22

Volcanoes
THE BARE > Volcanoes can form at both constructive and destructive plate
boundaries.
DBONES > There are two main types of volcano: cone and shield volcanoes.

The formation of volcanoes Crater Main vent

1 Volcanoes are formed when semi- Secondary vent
molten rock called magma forces
its way to the surface through
weaknesses in the crust. As the
magma rises, the surface pressure
builds up within the earth causing
a volcanic explosion.
Magma
O What islava? 2 When the magma reaches the surface chamber
of the earth, it becomes lava.

Types of volcano
Volcanoes can be classi ed (grouped) in a number of different ways.

1 One way of classifying volcanoes is to look at their shape and composition.

Cone volcanoes - Tend to be found at destructive Thick

plate boundaries. Tall and steep-sided. Formed by lava
Tall
acid lava, which is thick and viscous (sticky). The acid narrow Steep
cone slope
lava ows slowly and hardens quickly. This explains
the steep-sided shape of these volcanoes. Erupt
violently throwing out steam, gas and lava bombs.

Shield volcanoes - Tend to be found at constructive Fluid lava

plate boundaries. Low with gentle slopes. Formed by Low wide Gentle
basic lava, which is thin and runny. Basic lava Cone slope

spreads quickly to form low, shield-shaped

volcanoes. Erupt frequently and gently.

Lava Ash
Some are composed (made up) of lava and ash,
others are made up of lava only. Composite
volcanoes are made up of alternating layers of lava
and ash. Others are made from lava only.

Created with Scanner Pro

fl
fi
 B 2 Another way of classifyingvolcanoesis to look at how likely they are to erupt.
23

Active A volcano that has Types of Dormant A volcano that

erupted recently and is volcano has erupted within the last
0Can you considered likely to erupt two thousand years but is
name the main again (e.g. the Nyragongo not currently active (e.g.
Volcano in the Democratic Extinct A volcano Mount Vesuvius in Italy).
features of a Republic of Congo, Africa - that is not
volcano? last erupted January 2002). considered likely
to erupt again.

What are the effects of a volcanic eruption?

Volcanic eruptions can have a devastating effect on
KEY FACT people and the environment.Lives can be lost and
landscapes destroyed.
Hot blasts of gas The Lava ows can destroy
are sent into the
impact ofa settlements (towns, cities
atmosphere at the and villages) and clear
beginning of a
volcanic eruption
areas of natural vegetation,
volcanic eruption. such as woodland.

OMake a list
X Ash is thrown high into the
atmosphere and covers the VWhen avolcano
The heat of the
volcanic
surrounding landscape as it explodes,lava eruption can
of the effects of settles. Sometimes ash remains in the bombs can be melt snow and ice,
atmosphere for several days and it can thrown into the air. causing fast-moving
a volcanic travel thousands of miles before settling These are made up of mud ows called
eruption. on the earth's surface. pieces of rock and ash. lahars.

D Why do people live in areas of volcanic activity?

Remember Although volcanoes can be very dangerous, many people continue to live
Volcanoes and near them, often in very large numbers (high densities). Volcanoes can bring
earthquakes do people many bene ts:
not happen only The ash deposited during a volcanic eruption adds valuable nutrients to the
in LEDCS. North soils and helps to fertilise it. This helps agriculture and farming.
America is also
/ Volcaniclandscapesarevery attractive and attract tourists. Thisbrings in
affected by valuable income to the area. .

natural hazards.
/Many people believe that the hot springs created by volcanoes improve health.
/ Althoughmanypeoplechoose to livenearvolcanoes,some people are too poor
Can youlist to leave their home (particularly inLEDCS).Even if someone can afford to leave the area,
the advantages
they may be attached to their home and surroundings. Many people have to be
of living close
forced to leave if a volcano becomes dangerous - they don't want to leave their home.
to a volcano?

If you are writing about

PRACTICE 1 Describe how a volcano is formed. geographical processes in your
2 Using named examples, explain why exam, make sure you use the
many people live in areas of correct terms and refer to
volcanic activity. x places you have studied.

Created with Scanner Pro

fl
fl
fi