Lesson

Earth and Space:

1 Volcanic Eruption
In module 1, you learned about the structures, parts, classification and activity of the
volcano. After going through this module, you will discover the phenomena behind the
eruption of volcano.

Here are some of the key questions for you to think about after finishing this module:

1. What is the composition of magma and how is it formed?

2. How do temperature and composition of magma affect viscosity?
3. What happens when there is a volcanic eruption?
4. What are the materials emitted during a volcanic eruption and how do these materials
affect human beings and other living things?

What’s In

AMAZING FACT:

There is a volcano on Mars called Olympus Mons which rises nearly 25 kilometers above the
Martian surface. It is almost 3 times as tall as Mount Everest.
Let us review the concepts learned from the previous module by answering the questions
written below. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
Guide Questions:

1. What is a volcano?
2. What are the different types of volcano?
3. How is a volcano formed?
4. What is the difference between active and inactive volcano?

5. How will you differentiate the types of volcanic eruption?

 What’s New

Facts About Volcanoes

 More than 80% of the Earth’s surface is volcanic in origin.

 Mountains and seafloors were formed by volcanic eruptions.
 Volcanoes’ gaseous emission formed the Earth’s atmosphere.
 The danger zone around volcano covers about 32.187 km radius.
 Volcanic lightning is caused by friction between the ash particles moving rapidly to the
surface.
 Volcanic eruption can trigger earthquake, mudflow, rock falls, flash floods and
tsunamis.
 Volcanic ash is a mixture of rock fragments, glass particles, and minerals thrown out
from erupting volcano. It is acidic and has a sharp adges.

Facts About Taal Volcano Eruption in 2020

 Location: Batangas (Taal)

 Status: Second most active volcano
 Features: Caldera (Has water/lake within a lake)
 Eruption Started on: January 12, 2020 Ended on: January 22, 2020
 Last eruption: 1977 (43years ago)
 Type of eruption: Phreatomagmatic (main crater) has water in it.

What is It

MAGMA AND ITS COMPOSITION

Magma is the molten rock which lies underneath volcanoes. It is formed at destructive plate
boundaries and is rich in silicate. These are products of crustal rocks (which are richer in silica
than the rock of the mantle).

Crystal Content
Some magmas begin to crystallize as they reach the surface. High temperature
minerals are formed as magma slowly cools down followed by low temperature minerals.
Magma always contains crystals of high temperature.
Viscosity
The magma’s silica content affects its viscosity, the resistance of the fluid to flow. Low
viscosity magma has low silica content and is composed mostly of basalt. While magma with
rhyolite is viscous or high in viscosity due to its high silica content. Temperature also affects
the viscosity of the magma. Magma with high temperatures have low viscosity while magma
with low temperatures have high viscosity.

Temperature
Temperature of magma reflects the melting points of their mineral components.
Magmas formed by partial melting of mantle rocks are much hotter over 1200⁰C for some
basalts. Rhyolites that reached the surface have temperature of less than 900⁰C, and have a
much higher viscosity.

Volatile Content
Magma contains small amounts of dissolved gas (water vapor, Carbon dioxide, etc.)
which is released as pressure is removed. Magmas formed by melting of mantle rocks have
generally low volatile contents, but those formed by partial melting of crustal rocks are often
volatile-rich. The degree of concentrations of different volcanic gases are different from one
volcano to the other. Water vapor is the most abundant volcanic gas, followed by carbon
dioxide and sulfur dioxide. There are other volcanic gases such as hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen
chloride, and hydrogen fluoride. Trace gases are also found in volcanic emissions and these
are: hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and volatile metal chloride. The movement of this volatile
content is affected by the viscosity of the magma. As the gas continues to precipitate from
the high viscosity magma, the bubbles will be prevented from rapidly breaking out resulting to
the increase in pressure on the magma column. This causes the volcano to erupt explosively.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF MAGMA

Magma can be classified into basaltic or mafic, intermediate or andesitic and granitic
or felsic.

