Types of Volcanoes and Mountains

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to volcanoes and mountains, their characteristics, formation processes, and classifications.

Volcano

An opening in the crust of a planet or moon through which molten rock material, hot gases, and ash escape onto the surface.

Mountain

A large, natural elevation of the Earth's surface that rises prominently above the surrounding area, typically featuring steep slopes and a defined summit.

Magma

Molten rock beneath the Earth's surface, which collects in an underground storage area called a magma chamber.

Lava

Magma that has erupted onto the Earth's surface.

Eruption

The process by which a volcano expels molten rock, ash, and gases.

Cinder Cone

Small, steep-sided volcanoes made of loose volcanic ash and cinders that pile up around a single vent.

Composite Volcano

Tall, conical mountains built by alternating layers of viscous lava and ash from explosive eruptions.

Shield Volcano

Massive volcanoes with gentle, sloping sides formed by the eruption of low-viscosity lava.

Active Volcano

A volcano that has a recent history of eruptions and is likely to erupt again.

Dormant Volcano

A volcano that has not erupted for a long time but may erupt again in the future.

Extinct Volcano

A volcano that is not expected to erupt again due to the absence of a magma supply.

Mid-Ocean Ridge

Divergent plate boundaries where new oceanic crust is formed, associated with seafloor spreading.

Oceanic Trench

Convergent plate boundaries where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, leading to recycling into the mantle.

Seafloor Spreading

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and spreads outwards.

Plate Tectonics

The scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements of Earth's lithosphere.

Pillow Lava

Rounded rock formations created when magma meets cold ocean water and cools rapidly.

Geological Processes

Natural processes that contribute to the formation of geological features, such as tectonics, erosion, and volcanism.