close eye on
the most famous active volcano. The volcanos activity is constantly being
monitored by the Osservatorio Vesuvio. This organisation is in Naples near the
mountain. There are loads of extensive networks of seismic and gravimetric
stations, GPS-based and satellite-based networks to measure ground movement,
and lastly people are closely observing the gases and chemicals being emitted
from the mountain. All of this is to accurately track the rising magma beneath
the volcano. Currently, no magma is being detected within 10km of the surface,
therefore Mt Vesuviuss status is presently at a Basic or Green Level.
SCENE 15: Environment
DRAWING: Plants, pretty environment.
I think that is enough use of the word 'eruption' for the video. Time to focus
on Mt Vesuvius's sugar coating, the environment. Thanks to all the minerals
from the volcano, the soil is very rich. With that in mind, and the classic
Italian vibe, the atmosphere is filled with gorgeous vegetation and fauna.
Trees range from chestnut woods, oak trees, alders, maples, ilexes and
sometimes birch. There are around 906 different species of plants. Some of
these include Neapolitan maple, the Neapolitan alder and a large number of
orchids. As for the cooled lava, there is a lichen (or algae) plant called
Stereocaulon vesuvianum - couldnt find a shorter name than that. Anyway, the
cool thing about this plant is that it grows on the cool lava, covering it.
This makes the solid lava seem grey from the plant coverage, and at night, it
creates a silvery reflection from the moonlight. How cool is that?
SCENE 16: Animals
DRAWING: Drawings of selected fauna.
The animals are also very interesting. Among the mammals, there is the rare
oaken mouse, dormouse, beech-marten, fox, wild rabbit, and the hare. Among the
reptiles, the coloured green-lizard, western whyp snake and the Turkish Gecko.
There is over 100 species of birds. Some birds that make a very cool nest
include the buzzars, kestrel, hoopoe, turtle-dove, woodpidgeon, great spotter
woodpecker, rock thrush, raven and coal tit. There are also some predatory
birds like the sparrow hawk and the woody predatory bird. During Winter, some
of the birds active are the woodcock, black redstart, wryneck, song thrush and
the siskin. Other birds are garden warblers, subalpine warblers, pied
flycatchers, black eared wheater, woodwarblers, golden orioles, nightjars, bee
eaters and much more yeah thats a lot of birds.
SCENE 17: Climate
DRAWING: Temperature, weather atmosphere.
Ever notice how the sky in these pictures are always blue? Well, apart from
when they are contaminated with ash In Naples, the weather is pleasant all
year round. The city features a typical Mediterranean climate. This results in
a long, hot and dry summer, and mild, wet winter. Winter temperatures vary

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from 4C to 14C. Spring is slightly warmer at around 15C, and autumns

temperatures can range from 10C to 20C. Summer can become very hot with highs
of 30C.
SCENE 18: Economical
DRAWING: Farming, agriculture,

etc.

Mt Vesuvius is quite active on the economic side of things. All that rich soil
doesnt go unnoticed. Agriculture, especially farming, is huge at the
mountain. The conditions are a farmers wish come true; rich soil, natural
drainage and the Mediterranean climate. The farmers are able to grow a unique
range of products. The most popular fruits grown are cherries and apricots,
where loads of different kinds are produced. Among the vegetables are fennels,
beans, tomatoes and broccoli and many more as you can imagine.
Mt Vesuvius is also very popular in tourism. There are hikes and buses to
travel up to the top to view the volcanos crater and the magnificent view of
the city and ocean below.
Then of course there is the Pompeii ruins, thanks to Mt Vesuviuss
destruction.
SCENE 19: Social
DRAWING: Mt Vesuvius environment landscape drawings over time, changes.
With all its volcanic history and unique vegetation and animals, Mt Vesuvius
is an interesting subject for scientists. Its even better for historians,
with the Pompeii ruins preserved along with the ancient Rome secrets. Mt
Vesuvius has impacted humanity a lot over the years, but humans have also
impacted Mt Vesuvius a little too. The base of the mountains natural
vegetation has been replaced with the farming products. A trail has been cut
to the top of the mountain for tourism, but no more harm is to come to the
mountains environment. The Vesuvius National Park was founded on the 5 of
June, 1995. Featuring Mt Vesuvius, duh! It was founded in order to preserve
animal and vegetation species, bush and forest, geological features and
formations, natural habitats, scenic and panoramic values, natural processes
and just an environmental balance.
SCENE 20: Holiday
DRAWING: Things to do and explore at Mt Vesuvius.
There are heaps of tourism sightseeing trips of Mt Vesuvius. There are also
the hikes for the athletic, beautiful scenery for artists. Dont forgot the
ancient Pompeii ruins, what is more surreal than stepping into the past? But
most importantly, all of this is in Italy. Italy, the country of the finest
food you could have. Who on Earth doesnt like food?
SCENE 21: Time to get the Tickets
DRAWING: Plane, tickets, hotels, website booking references, pack your bags!
So what are you waiting for? A flight to Italy is roughly $1100. There are
loads of awesome Italian hotels to choose from. Pack your camera, drink
bottle, clothes, toiletries Well, you know what to pack. Get booking! Start
up your computer and look at TripAdviser or Qantas or something.
Hope to see you there!
SCENE 22: Bibliography
DRAWING: Research links
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Europeweb/factfile/Unique-facts-Europe36.htm
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mt_Vesuvius#Vesuvius_today
http://www.curiosityaroused.com/nature/10-most-dangerous-active-volcanoesaround-the-world/

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http://www.livescience.com/27871-mount-vesuvius-pompeii.html
http://geology.com/volcanoes/vesuvius/
http://www.basicplanet.com/tag/conical-volcano/
http://www.basicplanet.com/stratovolcano/
http://www.livescience.com/43220-subduction-zone-definition.html
http://www.vesuvioinrete.it/e_parco.htm
http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Naples-weather-averages/Campania/IT.aspx
SCENE 23: Credits
DRAWING: Words of credits
Thanks to Isabel Schweitzer for giving me the fantastic idea of doing a
drawing time lapse presentation type for this project.
Thanks to my wooden plank and two self baskets that just happened to be in my
room, which allowed me to record the time lapses successfully.
Thanks to my sticky tape which held my A4 paper in place while filming.
Thanks to my iPad air which happened to record the time lapses perfectly.
Thanks to my relatives and friends that had gifted me those art supplies to
create the drawings in the movie.
Thanks to sheer luck for the incredibly cumbersome arrangement of baskets and
planks on my desk to work out perfectly for filming.
And last but not least, thanks to my humanities teacher, Ms Jones. For giving
us this cool project that allowed us to express our inner creativity. It was a
lot of fun to make.
Oh! And thanks for watching!

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