Module 6 Review on Magma and Volcanoes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to magma and volcanoes, essential for understanding their characteristics and behaviors.

Viscosity

The resistance of a fluid to flow; high viscosity means the fluid flows slowly, while low viscosity means it flows easily.

Magma

Rock in liquid form that is located beneath the Earth's surface.

Lava

Magma that has erupted onto the Earth's surface.

High Silica Magma

content that has high viscosity and tends to result in more explosive volcanic eruptions.

Low Silica Magma

Magma with low silica content that has low viscosity and tends to result in less explosive volcanic eruptions.

Stratovolcano

A type of volcano with steep sides formed by explosive eruptions, typically composed of felsic magma.

Shield Volcano

A type of volcano with gentle slopes formed by the effusive eruption of low viscosity mafic lava.

Pyroclastic Flows

A fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter that flows down the slopes of a volcano.

Lahars

Volcanic mudflows or debris flows that occur when volcanic material mixes with water.

Ashfall

Volcanic ash that falls from the atmosphere after an explosive eruption.

Convergent Plate Boundaries

Tectonic plate boundaries where two plates collide, often resulting in the formation of stratovolcanoes.

Hot Spots

Locations where plumes of hot mantle material rise, often creating shield volcanoes.

Divergent Plate Boundaries

Tectonic plate boundaries where plates move apart, which can also lead to the formation of shield volcanoes.