Volcanic Activity Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive flashcards covering volcanic formation, structure, plate boundaries, life cycles, the Pacific Ring of Fire, and the Eyjafjallajökull case study.

What is the primary role of a volcanologist?

A scientist who studies volcanoes by monitoring volcanic rock, ash, and gases, and changes in the shape of volcanoes to predict eruptions.

What are three examples of equipment used by a volcanologist?

Thermal suit, rock hammer, and gas mask (also includes video/digital cameras, walkie-talkies, heat-resistant gloves, fire helmets, and metal buckets).

What is the difference between magma and lava?

Magma is molten material located below the surface in a magma chamber; lava is the name given to the molten material once it reaches the earth's surface.

Describe the function of the central vent in a volcano.

It is the main passageway connected to the magma chamber that allows magma to travel to the earth’s surface.

How is a volcanic cone formed?

It is a hill built up over time by layers of lava and ash that harden around the vent after multiple eruptions.

What occurs at a constructive plate boundary to form volcanoes?

Plates separate and pull apart, allowing magma to rise from the mantle to fill the space (the vent), cooling and hardening to form ridges or islands.

What is an example of a mountain range formed at a constructive plate boundary?

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge (where the Eurasian and North American Plates are moving apart).

Describe the process at a destructive plate boundary that leads to volcanic formation.

An oceanic plate collides with a continental plate; the heavier oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, melts, and the resulting magma rises through cracks to the surface.

What is a specific example of a volcano formed at a destructive plate boundary?

Mount Saint Helens in the US.

Define an 'active' volcano and provide an example.

A volcano that has erupted in the past $10,000$ years; for example, Mount Etna in Italy.

Define a 'dormant' volcano and provide an example.

A volcano that has not erupted in the past $10,000$ years but is expected to erupt again; for example, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Define an 'extinct' volcano and provide an example.

A volcano that is not expected to erupt again; for example, Slemish, Co. Antrim.

What is the Pacific Ring of Fire?

A horseshoe-shaped area containing many plate boundaries where almost $75\%$ of the earth’s active volcanoes and $90\%$ of the world’s earthquakes occur.

On what date did the Eyjafjallajökull volcano have its violent 2010 eruption?

14 April 2010.

What was the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) rating of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption?

It registered as a 3 to 4 on the VEI scale.

What was a major negative economic impact of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull ash cloud on European travel?

Approximately $100,000$ flights were cancelled over eight days, costing airlines and businesses about $€145$ million per day.

How did the 2010 eruption affect agriculture in countries like Kenya?

African countries lost over $65$ million USD because fresh produce (fruit, vegetables, flowers) could not be flown to Europe; over 1 million flowers went unsold in the first two days.

What was a positive environmental impact of the grounded flights during the 2010 eruption?

It prevented approximately $2.8$ million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

How does volcanic activity provide a long-term benefit for agriculture?

Lava and ash are rich in nutrients, creating very fertile soil for agricultural use.

Identify a short-term response to the Eyjafjallajökull eruption.

Evacuation of the surrounding area and emergency aid provided by the Red Cross (food, shelter, counselling).

What is geothermal energy and its significance in Iceland?

It is heat from the ground used to produce electricity and heat $90\%$ of homes in Iceland.

List three ways Iceland utilizes geothermal energy besides home heating.

To generate electricity, to heat geothermal spas and pools, to warm streets in winter, and for greenhouses to grow organic produce.