Volcanoes and Climate Change

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to volcanoes and climate change, their definitions and effects, aiding in study and exam preparation.

Volcano

An opening in the Earth's crust through which lava, ash, and gases escape onto the surface.

Summit

The highest point or apex of a volcano, containing an opening called a vent.

Crater

A funnel-shaped depression at the top of a volcano formed by explosive eruptions.

Caldera

A volcanic depression formed when part of the crater wall collapses following an explosive eruption.

Magma Chamber

A region beneath the vent of a volcano where molten rock or magma is deposited or stored before eruption.

Main Vent

The main opening or outlet on the surface of a volcano that emits lava, gases, ash, or other volcanic materials.

Conduit

An underground central tube-like structure that connects the magma chamber to the crater through which magma travels.

Side Vent

A smaller outlet through which magma escapes from a volcano.

Lava

Molten rock which is emitted onto the surface of the Earth when a volcano erupts.

Viscosity

The property of a material's resistance to flow; higher viscosity means greater resistance.

El Niño

A climate pattern characterized by the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

La Niña

A climate pattern that describes the cooling of surface ocean waters in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

Global Warming

The warming of the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere due to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

Cinder Cone Volcano

A type of volcano built from ejected lava fragments, characterized by a steep slope and wide crater.

Composite Volcano

A large stratovolcano formed from alternating layers of lava flow and pyroclastic deposits.

Geothermal Energy

Energy generated from the Earth's internal heat, utilized in geothermal power plants.

Factors Affecting Viscosity

Temperature, composition, and the amount of dissolved gases influence the viscosity of magma.