Volcanoes

February 12, 2024 (Monday)

Objectives:
1. Relate volcano to plate tectonics theory.
2. Enumerate the different features of volcano.
3. Describe the different types of volcanoes.
4. Enumerate the volcanic materials.
Volcanoes are closely related to the plate tectonics theory, which is the
scientific understanding that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several
large, rigid plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them.
These plates move relative to each other, and their interactions at plate
boundaries are responsible for many geological phenomena, including the
formation of volcanoes.

1. Subduction Zones: One of the primary mechanisms for volcanic activity is

the process of subduction, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another
into the mantle. This often occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where an
oceanic plate collides with a continental plate or another oceanic plate. As the
subducting plate descends into the mantle, it experiences increasing pressure
and temperature, causing the release of water and other volatiles. These
substances contribute to the melting of the mantle above the subducting
plate, forming magma chambers that eventually lead to volcanic eruptions.
2. Mid-Ocean Ridges: Volcanic activity also occurs along mid-ocean ridges,
which are divergent plate boundaries where two tectonic plates move away
from each other. As the plates separate, magma rises from the mantle to fill the
gap, creating new oceanic crust. This process, known as seafloor spreading,
results in the formation of underwater volcanoes and volcanic features along
the mid-ocean ridges.

3. Hotspots: Hotspots are another significant feature in plate tectonics that give
rise to volcanic activity. Hotspots are areas of intense volcanic activity that
occur far from tectonic plate boundaries. They are thought to be caused by
plumes of hot mantle material that rise from deep within the Earth. As the
tectonic plates move over these stationary hotspots, magma can erupt through
the Earth's crust, forming chains of volcanic islands or seamounts. Examples
include the Hawaiian Islands and the Yellowstone hotspot.
 Different Features of a Volcano
Volcanoes can vary widely in terms of their features, characteristics, and
behavior. Here are some of the key features associated with volcanoes:

1. Vent: The opening through which volcanic material is emitted during an

eruption. Vents can range from small fissures to large craters.

2. Crater: A bowl-shaped depression at the summit of a volcano, often formed

by explosive eruptions or collapse of the summit.

3. Lava Flows: Molten rock, or lava, that flows out of a volcano during an
eruption. Lava flows can vary in viscosity, speed, and composition.
4. Pyroclastic Flow: A fast-moving mixture of hot gas, ash, and volcanic rock
fragments that flows down the slopes of a volcano during an explosive
eruption.

5. Ash Clouds: Clouds of fine volcanic ash and gases that are ejected into the
atmosphere during eruptions. Ash clouds can pose hazards to aviation and
human health.

6. Volcanic Bombs: Large, ejecta ranging from molten lava to solid rock that are
thrown from a volcano during eruptions.

7. Lava Tubes: Underground tunnels formed by the flow of lava beneath the
solidified surface. Lava tubes can be found on many volcanoes and may serve
as conduits for lava during eruptions.
8. Crater Lake: Some volcanoes may have crater lakes formed within their
summit craters. These lakes can result from precipitation or groundwater
accumulation within the crater.

9. Fumaroles: Vents through which volcanic gases and steam escape from the
Earth's crust. Fumaroles are often found on the flanks or summit of a volcano.

10. Caldera: A large depression formed by the collapse of the summit area of a
volcano. Calderas can be several kilometers in diameter and may contain lakes or
other features.

11. Hot Springs and Geysers: Groundwater heated by magma beneath the
surface can emerge as hot springs or geysers near volcanic areas.

12. Volcanic Cones: Conical-shaped landforms built up by the accumulation of

lava flows, volcanic ash, and other ejecta during eruptions.
 Different Types of Volcanoes
Volcanoes are classified into different types based on their shape, eruption
style, and the type of lava they produce. Here are the main types of volcanoes:

1. Shield Volcanoes: These volcanoes have gentle slopes and are characterized
by eruptions of fluid basaltic lava. They are called shield volcanoes because
they resemble a warrior's shield lying on the ground. Examples include Mauna
Loa and Mauna Kea in Hawaii.

2. Stratovolcanoes (Composite Volcanoes): Stratovolcanoes are tall, steep-

sided volcanoes composed of alternating layers of lava flows, volcanic ash,
cinders, blocks, and volcanic bombs. They typically have violent eruptions due
to the buildup of pressure. Famous examples include Mount St. Helens in the
United States, Mount Fuji in Japan, and Mount Vesuvius in Italy.
3. Cinder Cone Volcanoes: Cinder cone volcanoes are the simplest type of
volcano, typically consisting of a cone-shaped hill with steep slopes. They are
formed from explosive eruptions that eject fragmented lava called cinders or
scoria. Paricutin in Mexico is a well-known example.

4. Lava Domes: Lava domes are formed by the slow extrusion of highly viscous
lava from a volcano's vent. They are characterized by steep-sided mounds of lava
that accumulate around the vent. Lava domes can be found on the flanks of
stratovolcanoes or as standalone features. Mount St. Helens' lava dome is a
famous example.

5. Calderas: Calderas are large, basin-shaped depressions formed by the collapse

of the ground after a volcanic eruption, typically following the evacuation of
magma from a magma chamber. Calderas can vary greatly in size and are often
several kilometers in diameter. Examples include the Yellowstone Caldera in the
United States and the calderas of Santorini in Greece.
Volcanic materials refer to the various substances and components ejected or
produced during volcanic eruptions. These materials can vary widely in
composition, size, and characteristics depending on the type of volcano,
eruption style, and geological conditions. Some common volcanic materials
include:

1. Lava: Molten rock that flows onto the Earth's surface during an eruption. Lava
can be of different types, such as basaltic, andesitic, or rhyolitic, depending on
its composition.

2. Pyroclastic Material: These are fragments of rock ejected during volcanic

eruptions. They range in size from fine ash particles to larger pieces such as
lapilli (pebble-sized) and volcanic bombs (large, often molten fragments).
3. Ash: Fine particles of volcanic rock and glass that are ejected into the
atmosphere during explosive eruptions. Ash can travel long distances and pose
hazards to aviation, agriculture, and human health.

4. Volcanic Gases: Volcanoes emit gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide,
sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and others. These gases can contribute to
atmospheric changes and have significant impacts on climate and air quality.

5. Tephra: A general term for all types of volcanic rock fragments and particles
ejected during an eruption, including ash, lapilli, and volcanic bombs.
6. Lava Flows: Molten rock that moves across the Earth's surface, forming
various types of lava flows such as aa (rough and jagged) and pahoehoe
(smooth and ropy).

7. Pumice: A lightweight, vesicular volcanic rock that forms when frothy lava
solidifies rapidly, trapping gas bubbles within the rock.

8. Volcanic Ash Clouds: Dense clouds of volcanic ash and gases that can rise
high into the atmosphere during explosive eruptions. These clouds can spread
over large areas and affect weather patterns and visibility.
 Thank You!
Have a safe day ahead