Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main reason why pyroclastic density currents associated with volcanic eruptions have a decreased capacity to travel away from the volcano?
What is the main reason why pyroclastic density currents associated with volcanic eruptions have a decreased capacity to travel away from the volcano?
- The pyroclastic clouds contain a combination of poisonous gases and steam that can easily suffocate people.
- The thick layers of ash often associated with tephra can impact respiratory health across a wide geographic region.
- There are fewer solid particles, allowing the gas to dissipate more quickly. (correct)
- The pyroclastic surge resulted in the production of a pyroclastic cloud consisting largely of superheated ash and gases.
Which of the following is a key difference between pyroclastic flows and tephra?
Which of the following is a key difference between pyroclastic flows and tephra?
- Pyroclastic flows are much more likely to cause death in humans due to the pyroclastic cloud, while tephra are not as dangerous.
- Pyroclastic flows can travel at speeds of up to 450 miles per hour, while tephra can only travel as far as 50 miles away from the volcano.
- Pyroclastic flows often contain high amounts of solid fragments, while tephra refers to large chunks of rocks and debris. (correct)
- Pyroclastic flows are associated with poisonous gases and steam, while tephra are not associated with any hazardous materials.
What was a major consequence of the tephra produced during the 1815 eruption of Tambora volcano in Indonesia?
What was a major consequence of the tephra produced during the 1815 eruption of Tambora volcano in Indonesia?
- The tephra caused a pyroclastic surge that destroyed the city of Saint Pierre and killed over 29,000 people.
- The tephra produced lightning strikes that killed many people in the surrounding area.
- The tephra destroyed the vegetation on nearby islands, leading to the loss of food supplies for thousands of Indonesians. (correct)
- The tephra led to the deaths of nearly 1,335 individuals due to the combination of toxic gases and ash ejected from the volcano.
What is a key characteristic of tephra that makes them extremely destructive?
What is a key characteristic of tephra that makes them extremely destructive?
Which of the following is an example of a pyroclastic surge event that resulted in significant loss of life?
Which of the following is an example of a pyroclastic surge event that resulted in significant loss of life?
What type of tectonic plate boundary is responsible for most of the volcanic activity on Earth?
What type of tectonic plate boundary is responsible for most of the volcanic activity on Earth?
Which type of volcano is characterized by round, dome-like structures with gentle slopes?
Which type of volcano is characterized by round, dome-like structures with gentle slopes?
What term is used for molten rock that remains beneath the surface of Earth?
What term is used for molten rock that remains beneath the surface of Earth?
Which type of volcano is marked by the presence of calderas and multiple vents through which lava can flow?
Which type of volcano is marked by the presence of calderas and multiple vents through which lava can flow?
Besides molten rock, what other types of materials can volcanoes eject?
Besides molten rock, what other types of materials can volcanoes eject?
What distinguishes a pyroclastic flow from a lava flow?
What distinguishes a pyroclastic flow from a lava flow?
Why are pyroclastic surges able to travel at faster speeds compared to pyroclastic flows?
Why are pyroclastic surges able to travel at faster speeds compared to pyroclastic flows?
What is the speed at which pyroclastic flows can move?
What is the speed at which pyroclastic flows can move?
How do lava flows compare to pyroclastic flows in terms of composition?
How do lava flows compare to pyroclastic flows in terms of composition?
What distinguishes a pyroclastic surge from a pyroclastic flow?
What distinguishes a pyroclastic surge from a pyroclastic flow?
