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Volcanoes

The document provides an overview of volcanoes, describing their structure, types of eruptions (explosive and effusive), and associated hazards. It highlights the dangers posed by volcanic activity, including pyroclastic flows, ash fall, and lava flows, while emphasizing the importance of monitoring and understanding volcanoes to mitigate risks. Each volcano presents unique challenges, necessitating tailored hazard management strategies.

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Sugaran Noor Hamza
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3 views

Volcanoes

The document provides an overview of volcanoes, describing their structure, types of eruptions (explosive and effusive), and associated hazards. It highlights the dangers posed by volcanic activity, including pyroclastic flows, ash fall, and lava flows, while emphasizing the importance of monitoring and understanding volcanoes to mitigate risks. Each volcano presents unique challenges, necessitating tailored hazard management strategies.

Uploaded by

Sugaran Noor Hamza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Let's Find Out!

Complete the
puzzle to find out
what you know
about volcanoes.
1. A landform on Earth's surface through
molten rocks reach the surface.

2. Hot molten rocks inside the Earth.


3. Molten rocks that reach Earth's surface.

4. The opening of a volcano through which molten


rock erupts to the surface.

5. The funnel-shaped pit at the top opening of


volcanoes.
Volcanic Eruptions
and Hazards
What is a volcano?
 A volcano is a
vent mountain that
opens downward to
a reservoir of
cone molten rock below
the surface of the
earth.
conduit The volcano
includes the
surrounding cone of
erupted material.
magma
chamber
How and why do volcanoes erupt?
 Hot, molten rock (magma) is buoyant (has a lower
density than the surrounding rocks) and will rise up
through the crust to erupt on the surface.
 Same principle as hot air rising, e.g. how a hot air balloon
works
 When magma reaches the surface it depends on how
easily it flows (viscosity) and the amount of gas (H2O,
CO2, S) it has in it as to how it erupts.
 Large amounts of gas and a high viscosity (sticky)
magma will form an explosive eruption!
 Small amounts of gas and (or) low viscosity (runny)
magma will form an effusive eruption
Explosive Eruptions
Explosive volcanic
eruptions can be
catastrophic
Erupt 10’s-1000’s km3
of magma
Send ash clouds >25
km into the
stratosphere
Have severe
environmental and Mt. Redoubt
climatic effects Above: Large eruption column and
Hazardous!!! ash cloud from an explosive
eruption at Mt Redoubt, Alaska
Explosive Eruptions

Three products
from an
explosive
eruption
Ash fall
Pyroclastic flow
Pyroclastic
surge Pyroclastic flow
buried towns.
Eruption of
Mt. Pinatubo.

Direct
measurements
of pyroclastic
flows are
extremely
dangerous!!!
Effusive Eruptions
Effusive eruptions are
characterized by
outpourings of lava on to
the ground.

Hawaii
Courtesy of www.swisseduc.ch
Volcano Monitoring
and Hazard
Mitigation
Volcanic Hazards
 Pyroclastic flow
 Lahars/Mud flows
 Pyroclastic fall
 Lava flow
 Noxious Gas
 Earthquakes

Courtesy of www.swisseduc.ch
Pyroclastic Flow
For example,
eruption of
Vesuvius in 79
AD destroyed
the city of
Pompeii
Pictures showing the effect of
volcanic eruptions
Pyroclastic flows of poisonous gas and
hot volcanic debris suffocating the
inhabitants and burying the people and
buildings.
Pyroclastic Flow - lahars
 Melt water picks up rock
and debris
 Forms fast flowing, high
energy torrents
 Destroys all in its path
Pyroclastic Fall
• Ash load
– Collapses roofs
– Brings down power
lines
– Kills plants
– Contaminates water
supplies
– Respiratory hazard for
humans and animals
Lava Flow

It is not just explosive volcanic activity that


can be hazardous. Effusive (lava) activity is
also dangerous.
In Summary..
Volcanoes are extremely hazardous.
However, the volcano can be studied,
monitored and understood.
Each volcano is different, and offers a
unique set of dangers
 Plans may be emplaced to help
control potential damage.

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