Lecture 10

Volcanism

Engr. Irfan Ahmad

(Lecturer CED UOL)
• The term volcanism is derived from name of
Roman God of Fire, VULCAN.
• It denotes one of major geological processes
and covers the origin, movement and
solidification of molten rocks.
 Nature of Magma
• Magma is hot mother liquid of igneous rocks.
• It is a melt of rock that is mainly silicate in
composition. In addition, it typically contains
up to 11% steam and other gases dissolved
under pressure
• The temperature of magma ranges from 500
to 1400 degrees C.
 Volcanoes
• A volcano is central vent or closed group of
conduits by which heated rock material
emerges from the interior as a central
eruption.
• Lava and solid fragments accumulate around
the opening and built up a symmetrical cone,
a conical hill or mountain with a funnel-
shaped depression called crater.
• Active volcano is one that is erupting or is
expected to erupt.
• Dormant volcano is one that is not now
erupting but has erupted in the past and will
probably do so again.
• Extinct volcano is one that is expected never
to erupt again.
 Volcanic Material
• All three states of matter-solid, liquid and gas-
are ejected from volcanoes
Solid Material
• The fragments of solid matter thrown out by
volcanic explosions are described as pyroclast
(fire broken).
• Liquid Material
– Liquid product of a volcano is lava.
– Types of lava flows
• Aa Lava: Have surfaces of rough jagged
blocks with dangerously sharp edges
• Pahoehoe: Flows exhibit smooth surfaces.
Pahoehoe means “on which one can
walk.”
• Pillow Lava: Forms when lava erupts under
water. This lava forms rounded lumps that
are the shape of pillows.
• Blocky Lava: Cool stiff lava that does not
travel far from eruption site. These lava
consists of blocks with slightly curved
smooth surfaces.
Gas
• Dissolved gases in magma provide the force
that extrudes magma from a vent
• The gases are mostly water vapor and carbon
dioxide but may also include nitrogen, sulfur
dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide
 Volcanic Cones
• Vent through which lava comes out on the surface is
known as cone.
• A large proportion of lava emerges from fissures in
the weakened sides of a volcano forming secondary
cones or composite cones.
 Classification of Volcanoes
• Volcanoes are classified according to shape of
their cones;
1. Cinder cones
2. Lava cones or shield volcano
3. Composite cones
 Cinder Cone Volcano
• Has tall, very steep sides.
• Has explosive eruptions.
• Cinder cones are formed
by eruption of thick,
viscous lava which is
acidic.
• Lava moves relatively
slowly and hardens
quickly—this explains the
formation of cone shape.
• This eruption produces a
lot of cinder and ash.
• Eruption tends to be
violent.
 Shield Volcano
• Is wide and somewhat flat.
• It forms from a quiet and
non explosive eruption.
• Shield volcanoes are
formed by thin runny lava
which is basic.
• Lava flows out quietly and
for great distances.
• Eruption tends to be
frequent but relatively
gentle
 Composite Volcano
• They are associated with
intermediate silica content.
• These volcanoes are
composed of alternating
layers of lava and ash.
• Is small, with steep sides.
• Eruption from these
volcanoes may be pyroclastic
flow. Pyroclastic flow is a
mixture of hot steam, ash and
dust.
• Pyroclastic flow roll down the
sides of a volcano at very high
speed and with temperature
of 400 degree C.
 Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics
• Volcanic activity or volcanism is directly
related to the plate tectonics and most active
volcanoes are located near plate boundaries.
• About 80% of all volcanoes are located in
Pacific Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire has 452
volcanoes.
• Pacific Ring of Fire is an area where large
numbers of earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions occur in the Pacific ocean.