Table 1: Magma composition and characteristics

Composit Viscosity Tempe Gas Silica Explosi Location of
ion rature Content content veness formation
Basaltic Low 1000°C 1-2 % About 50 % Least Both
magma - explosive oceanic and
1200°C continental
Andesitic Intermedi 900°C - 3-4 % About 60 % Intermed Continental
magma ate 1000°C iate margins
associated
with
subduction
zones
Rhyolitic High 750°C 4-6 % About 70 % Most Continental
magma 900°C explosive crust

PROCESS OF VOLCANIC ERUPTION

High temperature inside the Earth melts the solid rocks in the mantle and turns it into a
thick molten mixture commonly known as magma. The continuous melting of solid rocks and
accumulation of additional magma push it to the vent of a volcano, called magma chamber.
Magma contains dissolved gases mostly water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. As
dissolved gases are released from the magma, bubbles will begin to form through the process
called vesiculation. This can occur by decompression or crystallization. In decompression, the
confining pressure is lowered when magma rises which promotes bubble formation. This
process is similar to bubble formation in soda bottles when opened. In the process of
crystallization of anhydrous minerals, the vapor pressure of the residual liquid of the cooling
magma increases leading to vesiculation. Bubbles frozen in a porous or frothy volcanic rock
are called vesicles. Both decompression and crystallization can trigger an explosive eruption.
As the magma reaches the Earth’s surface it explodes due to the presence of dissolved
gases. The type of explosion of a volcano is dependent on the composition of magma.

VOLCANIC HAZARDS AND THEIR EFFECTS

Volcanic hazards are phenomena arising from volcanic activity that poses
potential threat to people and property. During major explosive eruptions, large amounts
of volcanic gas, aerosol droplets, and ash are injected into the stratosphere. Tephra or
fragmented volcanic debris are violently ejected into the atmosphere and can extend to tens
of kilometers above. Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is also dispersed into the atmosphere
that leads to global warming. On the other hand, sulfur dioxide can cause global cooling,
ozone destruction and air pollution. Below is a list of volcanic hazards common in the
Philippine active volcanoes.

 Ash fall – pulverized rocks, sand, gritty and harsh glasses shoot out in the air by
volcano.
 Mud flow – mixture of water, molten rocks and debris flowing down from the side of
volcano to the ground. It is also called as Lahar.
 Lava flow – streams of molten rocks and other fragmented materials emitted by
erupting volcano.
 Pyroclastic flow – fast moving hot mixtures of gas, ash, and molten rocks moving
away from the volcano to the ground.

VOLCANIC ERUPTION DANGER

Alan Bowring, “Mudflow beneath Craig”, July 18, 2009,

Taro Taylor, “Explosions”, March 19, 2008, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Explosions_@_Mount_Tarvurvur.jpg File:Mudflow_beneath_Craig_Pwllfa__geograph.org.uk_-_1405853.jpg

MUD FLOW
ASH FALL Ash and rain form a catastrophic river
Towns and Farms covered by tons of of mud.
ash.
 Janice Hickman, “Lava flows through Royal Gardens”, September 18, 2007, Edgar El, “Pyroclastic flow poured into the sea”, March 4, 2012,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lava_flows_through_Royal_Gardens__panora https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2012-03-
mio.jpg 04__Pyroclastic_flows_poured_into_the_sea_-_panoramio.jpg

LAVA FLOW PYROCLASTIC FLOW

Temperature between 800 to 1,200 A cloud of a hot gas blasts down to
degree Celsius. volcano’s sides at 200 km/h.

Figure 2. Volcanic Eruption Danger

Source: Wikimedia commons

But why do people

live near volcanoes?

Figure 3. Reasons why people live nearby volcanoes Illustrated by: Ellissa Christie Kaye L. Murillo

The following are list of the Precautionary measures that can be practiced to lessen the
danger before, during, and after a volcanic eruption:

BEFORE
 Know the facts about volcanoes in your area like danger zones and history of
eruptions.
 Know the location of designated evacuation site.
 Listen to the announcement of your authorities.
 Stock clean and safe drinking water and other food supplies.

