Parts of a Volcano and Its Functions

• The magma chamber is the source of lava.
• A volcanic eruption occurs when pressure builds up inside the magma chamber, causing it to rupture and release molten rock onto the surface.
• Volcanic eruptions can be explosive or effusive depending on the composition of the magma.
• Magma chamber: a reservoir of molten rock below the Earth's surface that feeds the volcano
• • Conduit: a passage that allows magma to rise from the magma chamber to the surface.
• • Vent: an opening in the surface of the volcano where magma erupts as lava, ash, or gas.
• Cinder cone: a small volcano formed by repeated eruptions of cinders (small fragments of rock).
• Shield volcano: a broad, gently sloping volcano with many vents and frequent eruptions of fluid lava.
• • Vent: an opening in the surface of the volcano where magma erupts as lava, ash, or gas.
• • Crater: a bowl-shaped depression at the top of the volcano that surrounds the vent.
• Magma chamber: a large underground reservoir where molten rock is stored before it rises to the surface.
• Throat - Entrance of a volcano. The part of the conduit that ejects lava and volcanic ash.
• Summit - Highest point; apex
• Parasitic Cone - A small cone-shaped volcano formed by an accumulation of volcanic debris.
• Sill - A flat piece of rock formed when magma hardens in a crack in a volcano.
• Lahar - Mudflow or mudslide caused by heavy rainfall on a volcano.
• Pyroclastic Flow - Hot, fast moving cloud of gas and solid particles from a volcano eruption.