Lecture 10: Volcanism and the Chemistry of Magma Flashcards
Volcanology
Study of the origin and ascent of magma through the planet’s mantle and crust and its eruption at the surface
Extinct
A volcano that has not erupted during the last several thousand years and is not expected to erupt again; for example, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Dormant
Volcanoes that have erupted during the last several thousand years but have been quiet in historical times; for example, Mount Meager, British Columbia
Active
A volcano is active if it is currently erupting or showing signs of unrest, such as unusual earthquake activity or significant new gas emissions, or if it has erupted in historic time. It’s important to note that the span of recorded history differs from region to region; in the Mediterranean, recorded history reaches back more than 3,000 years but in Hawai`i, little more than 200 years.
Stratovolcano
Volcanoes constructed of alternating layers of pyroclastic debris and lava flows; also called composite volcanoes
Med/high viscosity, med/high volatiles, large volume, great slow angle
Andesite
Shield volcano
Very wide volcanoes built of low-viscosity lava
Hawaiian
Low viscosity, low volatiles, large volume, low slope angle
Basalt
Somma volcano
Volcanic caldera that has been partially filled by a new central cone
Caldera
A large (over two kilometres in diameter), basin-shaped volcanic depression, roughly circular in map view, that forms by a piston-like collapse of rock into a partially evacuated magma chamber Rhyolite
Cinder cone
Most common types of volcanic cones
Form after violent eruptions blow lava fragments into the air, which then solidify and fall as cinders around the volcanic vent
Viscosity
Resistance to gradual deformation by shear stress or tensile stress – Internal Friction
What affects magma viscosity? (3)
- Gas escape
- Water content
- Silica content
Most common molecules in magma (3)
O-2, Si+4, SiO2
Second most common molecules in magma (2)
Al+3, Al2O3
Third most common molecules in magma (4)
Fe+2/+3, CaO, FeO, Fe2O3
Affect on magma: Left side of period table
Weaker bonds, therefore weaker magma viscosity
Bond energy and breakage
Higher bond energy, harder to break