Questions and Answers
What is a shield volcano?
A broad, domed volcano with gently sloping sides.
What is an alternative name for a stratovolcano?
A composite volcano
What type of eruptions do stratovolcanoes usually have?
Vulcanian, Sub-Plinian, and Plinian
What is the usual eruption style of a shield volcano?
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What is the VEI?
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What type of lava do stratovolcanoes erupt?
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What is the largest volcano in the world?
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Where do volcanoes form?
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What is a volcanic hotspot?
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What are the types of volcanoes?
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Study Notes
Volcano Types and Characteristics
- Shield Volcano: Features a broad, domed shape with gently sloping sides, primarily formed by low-viscosity basalt lava flows.
- Stratovolcano (Composite Volcano): Characterized by steep profiles and built from layers of lava and tephra, resulting in explosive eruptions.
Eruption Styles
- Stratovolcano Eruptions: Commonly erupt in Vulcanian, Sub-Plinian, and Plinian styles, marked by explosive activity and significant ash cloud generation.
- Shield Volcano Eruptions: Typically exhibit Hawaiian eruption style, characterized by gentle lava flows and low explosivity.
Volcanic Characteristics
- Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI): A scale that measures the explosiveness of volcanic eruptions, assisting in hazard assessment.
- Lava Composition of Stratovolcanoes: Eruptions can range from basalt to rhyolite, with andesitic and dacitic magmas being predominant.
Notable Volcanoes
- World's Largest Volcano: Mauna Loa in Hawaii holds the record as the largest volcano on Earth, notable for its extensive lava flows.
Formation of Volcanoes
- Locations of Volcano Formation: Occur at convergent (subduction) plate boundaries, divergent plate boundaries, and hotspots, where magma can rise due to tectonic activity.
Hotspots
- Volcanic Hotspot: A geologically active area where heat from the mantle creates a thermal plume, leading to volcanic activity independent of plate boundaries.
Types of Volcanoes
- Types Identified: Three primary classifications are shield, composite (stratovolcano), and cinder cone, each with specific features and eruption styles.
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Description
Test your knowledge of geology with these flashcards covering various types of volcanoes. Learn about shield and stratovolcanoes, their eruption styles, and specific characteristics. Perfect for preparation for the Science Olympiad.
