Volcanology Exam Review

These flashcards assist in reviewing key concepts from the lecture notes on volcanology, focusing on volcanic processes, risks, historical eruptions, and monitoring techniques.

What is Volcanology?

The study of volcanoes and volcanic phenomena.

What conditions contribute to volcanic unrest?

Seismic activity, ground deformation, gas emissions, and thermal anomalies.

What indicates potential for rupture before eruption at Campi Flegrei caldera?

Magma pressurization and seismic activity.

What does VEI stand for?

Volcanic Explosivity Index.

What was the last eruption of Campi Flegrei?

1538.

What is the significance of the 1985 Ruiz eruption?

Triggered a massive lahar that caused casualties due to poor evacuation.

What is the main hazard associated with submarine volcanism?

Risk of tsunamis and navigation hazards due to floating pumice rafts.

What did the Tambora eruption of 1815 cause?

The year without a summer.

What factors control the size and explosivity of eruptions?

Magma composition, volatile content, and geological structures.

What does the term 'magma pressurization' refer to?

The accumulation of pressure within a magma chamber that can lead to eruptions.

What is tephracology?

The study of volcanic ash and other tephra deposits.

How can volcanic eruptions impact the carbon cycle?

By releasing significant amounts of CO2 during explosive events.

What role does remote sensing play in volcanology?

It helps monitor eruptions and assess volcanic hazards from a distance.

What kind of eruptions did Kilauea have in 2018?

Explosive and effusive eruptions.

What is a lahar?

A volcanic mudflow made up of water, volcanic ash, and debris.

What is the impact of high sulfur dioxide emissions from eruptions?

Can lead to atmospheric changes and health hazards.

What is the difference between explosive and effusive eruptions?

Explosive eruptions involve violent outbursts of gas and ash; effusive eruptions involve the steady flow of lava.

What eruption style is associated with high fluidity and low viscosity?

Effusive eruptions.

How did the 2021 Hunga Tonga eruption influence ocean acidification?

It caused significant changes in ocean chemistry due to magma-seawater interactions.

What geological features often cause increased volcanic activity?

Tectonic plates, rifts, and subduction zones.

What is the relationship between ground deformation and potential eruptions?

Inflation typically indicates magma accumulation that may lead to eruptions.

What might gas monitoring reveal before an eruption?

The pressure and composition changes in the volcanic system.

How can satellite data enhance volcanic monitoring?

Can detect thermal changes and ground deformation over large areas.

What was noted about the 2019 eruption of Volcano-F?

No warning was given prior to the eruption which created a pumice raft.

What materials are important for understanding volcanic eruptions?

Gas emissions, ash composition, and seismic data.

Why is understanding magma storage conditions critical for predicting eruptions?

It helps to assess whether the conditions are suitable for explosive activity.

What influences the eruptive potential of submarine volcanism?

Depth of the water column and the interaction between magma and seawater.

What is the significance of Crystal zoning?

Indicates the thermal history and conditions under which magma crystallized.

What are some key monitoring techniques for volcanoes?

Seismic monitoring, gas analysis, thermal imaging, and ground deformation measurement.

What is the role of hydrothermal systems in volcanic activity?

Can either suppress or enhance eruptions depending on pressure and gas release.

What is a critical aspect of pyroclastic flows?

They can travel rapidly and pose significant hazards to nearby populations.

What did observations from Campi Flegrei reveal about past eruptions?

Patterns of uplift and subsidence can signal magma movements.

What is a common outcome after a volcanic eruption?

Environmental disruptions such as lahars and air quality issues.

What was hypothesized about the 2021 eruption of Nyiragongo?

It occurred without traditional precursors like increased seismic activity.

What technologies aid in monitoring volcanic eruptions in real-time?

Machine learning algorithms and advanced seismic network deployments.

What were the implications of the explosive eruption at Krakatau in 1883?

It resulted in significant fatalities and global climatic influence.

How can past eruptions inform future risk assessments?

Analyzing historical eruption patterns helps predict potential hazards.

What geochemical signals can indicate magmatic unrest?

Increased SO2 and CO2 emissions.

How do structural weaknesses in the crust affect volcanic behavior?

They can facilitate the movement of magma and influence eruption styles.

What conditions led to explosive eruptions in the 2021 eruption of La Soufriere?

Magma chamber pressurization due to volatile buildup.

What does the term 'caldera' refer to in volcanology?

A large volcanic crater formed by a major eruption leading to the collapse of the mouth of the volcano.

Can volcanic eruptions impact global agriculture?

Yes, by contributing to climate change and causing acid rain.

What type of eruptions have significant impacts on air travel?

Eruptions that produce ash clouds.

How do cooling lava flows affect local ecosystems?

They can destroy habitats and alter water chemistry.

What can diverse geochemical data tell us about a volcano?

The potential hazards and history of eruption styles.

How does volcanic activity contribute to ocean ecosystems?

Through nutrient delivery during eruptions, promoting biological productivity.

What do the terms 'magma recharge' mean in volcanic systems?

The inflow of new magma into a magma chamber affecting its dynamics.

