How Do Volcanoes Kill?

Explosions- volcanic bombs

Ash- powdered, crushed rock (not burned)
Gas- viscous lava will lead to bubbling explosions
LavaEarthquakesTMagma Composition is key to viscosity
- Volcanic gases drive eruption
- Viscosity determines the ferocity
What makes an eruption explosive?
- Gas and Viscosity
o Viscosity
o Volatiles
o Volume
Viscosity is controlled by SiO2
- More SiO2 (Silica) makes the magma viscous
- Volcanic Rock Types
o Low SiO2 content -> basalt -> runny
o Medium SiO2 content -> andesite -> thick
o High SiO2 content -> rhyolite -> very thick
Volcano Types
- Continental caldera
- Stratovolcano
- Shield
Lohars (Volcanic Mudflows)
- Ash accumulates on the volcanos flank
- Heavy rains or melted snow from the volcano saturate the ask
- Mud flow down the side of volcano
- E.g. Nevado de Ruiz, Columbia, 1985
Pyroclastic Flow
- A glowing cloud (nuee ardente)
- 700-1000 degrees C or 1300-1800 degree F
- Moves at 150km/hr (90mph)
- E.g. Destruction of Pompeii, A.D. 79
o Entire city was destroyed
Poisonous Gases
- Gases include H2O, CO2, SO2, CO, H2S
- Acid forms when mixed with water
o H2S -> H2SO4
- Examples

o Camroon, 1986, 1700 died of asphyxiation

o Mount Katmai, Alaska, 1912, acid rain