Volcanoes and their effects on Earth EQ How

Volcanoes and their effects on Earth EQ: How do volcanoes effect Earth’s surface?

What is a Volcano? • A volcano is a mountain that forms when molten rock, magma, is forced to the Earth’s surface

What are the types of Volcanic eruptions? Nonexplosive Eruptions: • Continuous flow of lava • Can release huge amounts of molten rock • Can have lava fountains can spray lava into the air Explosive Eruptions: • Clouds of hot debris and gases shoot out from the volcano, often at supersonic speeds • The molten rock hardens in the air creating dust particles • Can demolish rock formations

What are the types of Volcanoes? • There are three types of Volcanoes: – Shield: spreads out and covers a wide area – Cinder cone: cone shaped with a narrow base and dome opening – Composite: most common with broad bases and steep slopes

Where do Volcanoes form? • Volcanoes form on or near plate boundaries • They are usually occur at convergent and divergent boundaries • The plate boundary surrounding the Pacific Ocean have so many volcanoes that it is known as the Ring of Fire • 75% of the world’s volcanoes are found in the Ring of Fire

What are the effects of Volcanoes? Climate Changes: • In large eruptions, volcanic ash and gases can reach the upper atmosphere • If there is enough ash, it can block sunlight causing temperature drops • This can result in climate changes all over the world

What are the effects of Volcanoes? Earth’s Surface: • Volcanic ash can cause great damage to surrounding trees and vegetation • It can flow like an avalanche, choking and searing everything in its path • Large amounts of ash can cause buildings to collapse under the extreme weight • Can dam up rivers, resulting in massive flooding