Basaltic Lava and Volcanoes Overview

Study Notes

Basaltic Lava Overview

Basaltic lava is a dark silicate rock characterized by its high fluidity.
Commonly found at divergent boundaries and continental hotspots.
Eruptions of basaltic lava are generally non-explosive, resulting in extensive outpourings.

Shield Volcanoes

Shield volcanoes feature gentle slopes, constructed layer by layer from fluid lava.
Hawaiian Islands are significant examples, originating from the ocean floor.

Cinder Cones

Cinder cones are small, steep volcanoes formed from the ejection of basaltic lava fragments.
Composed primarily of scoria and typically rise to less than 1,000 feet in height.

Flood Basalts

Flood basalts consist of very fluid basaltic lava that spills from large fractures.
These lava flows can cover vast areas of the Earth's surface.

Lava Flow Types

Aa: Characterized by a rugged surface covered with broken lava rock debris.
Pahoehoe: Exhibits a smooth, ropy surface due to the formation of a skin that buckles and folds as the lava flows.

Pillow Basalt

Pillow basalt forms when lava erupts underwater, creating rounded, pillow-like structures.

Description

This quiz explores the characteristics and types of basaltic lava and different volcanic formations. It covers shield volcanoes, cinder cones, and flood basalts, highlighting their features and the processes involved in their formation. Test your knowledge on volcanoes and lava flow types to understand the dynamics of these geological phenomena.