Parts of a Volcano
what are three kinds of volcanoes? Name all.
There are 3 types of volcanic landforms: Cindercone, Shield, and Composite
What is a volcano?
An opening in the Earth's crust through which molten rock can flow.
Where do most volcanoes occur?
Most volcanoes, like most earthquakes, occur along the boundaries between shifting tectonic plates.
What is magma?
Molten rock that is below the surface of the Earth.
Describe a cinder cone volcano?
This type of volcanic landform is made up of small rock particles, or cinders. It is characterized by a small cone with steep sides.
Why does the rock in the mantle melt?
As the tectonic plate moves under another (subduction zone), friction and heat cause the rock to melt and become magma.
what is a vent? where is it located?
Openings through which volcanic materials erupt are called vents. They are located near the peak of the mountain.
Why does magma rise?
magma, the melted mantle, rises because it is filled with gas and is less dense than the solid rock around it.
what prevents magma from gradually and slowly rising to the peak of the mountain?
The rocks above magma press down on the magma and create great pressure. When the pressure is released, volcanic materials suddenly erupt and move out to the surface.
Which type of volcanic landform is the most destructive? Name a volcanic landform that was developed this way.
Composite volcano. Mt. St. Helens is a composite volcano.
How do hot spots form new land? Name a landform created by hot spots.
Hot spots erupt and release magma. As magma comes out it becomes lava and hardens into landforms. Hawaiian islands are created by hot spots.
How do the types of volcanic eruptions differ?
Active: erupt constantly Intermittent: erupt at fairly frequent intervals Dormant: have become inactive but might erupt in future Extinct: have not erupted within recorded history