DURING
 Stay inside your homes and keep doors and windows close.  Secure you
water and food supplies.
  Wear mask, eye googles or face shield if you need to go out.
 Do not go near the danger zones.
 Listen to the news via television or radio devices.  Obey the evacuation
orders of the authorities.

AFTER
 Assess the situation if it is safe to go out.
 Check the perimeter of your house for any possible damage.
 Clean and remove the volcanic ashes in the roof, gutters, and windows.
 Replace contaminated water and food supplies.
 Stay updated in news and announcements from your authorities.

What’s More
ACTIVITY 1: TRUE or FALSE

Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if the statement is incorrect and rewrite
the statement to make it correct. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

_____ 1. Magma is an extremely hot fluid or semi fluid materials found under the Earth surface.

_____ 2. Viscosity refers to the materials’ resistance to flow. The more viscous the material, the
lesser is the resistance to flow.

_____ 3. Basaltic to andesitic magma is non-explosive while andesitic to rhyolitic magma is

explosive.

_____ 4. Magma with high temperature has high viscosity, while magma with low temperature
has low viscosity.

_____ 5. Composition, temperature, and pressure are the factors that contribute to the
formation of magma.

ACTIVITY 2: FINDING THE SEQUENCE!

Analyze the process of volcanic eruption. Arrange the process of volcanic eruption into correct
order using numbers 1-5. Write your answer and copy the statement on a separate sheet of
paper.

Magma moves upward and accumulates in an area called

A. magma chamber

Gas-charged magma reaches the surface and explode. The

B. presence of dissolved gases enables the molten materials to
explode.
 C. More highly gas charged magma reaches the surface and the
volcano explodes
Volcanic activities include the melting of solid rocks in the
D. mantle which became thick molten materials called magma.

High temperature and pressure push magma through the

E. openings like vents and fractures. The magma then oozed out to
form a lava dome but do not cause any explosive eruption.
Answer the following questions:
1.List down at least two manifestations or signs that the volcano will erupt.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Give one positive and one negative effects of volcanic eruption .

______________________________________________________________________________________
________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
________________

Wh
at I Have Learned
Pick out the word/s from the list below to complete the statement. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.
Vesiculation volcano decompression water vapor
tephra respiratory dissolved gases magma
crystallization viscosity basaltic andesitic

lava carbon dioxide rhyolitic sulfur dioxide

 The opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rocks, debris, and gases to escape
to the surface is called 1.___________. Molten materials or 2.__________ is composed of
minerals, fragments of rocks and dissolved gases such water vapor, carbon dioxide and sulfur
dioxide. When these molten materials have reached the Earth’s surface, it is now called 3.
_________. Due to high temperature, the rocks in the mantle partially melting, thus, forming
the magma. Explosive eruption is triggered by the formation of bubbles which is referred to as
4. ____________ and can be induced by 5.____________,wherein pressure is reduced and by 6.
_____________ which increases vapor pressure. The amount of 7. _________ in the magma
contributes to the driving force for explosion and eruptions. 8. _________is one of the gases in
magma that is present in large amounts. Also, the nature of volcanic eruptions is related to
magma’s 9. __________ which depends on temperature and composition of magma. There are
3 types of magma depending on their temperature, composition, and viscosity namely: 10.
____________ 11. _____________ 12._____________. Volcanic eruption affects not only the
environment but also the human being. When large amounts of fragmented rocks or debris
called 13._______________ are released during the volcanic eruption, it can lead to deaths due
to collapse of roofs. Ashes dispersed onto the surrounding, when inhaled can cause 14.
____________ diseases for human. 15. _____________, a greenhouse gas, traps the heat from the
lower atmosphere that leads to global warming and 16.
___________ can cause global cooling and air pollution.

