changes on the earths surface due to volcanic eruption

• Volcano


  An opening in the Earth's crust where lava, molten rocks, and gaseous materials are forced out
• Volcanoes


  • Vary in different sizes - some are low-lying depressions, some are small, some are tall
• How a volcanic eruption occurs

  1. Tectonic plates collide

  2. Massive rocks underground deform

  3. Temperature and pressure build up

  4. Rocks melt to become magma

  5. Magma rises to the surface and volcanoes erupt
• Crater


  The opening of a volcano
• Magma chamber


  Deeply under the crater, where the magma is located
• Volcanic vent


  The cylindrical channel that connects the crater to the magma chamber
• Volcanic eruption


  When magma is released from the crater
• Lava


  The magma that flows out on the surface
• Secondary vent or siphon


  Another way out for the magma when a volcano erupts
• Types of volcanic eruptions

  • Explosive
  • Non-explosive
• Explosive eruption


  Large amount of pyroclastic materials (lava, ashes, volcanic gas, rocks) are ejected into the air
• Pyroclastic materials


  Consist of lava, ashes, volcanic gas, and rocks
• Non-explosive eruption


  Lava just flows out of the crater and gaps along the side of the volcano
• Types of volcanoes by activity

  • Active
  • Dormant
  • Extinct
• Active volcano


  Currently erupting or showing regular signs of activity like earthquakes and significant gas emission
• Dormant volcano


  Has erupted in the past but has entered a long period of inactivity
• Extinct volcano


  Has not shown signs of activity for a long period of time and has no records of volcanic eruptions in the past thousand years
• Effects of volcanic eruptions

  • Damage to plants, animals, people, and properties
  • Beneficial effects in nature and for people
• Very hot lava flow


  Can burn anything in its path
• Mud flow or lahar


  Can cause landslides, flooding, and damage to buildings and farms
• Volcanic ash and dust released in the air

  Can irritate the lungs and cause health problems
• Strong eruptions


  Can trigger earthquakes and cause damage to buildings and other properties
• Pyroclastic materials


  Can make soil fertile, good for planting and farming
• Fumaroles


  Holes or vents where gases come out, can provide geothermal steam to generate electricity
• Pumice


  Used in grinding and polishing stones
• Sulfur


  Used in making matches and firecrackers
• Rocks from volcanoes help scientists study the interior of the Earth