What is the global context of volcanic CO2 emissions compared to anthropogenic emissions?

Volcanic CO2 emissions are significantly lower than human emissions.

What may the future of volcanic monitoring involve?

Increased use of AI technology for predictive modelling.

How are volcanoes related to plate tectonics?

Most volcanoes are found at plate boundaries or hotspots, linked to tectonic processes.

What is a possible consequence of a volcanic eruption occurring under a glacier?

Meltwater could lead to lahars or flooding.

What does volcanic risk communication involve?

Informing and educating the public about potential hazards and actions to take.

What factors can influence volcanic eruption style?

Magma composition, depth, volatile content, and geological settings.

What is the significance of crustal subsidence around volcanoes?

It can indicate magma accumulation and pressure buildup before an eruption.

How can past explosive eruptions inform our understanding of modern risks?

They provide historical data for pattern recognition and risk assessment.

What does the term 'phreatomagmatic' refer to?

A type of eruption involving the interaction of magma with water, often leading to explosive activity.

Why is the monitoring of gas emissions crucial before an eruption?

It can provide early warning signs of increased volcanic activity.

What type of eruption typically has a long duration and may lead to lava domes?

Effusive eruptions.

What are potential hazards following a volcanic eruption involving tephra?

Air quality issues, infrastructure damage, and respiratory health problems.

What is the role of gas geochemistry in assessing volcanic systems?

Helps in understanding magma dynamics and potential eruptive behavior.

How can learning about past eruptions aid volcanic risk assessments?

It helps predict future behaviors and preparedness strategies.

What is often the initial indicator of volcanic activity?

Increased seismicity is often one of the first indicators.

What contributes to a volcanic eruption's explosivity?

Magma composition, water content, and gas pressure.

What is the role of ground deformation in predicting eruptions?

It indicates magma movement and can precede eruptions.

How do magma chambers affect volcanic behavior?

They store magma and influence the timing and style of eruptions.

What prompted the recent study of deeper tectonic processes in volcanic eruptions?

Increased volcanic unrest and threats to populated areas.

What factors complicate the prediction of volcanic eruptions?

Variability in eruption types, past behaviors, and geological conditions.

What often marks the onset of a volcanic eruption?

A sudden increase in seismic activity, gas release, or ground deformation.

How can satellite data assist in volcanic monitoring?

Provides real-time observations of topographical and thermal changes.

What physical changes can indicate impending volcanic eruptions?

Ground deformation, gas emissions, and increased earthquake frequency.

What does the presence of an active hydrothermal system indicate?

Potentially approaching eruptive activity due to magma interaction.

What considerations should be made for volcanic hazard preparedness?

Incorporate diverse data and public communication strategies.

How do historical patterns of eruptions assist in managing current volcanic risk?

They guide predictions and inform response strategies.

What aspect of volcanic systems is often dynamic and requires continual study?

Magma movement and gas release dynamics.

How can understanding volcanic eruptions contribute to climate change studies?

By examining their impact on atmospheric composition and temperature.

What is a fundamental characteristic of basalt eruptions?

Low viscosity and high effusion rates.

Why is effective communication crucial during an eruption?

To ensure public safety and guidance during evacuations.

What are the benefits of interdisciplinary approaches in volcanology?

Improved understanding and preparedness through varied expertise.

What is a key challenge when monitoring submarine volcanic activity?

Limited access and visibility due to the underwater environment.

What did the Hunga Tonga eruption demonstrate regarding volcanic forecasting?

Unprecedented impacts and complexities in predicting submarine eruptions.

How do community responses impact volcanic hazard management?

Active engagement and awareness can significantly enhance safety outcomes.

What long-term geological events can be linked to volcanic activity?

Mass extinctions and significant climate changes.

What is the significance of various eruption styles observed across different volcanoes?

They offer insights into the underlying magmatic and geological processes.

How does carbon release during volcanic eruptions affect marine ecosystems?

Through ocean acidification and changes in nutrient availability.

What future volcanic activity may be anticipated based on historical trends?

Patterns of explosive eruptions driven by past behaviors.

What is a hypothesized interaction between tectonic and volcanic processes?

Tectonic shifts can trigger volcanic activity or influence magma movement.

How do technological advancements improve volcanic eruption prediction and monitoring?

By enhancing data collection and analysis through real-time monitoring.

What does increased seismicity suggest in the context of volcanology?

Potential magma movement and the likelihood of an impending eruption.

What might be one result of heightened volcanic activity in populated regions?

Hindered mobility or evacuation during emergency situations.

What role does crystal content play in determining magma's eruptive behavior?

Increased crystallinity can lead to more viscous and, thus, potentially explosive behavior.

How does the ability to identify past eruptions help in current volcanic risk assessments?

It enables the prediction of future eruption behaviors based on historical data.

What can seismic swarm activity indicate about a volcano's state?

Increased volcanic unrest and potential for eruptions.

What are the effects of magma recharge on volcanic eruptions?

It can lead to increased eruptive potential and subsequent explosive activity.

How can various factors such as weather influence volcanic eruption risks?

Weather changes can affect gas release and influence eruptions, especially those with potential for mass evacuations.