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The Fiery Power of

VOLCANOES

Understanding their Formation and

Impacts
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What is a volcano?
A volcano is a natural phenomenon that results from the release of
magma, ash, and gas through an opening or vent on the Earth's
surface. These geological features can be found both on land and
underwater and typically occur in areas where tectonic plates meet
or separate.
Volcanic eruptions can take on two different forms - explosive or
effusive. Explosive eruptions are caused by the buildup of pressure
within the volcano, resulting in a violent explosion that spews out
rocks, ash, and gas. Effusive eruptions, on the other hand, occur
when lava flows out of the volcano in a gentler manner.
Volcanoes can have significant impacts on the environment,
ranging from creating new land to causing damage and loss of life.
However, they can also be beneficial in some ways, such as
producing fertile soil and providing geothermal energy.

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 Parts of a
Volcano

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  Plinian eruption: These are the most explosive and violent type
of volcanic eruption, characterized by the ejection of large
Description volumes of ash, pumice, and other pyroclastic material into the
atmosphere. Plinian eruptions are named after the Roman
historian Pliny the Younger, who witnessed the eruption of Mount
Volcanic bombs – rocks and larger debris that are thrown into the
air during an eruption Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Ash, steam and gas – cloud which is pushed out of the volcano  Phreatomagmatic eruption: These are explosive eruptions that
Crater – circular depression at the top of the volcano occur when magma comes into contact with groundwater or other
sources of surface water. The resulting steam can cause powerful
Main vent – main tube that connects the magma chamber to the explosions that eject ash and other pyroclastic material.
surface
Lava – molten rock after it reaches the surface  Surtseyan eruption: These are explosive eruptions that occur
underwater, typically near the coast or on shallow seafloor. They
Secondary cone – a cone that builds up around secondary vents
are named after the island of Surtsey, which was formed by a
Magma – molten rock still underneath the ground surtseyan eruption off the coast of Iceland in 1963.
Secondary vent – place where magma reaches the surface without
going through the main vent Each type of volcanic eruption can have different associated hazards,
Magma chamber – Store of underground magma such as lava flows, ash fall, pyroclastic flows, lahars (volcanic
mudflows), and volcanic gases, among others. Understanding the type of
eruption and associated hazards is crucial for predicting and mitigating

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 Types of Volcanic Active vs. Inactive
Eruptions
There are several different types of volcanic eruptions, which can
vary in terms of the type of magma, the style and intensity of the
eruption, and the associated volcanic hazards. Here are some of the
main types of volcanic eruptions:
 Hawaiian eruption: These are effusive eruptions
characterized by the outpouring of low-viscosity lava that
flows easily and forms shield volcanoes. The lava typically
flows steadily from a central vent or fissure and can travel
long distances.
We can compare active and inactive volcanoes based on their recent
 Strombolian eruption: These are explosive eruptions that eruption history and likelihood of future eruptions.
involve the periodic ejection of incandescent lava bombs and
Active volcanoes have erupted recently and are expected to erupt again
pyroclastic material from a central vent. Named after the
in the future, with varying degrees of activity. In contrast, inactive
Italian island of Stromboli, which is known for its active
volcanoes have not erupted for a long time, but still have the potential
volcano that has frequent Strombolian eruptions.
to erupt in the future. They may still have some geothermal activity, but
there is no current volcanic activity.
 Vulcanian eruption: These are explosive eruptions that
involve the ejection of ash, rocks, and other pyroclastic
It's important to note that "extinct" volcanoes, which are not expected
material in a series of discrete explosions. The eruptions are
to erupt again, are classified separately from inactive or dormant
typically caused by the buildup of pressure in a magma
volcanoes. These are volcanoes that have not erupted for tens of
chamber, which eventually ruptures the overlying rock.
thousands of years and are no longer a threat.

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 Different Types  Gas emissions: Volcanoes release various gases, including
sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. Changes in
the composition and amount of gas emissions can indicate
changes in the behavior of the volcano.

 Thermal anomalies: Changes in the temperature of the

ground, volcanic vents, or crater lakes can also provide clues
about volcanic activity. Infrared cameras and satellite imagery
can be used to detect such anomalies.

 Hydrological changes: Volcanic activity can also affect water

levels, acidity, and temperature in nearby rivers, lakes, and
springs. Changes in these parameters can be monitored to detect
A Cinder Cone Volcano is a small, steep-sided volcano formed by the
changes in volcanic activity.
accumulation of loose cinders and other volcanic debris that is ejected
during explosive eruptions. They are usually less than 300 meters tall
By analyzing these and other data, volcanologists can develop models
and have a bowl-shaped crater at the summit. Cinder cones are the
that help predict when and where an eruption is likely to occur.
simplest type of volcano and are typically the result of a single
However, it's important to note that volcanic eruptions can be difficult
eruptive event.
to predict with absolute certainty, and there is always some degree of
uncertainty involved. As a result, it's crucial to have effective warning
A Composite Volcano, also known as a Stratovolcano, is a tall,
systems and emergency plans in place to protect people and property in
conical-shaped volcano formed by layers of volcanic ash, lava flows,
the event of an eruption.
and other volcanic materials. They are formed by a series of explosive
eruptions, which can produce pyroclastic flows, ash falls, and lava
flows. Composite volcanoes are usually between 1,000 and 3,000
meters tall and have steep sides.

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 Lava dome volcanoes form when thick, sticky lava accumulates
around a volcano's vent, producing slow-moving lava flows that build
up a dome-shaped mound of solidified lava. They are found in areas
with high-viscosity magma, rich in silica, which cools and hardens
quickly to form the dome shape.

A shield volcano is a volcano that has a wide, gradually sloping

Predicting an impending eruption of a volcano involves profile and produces low-viscosity lava flows. These volcanoes form
monitoring various geological, geophysical, and geochemical from effusive eruptions, where lava flows steadily rather than
parameters of the volcano. Here are some of the key indicators that explosively. Shield volcanoes are commonly found in regions where
volcanologists use to predict volcanic eruptions: tectonic plates are separating or where there is a hotspot in the Earth's
mantle. They are associated with basaltic magma, which is low in
 Seismic activity: Volcanic eruptions often cause earthquakes, silica and hence low in viscosity.
which can be detected by seismometers. By analyzing the
frequency, intensity, and location of earthquakes,
volcanologists can gain insights into the movement of magma
and other volcanic materials beneath the surface.

 Ground deformation: As magma rises to the surface, it can

cause the ground to deform or swell. This can be detected using
ground-based instruments such as GPS, tiltmeters, and satellite
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Phivolcs stands for the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology. It is a government agency in the Philippines responsible
for monitoring, studying, and providing information about
earthquakes, volcanic activity, and other geologic hazards.

Phivolcs is also tasked with providing warnings and

recommendations to government agencies, local government units,
and the public in the event of potential geologic hazards. The
agency conducts research, disseminates information, and provides
technical advice to help mitigate the impacts of geologic hazards on
people and communities.

Phivolcs is under the Department of Science and Technology and has

been instrumental in the management and response to natural disasters
in the Philippines, particularly in the monitoring of active volcanoes
and earthquake events.

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