Classifying Volcanoes Flashcards

What type of volcano is currently erupting?

What type of volcano is inactive but uneroded?

What type of volcano shows no signs of seismic or volcanic activity?

What type of volcano keeps erupting over and over again?

What kind of volcano has a quiet eruption of mostly runny basaltic lava?

What kind of volcano has eruptions of bursts of gases that eject mostly pyroclastic materials?

Name some active volcanoes.

Name a continuous volcano.

Name some dormant volcanoes.

What volcano was considered dormant for 300 years and erupted in AD 79?

What volcano didn't erupt for 2,000 years before it erupted in 1980?

What estimates the explosive power in a volcanic eruption?

Why are volcanic eruptions more dangerous than flowing lava?

What do scientists classify by regarding volcanic activity?

What is the best indication of a future eruption?

What is an open-ended scale starting at 0 and is an estimate of the explosive power in a volcanic eruption?

Volcano Classification

Active Volcano: Currently erupting and exhibiting signs of volcanic activity.
Dormant Volcano: Inactive but has not eroded, suggesting potential future eruptions.
Extinct Volcano: No signs of seismic or volcanic activity; considered unlikely to erupt again.
Continuous Volcano: Erupts repeatedly over time without long periods of inactivity.

Types of Volcanoes

Shield Volcano: Characterized by gentle slopes formed from quiet eruptions of runny basaltic lava.
Cinder Cones: Built from explosive eruptions that eject pyroclastic materials such as ash, cinders, and volcanic bombs.

Notable Volcanoes

Active Volcanoes Examples: Mauna Loa (Hawaii), Mt. Vesuvius (Italy), Mt. Saint Helens (Washington).
Continuous Volcano Example: Mt. Stromboli, located in the Aeolian Islands of Italy.
Dormant Volcanoes Examples: Mt. Shasta (California), Mt. Rainier (Washington), Mauna Kea (Hawaii).
Historical Eruption: Mt. Vesuvius erupted in AD 79 after being dormant for 300 years, leading to the destruction of two cities.
Eruption After Long Dormancy: Mt. Saint Helens had a 2,000-year period of dormancy before erupting in 1980.

Volcanic Eruption Dynamics

Explosivity Index (VEI): Used to estimate the explosive power of a volcanic eruption; ranges from 0 and higher.
Dangerous Aspects of Eruptions:
- Occur quickly, making them unpredictable.
- Generate volcanic ash, which poses health and environmental risks.
- Can produce loud noises and prolonged vibrations affecting surrounding areas.

Volcanic Classification Criteria

Scientific Classification: Focuses on the intensity and destructiveness of volcanic explosions.
VEI as a Predictive Tool: Serves as a reliable indicator for assessing the likelihood of future eruptions.

Test your knowledge on the different types of volcanoes with these flashcards! From active to extinct, learn the definitions and characteristics that classify each type. Perfect for geology students and enthusiasts alike.