5: Volcanoes
( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)
- 5.1: Volcanic Activity
- This page discusses volcanoes as formations resulting from magma escape, predominantly found along tectonic plate boundaries. It emphasizes their prevalence in convergent zones like the Pacific Ring of Fire, as well as divergent boundaries and hot spots like the Hawaiian Islands. The content covers fundamental concepts regarding volcanic formation, distribution, and the comparison of various volcanic types.
- 5.2: Types of Volcanoes
- This page outlines various types of volcanoes, including composite, shield, cinder cones, and supervolcanoes, emphasizing their distinct shapes, eruption styles, and magma compositions. It also mentions calderas and poses questions about volcanic structures, encouraging further exploration of their formation and variations.
- 5.3: Volcanic Landforms and Geothermal Activity
- This page explains the formation of igneous rocks from molten magma, highlighting the distinction between intrusive and extrusive varieties. It discusses volcanoes as major landforms shaped by extrusive lava, and notes that magma can create intrusions when solidified underground. The page also covers geothermal features like hot springs and geysers, providing examples such as the Columbia Plateau and Old Faithful.
- 5.4: Volcanic Eruptions
- This page summarizes the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, which caused extensive damage and fatalities, highlighting the difference between explosive and non-explosive eruptions based on lava viscosity. It explains how high-viscosity lava leads to explosive eruptions, while low-viscosity lava flows create distinct formations. Key factors for predicting volcanic activity include seismic events near volcanoes, gas emissions, and ground deformation.