Assessment

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. Which are needed in the formation of magma? A. composition, pressure,

temperature
B. composition, pressure, density
C. pressure, temperature, distance from the surface
D. pressure, temperature, volume
2. If a volcano’s magma is high in silica, how will you describe to its volcanic activity?
A. It will erupt quietly C. It will erupt explosively
B. It will remain dormant D. It will produce dark-colored lava
3. Viscosity is a measure of a material’s resistance to flow. Which DOES NOT affect the
viscosity of magma?
A. location of magma C. chemical composition of the magma
B. temperature of the magma D. presence of dissolved gases in the
magma
4. Which is TRUE about the composition of magma?
A. It contains ash, dust, and lava
 B. It contains dissolved gases only.
C. It contains fragmented rocks only.
D. It contains both dissolved gases and fragmented materials.
E.
5. Several kilometers from a volcano, a geologist observes an old lava flow made up
of dark- colored basalt rock. The geologist infers that the lava must have
had____________.
A. low viscosity C. medium viscosity
B. high viscosity D. high silica content
6. Which type of lava will offer the least resistance to flow?
A. Andesitic B. Basaltic C. Rhyolitic D. Basaltic and Rhyolitic

7. The magma in the chamber of a volcano has a very high amount of silica.
If the volcano would erupt, which might happen?
A. The lava would flow very slowly
B. The volcano would erupt violently
C. The volcano would erupt non-explosively
D. There would be a build-up of pressure below the crater
8. Which is NOT a common gas in magma?
A. methane gas
B. carbon dioxide
C. sulfur dioxide
D. water vapor

For question 9 - 10, refer to the table below:

Magma Chemical Composition Temperature Viscosity Gas Content

Type

Basaltic 45-55 SiO2 %, high in 1000 - Low Low

Fe, Mg, Ca, low in K, 1200 oC
Na

Andesitic 55-65 SiO2 %, 800 - 1000 oC Intermediate Intermediate

intermediate in Fe, Mg,
Ca, Na, K

Rhyolitic 65-75 SiO2 %, low in 650 - 800 oC High High

Fe, Mg, Ca, high in K,
Na.

9. Which type of magma has the lowest chemical and gas content?
A. Andesitic B. Basaltic C. Rhyolitic D.None of the choices

10. Which statement is NOT true based from the given data in the table?
I. Higher silica content allows magma to trap more gas.
II. Viscosity increases with increasing temperature of the magma.
III. Viscosity decreases with increasing SiO 2 concentration in the magma.
IV. The more silica in the magma, the more viscous or resistant to flow it
is.
A. I and II B. I and III C. III and IV D. II and III
11. Which correctly shows the types of magma in an increasing order of silica and gas
content?
A. Andesitic, Basaltic, Rhyolitic C. Basaltic, Andesitic, Rhyolitic
B. Andesitic, Rhyolitic, Basaltic D. Rhyolitic, Andesitic, Basaltic
12. What provides the force that causes magma to erupt to the surface?
A. the gravity in the lithosphere
B. the density of the magma
 C. the silica in the magma
D. the dissolved gases trapped in the magma
13. What can be inferred about the silica content and temperature of magma if it has a
low viscosity?
A. a high silica content and high temperature
B. a high silica content and low temperature
C. a low silica content and high temperature
D. a low silica content and low temperature

14. When compared to andesitic lavas, what characteristics of basaltic lavas will be
shown?
A. lower in viscosity and it retains dissolved gases.
B. higher in viscosity and it retains dissolved gases.
C. lower in viscosity and it easily releases dissolved gases.
D. higher in viscosity but it easily releases dissolved gases.

15. Water vapor is one of the dissolved gases released by erupting volcano. It is
present in large amounts, and is considered harmless. When will it become harmful
to the living things and environment?
A. when it is in the lower atmosphere
B. when it is in the middle atmosphere
C. when it is in the upper atmosphere
D. when it combines with other dissolved gases