Volcano Types and Characteristics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes a cinder cone volcano?

  • A large depression formed from a volcanic collapse
  • Flat with multiple vents and associated with explosive eruptions
  • Gently sloping with a wide base and formed from lava flows
  • Steep and conical in shape, built from solidified lava fragments (correct)

How do pyroclastic flows primarily occur during a volcanic eruption?

  • By the explosive eruption of gas and ash from a volcano (correct)
  • Through the slow release of lava over time
  • From the continuous outpouring of lava flows
  • As a result of rain mixing with volcanic ash

What is a major difference between stratovolcanoes and cinder cones?

  • Stratovolcanoes have steeper slopes compared to cinder cones.
  • Cinder cones are primarily built from solidified lava fragments, while stratovolcanoes are composed of alternating layers. (correct)
  • Cinder cones have a larger base than stratovolcanoes.
  • Stratovolcanoes are formed exclusively from lava flows, unlike cinder cones.

What typically defines a caldera?

<p>A large depression formed by the collapse of a volcano (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of volcanic gas emissions during an eruption?

<p>They dictate the viscosity of magma, influencing eruption style (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a shield volcano?

<p>Broad, gently sloping sides with effusive eruptions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes explosive eruptions?

<p>They are characterized by violent expulsion of ash and volcanic material (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of volcano is primarily constructed from ejected lava fragments?

<p>Cinder cones (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of eruption is most likely associated with basaltic magma?

<p>Effusive eruptions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a caldera?

<p>A large depression formed by a volcano's summit collapse (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which volcanic feature is associated with the slow accumulation of viscous lava?

<p>Lava domes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily affects the type of eruption a volcano will have?

<p>The thickness (viscosity) of the magma (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of magma is typically associated with explosive eruptions?

<p>Viscous magma (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What determines the type of volcanic eruption?

The type of magma that a volcano erupts determines how explosive or effusive the eruption will be.

What are shield volcanoes?

A shield volcano is a broad, gently sloping volcano formed by the eruption of very fluid basaltic lava, which flows for long distances.

What are pyroclastic flows?

Pyroclastic flows are rapidly moving currents of hot gas and volcanic debris that are extremely dangerous, traveling at speeds exceeding 100 km/h.

How does viscosity affect volcanic eruptions?

Viscosity refers to a substance's resistance to flow. In volcanoes, the higher the viscosity of the magma, the thicker it is, and the more likely it is to erupt explosively.

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What are lahars?

Lahars are destructive mudflows that form when volcanic ash and debris mix with water, often triggered by rainfall or snowmelt.

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Shield Volcanoes

Volcanoes with broad, gently sloping sides formed by fluid lava flows. Eruptions are usually slow and non-explosive.

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Cinder Cones

Small, steep-sided cones built from ejected lava fragments. Eruptions are explosive and short-lived.

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Composite Volcanoes (Stratovolcanoes)

Large, cone-shaped mountains formed by alternating layers of lava flows, ash, and tephra. They have both effusive and explosive eruptions.

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Lava Domes

Round, steep-sided structures formed by viscous lava piling up around the vent. Often associated with explosive eruptions.

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Calderas

Large depressions formed by the collapse of a volcano's summit after a massive eruption.

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Effusive Eruptions

Slow, continuous outpouring of lava. Common with basaltic magma.

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Explosive Eruptions

Violent expulsion of ash, pumice, and volcanic bombs. Often results in pyroclastic flows.

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Pyroclastic Flows

Fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter. A dangerous product of explosive eruptions.

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Study Notes

Volcano Types and Characteristics

  • Volcanoes are openings in the Earth's crust through which molten rock (magma), ash, and gases erupt.
  • The type of volcano depends on the viscosity (thickness) of the magma and the style of eruption.
  • Different volcanic features result from varying magma compositions and eruption styles.

Types of Volcanoes

  • Shield volcanoes: Characterized by broad, gently sloping sides formed by highly fluid, basaltic lava flows. These eruptions tend to be effusive, meaning they are slow and non-explosive. Mauna Loa in Hawaii is an example.
  • Cinder cones: Small, steep-sided cones built from ejected fragments of lava (cinders) and volcanic bombs. These volcanoes erupt explosively. Paricutin in Mexico is a well-known example.
  • Composite volcanoes (stratovolcanoes): Large, conical mountains formed by alternating layers of lava flows, ash, and tephra. They have both effusive and explosive eruptions, and are associated with more viscous magmas than shield volcanoes. Mount Fuji in Japan is an example.
  • Lava domes: Rounded, steep-sided structures formed by viscous lava that piles up around the vent. These are typically associated with explosive eruptions.
  • Calderas: Large depressions formed by the collapse of a volcano's summit following a massive eruption. Yellowstone Caldera is a well-known example.

Eruption Styles

  • Effusive eruptions: Characterized by the slow, continuous outpouring of lava. This type is common with volcanoes that erupt basaltic magma.
  • Explosive eruptions: Characterized by the violent expulsion of ash, pumice, and volcanic bombs. These often result in pyroclastic flows (fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter) and are associated with more viscous magmas.

Volcanic Landforms

  • Lava flows: Molten rock that flows down the volcano's slopes.
  • Ash deposits: Fine-grained material ejected into the atmosphere during eruptions.
  • Pyroclastic flows: Fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter.
  • Cinder deposits: Fragments of lava, formed as volcanic ejecta.
  • Volcanic cones: Cone-shaped structures formed by accumulation of eruptive material.

Factors Affecting Eruption Type

  • Magma viscosity: The thickness of magma directly affects the type of eruption, with viscous magmas tending to lead to explosive activity and more fluid magmas leading to effusive eruptions.

Identifying Volcanic Features

  • Observing the volcano's shape, such as its steepness or gently sloping form, and the type of material being erupted can help identify its type.
  • Studying the distribution of volcanic deposits, such as ash layers and lava flows, aids in understanding the style and intensity of past eruptions.

Risk Factors

  • Volcanic eruptions pose significant dangers, including pyroclastic flows, lahars (volcanic mudflows), and volcanic gases, that threaten human lives and infrastructure.
  • Understanding the past eruptive history of a volcano is crucial for assessing its risk.

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