Volcano Flashcards
A landform that forms when magma rises from the Earth’s crust and erupts.
Volcano
An underground reservoir that collects and supplies magma during eruptions.
Magma Chamber
Molten rock beneath the Earth’s surface, containing dissolved gases and crystals.
Magma
The opening through which magma, gases, and ash escape to the surface.
Vent
The pathway that magma follows to reach the surface.
Conduit
A circular depression at the top of a volcano that surrounds the main vent.
Crater
Magma that has reached the Earth’s surface and solidifies when exposed to air.
Lava
A large, basin-shaped depression formed when the summit collapses after an eruption.
Caldera
An eruption characterized by a slow, steady flow of lava from the vent.
Effusive
An eruption involving rapid release of gas, ash, and a violent blast.
Explosive
An eruption caused by magma interacting with groundwater, releasing steam and ash.
Phreatic
Type of gas content that causes explosive eruptions.
High Gas Content
Type of gas content that causes effusive eruptions.
Low Gas Content
Name 3 kinds of eruptions
explosive, phreatic, high gas content, and low gas content
A cone-shaped volcano formed by layers of lava and ash.
Composite Volcano
A broad, gently sloping volcano formed by highly fluid lava flows.
Shield Volcano
The simplest type of volcano with a narrow base and steep slopes, formed by cinders.
Cinder Cone
Name all 3 types of volcanoes
Cinder cone Shield volcano composite volcano
- Area where tectonic plates move, and volcanoes usually form.
Plate Boundaries
Plate boundary where plates move apart, allowing magma to rise from the mantle and create volcanoes.
Divergent Boundary
Plate boundary where plates collide, causing intense heat and pressure that melt parts of the plate to create magma.
Convergent Boundary
Increased seismic activity that often occurs before a volcanic eruption.
Seismicity
Release of gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide before an eruption.
Gas Emissions
Changes in ground elevation or tilt indicating magma movement.
Ground Deformation
Increased heat flow that suggests magma is rising.
Thermal Monitoring
Magma rises because it is less dense than the surrounding rock.
Buoyancy
Tools used to track volcanic activity, such as seismometers, gas detectors, and GPS.
Monitoring
Studying volcanoes to learn about Earth’s internal processes and develop risk mitigation strategies.
Research
Process of using monitoring data to understand volcanic behavior and warn people about potential hazards.
Prediction
When magma rises from the mantle and gets stored in the magma chamber, building up pressure.
Pressure Build-up
Expansion of dissolved gases in magma (like water vapor) as pressure decreases.
Gas Expansion
Pressure fractures surrounding rock, creating pathways for eruption.
Fractures
Dissolved gases in magma expand as pressure increases, making eruptions stronger.
Gases
Natural events such as earthquakes, tectonic movements, or changes in surrounding rocks that trigger eruptions.
Triggers
Fine-grained rock fragments ejected into the atmosphere during an eruption, causing respiratory problems and infrastructure damage.
Ash
streams of molten rock that destroy everything in their path, with speed and distance depending on viscosity.
Lava Flows
Fast-moving mixtures of hot gas and volcanic debris that can travel over 100 km/h.
Pyroclastic Density Currents
Volcanic hazard that disrupts transportation, agriculture, and power systems by depositing fine ash.
Ashfall
Orders issued to move people out of an area when an eruption is imminent.
Evacuation Orders
Designated safe locations with essential supplies for people to evacuate to.
Emergency Shelters
Teams of trained professionals who handle evacuations and rescue operations during volcanic emergencies.
Emergency Response Teams
Codes that ensure structures are built to withstand volcanic hazards like ash and lava.
Building Codes
Clearly marked pathways to help people evacuate safely during volcanic emergencies.
Evacuation Routes
Systems used to share information and warnings about volcanic activity.
Communication Systems
Educating the public about volcanic hazards and how to prepare for emergencies.
Public Awareness
Preparations such as having an emergency plan, knowing evacuation routes, and keeping a go-kit with essential supplies.
Volcanic Eruption Preparedness
