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Chapter 4 Volcanism PDF
Chapter 4 Volcanism PDF
Introduction
The process by which magma is produced and erupts on the earth's surface is known as volcanism. It
would be easier to understand volcanism if we examine the locations where volcanoes are found on
the earth's surface. Volcanoes can mainly be found at three locations on the earth.
1. Divergent boundaries: Volcanic activity at the divergent boundaries like the mid-oceanic
ridges is pronounced because the oceanic
crust is thinner so the magma from the
earth’s interior can easily erupt to the
surface. Such volcanoes are usually active
but quiet. The lava erupting out of these
volcanoes is basaltic in nature. The Krafla,
Loki, Hekla and Katla volcanoes in Iceland
are examples of such volcanoes.
2. Convergent boundaries: At convergent
boundaries, friction, combined with the
Volcanoes can be classified on two bases - on the basis of their shape, and on the basis of their
activity.
On the basis of their shape, volcanoes can be classified as follows.
1. Conical or Dome volcanoes: If the lava erupting from a volcano is thick and viscous, it is
generally confined near the vent and does not travel far. The resultant shape is a conical
volcano. E.g. Mt. Fuji in Japan.
2. Shield volcano: Conversely, if the lava erupting from a volcano is thin and fluid, it is not
confined near the vent travels long distances. As a result, the volcano does not grow in
height, but grows in lateral extent. This is how a shield volcano is formed.
e. g. Mauna Loa, Hawaii.
3. Fissure volcano: In this case, lava erupts out of cracks in the earth’s crust which may range
from a few metres in length to a few hundred kilometres in length. The lava is distributed
over an area that may be several thousand square kilometres in extent. Rather than building a
cone, the lava forms flat topped hills in a series of steps.
The Deccan plateau is an example of fissure volcano eruption that happened about 100 million years
ago. It is believed that at that time, India, Africa and Madagascar were close together and that the
Deccan eruption forced them apart. The eruption is believed to have happened because the plates
passed over the Marion and Reunion hot spots. Much of the eruption at that time happened over
India and lasted for about 8-9 million years. The area covered comprises over 200,000 sq mi
(518,000 sq km). At some places, the solidified lava is about 3 kms thick. The Karroo and Ferrar
basalts in Africa and the Columbia River basalts are believed to have been formed at the same time.
Destructive
• Loss of life
• Damage to property
Constructive
• Fertile Soil formed as a result of weathering of volcanic rocks
• Source of precious stones
• Hot springs are of medicinal and therapeutic value
• Geo thermal energy