What are the characteristics of central eruptions and fissure eruptions in volcanoes?
Understand the Problem
The question is discussing different types of volcanic eruptions, specifically central eruptions and fissure eruptions, and describes their characteristics and examples.
Answer
Central eruptions: single central vent forming cones. Fissure eruptions: linear fractures with widespread lava flow.
Central eruptions occur through a single central vent, often forming cone-shaped structures with craters, like the Cotopaxi volcano. Fissure eruptions occur along a series of linear fractures, releasing lava across large areas without forming significant cones.
Answer for screen readers
Central eruptions occur through a single central vent, often forming cone-shaped structures with craters, like the Cotopaxi volcano. Fissure eruptions occur along a series of linear fractures, releasing lava across large areas without forming significant cones.
More Information
Central eruptions create notable geological features like cones and craters, whereas fissure eruptions allow lava to spread over large areas, often resulting in widespread basaltic plains.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume fissure eruptions form steep structures; they generally produce flat expanses of lava.
Sources
- Fissure Volcanoes (U.S. National Park Service) - nps.gov
- Volcanic Cones and Eruptions Lesson #8 | Volcano World - volcano.oregonstate.edu
- Types of volcanic eruptions - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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