6th grade (Volocano Vocabulary) Flashcards
Volcano
Hill or mountain formed by material that erupts onto earth’s surface; caused by action of magma below surface
Eruption
the release of lava and gases from a volcano
Lava
the molten, fluid rock that flows from a volcano or volcanic vent
Magma
molten material beneath or within the earth’s crust, from which igneous rock is formed
Caldera
a large, basin like depression resulting from the explosion or collapse of the center of a volcano
Magma Chamber
a pocket in the volcano where magma collects
Vent
an opening at the earth’s surface from which volcanic material (lava, steam, or gas) is released
Viscosity
a measure of a fluids resistance to flow (example: honey flows slower than water)
Crater
bowl-shaped area that may form around a volcano’s central vent (small)
Pipe
a long tube in the ground that connects the magma chamber to the Earth’s surface
Composite Volcano
a large, steep volcano built up of alternating layers of lava and ash or cinders; known for violent eruptions
Cinder Cone Volcano
a small volcano with steep sides and a flat top; built of ash and cinders
Shield Volcano
volcanoes that form from runny, fluid lava that builds up slowly over time, creating a wide, gently-sloping mountain shaped like a warrior’s shield; usually has quiet eruptions
Volcanic Aerosols
a layer of fine dust, debris, and gas that forms in the atmosphere after a volcanic eruption and can affect the climate of the region surrounding the volcano
Volcanologist
a scientist who studies volcanoes