volcanoes_quakes

Volcano

An opening in the Earth's crust through which molten rock, ash, and gases can erupt.

Viscosity

A measure of a fluid's resistance to flow; higher viscosity indicates thicker, slower-moving fluids.

Igneous Extrusive Rock

Rocks formed from lava that cools and solidifies on the Earth's surface.

Basalt

A type of igneous rock with a silica content between 48% and 55%, low viscosity.

Andesite

An igneous rock with a silica content between 55% and 60%, medium viscosity.

Dacite

An igneous rock with a silica content between 60% and 70%, higher viscosity.

Rhyolite

An igneous rock with a silica content between 70% and 77%, very high viscosity.

Cinder Cone

A type of volcano formed from lava fountains that create steep slopes, typically mildly explosive.

Shield Volcano

A broad, gently sloping volcano built from low-viscosity lava flows, also mildly explosive.

Composite Volcano

A volcano built from alternating layers of lava and ash, can be mildly to highly explosive.

Lava Dome

A dome-shaped volcano formed from highly viscous lava that piles up near the vent.

Caldera

A large depression that forms when a volcano erupts and empties its magma chamber.

Lahar

A deadly mixture of water and volcanic material that flows down the slopes of a volcano.

Pyroclastic Flow

A fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter that moves away from a volcano during an explosive eruption.

Elastic Rebound Theory

The theory explaining how energy is stored in rocks leading to earthquakes and how it is released.

Richter Scale

A logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes.

Fault Scarp

A steep slope or cliff that forms along a fault due to movement of the Earth's crust.

Fissures

Cracks or ruptures in the Earth's surface caused by geological activity.

Geothermal Energy

Energy derived from the natural heat within the Earth, often harnessed from volcanic activity.

Volcanic Ash

Tiny particles of rock and glass created during a volcanic eruption that can enrich the soil.