0
Volcanoes are formed by increased tectonic plate pressures which force molten rock (at that stage known as Magma) up through weak points in the Earth's outer crust and mantle. Magma usually builds up inside a Magma chamber, which is a fancy name for a big cave underground. At a certain point, pressure will build inside the magma chamber to such a level that the magma will force itself upward through the Earth's crust, causing an eruption. When the magma erupts and begins flowing at the surface, it is then referred to as Lava.
If the magma chamber is close enough to the surface, it will actually raise the surface of the crust to either modest or high altitudes, and the eruption and subsequent lava flow over the resulting ground deformation begins a volcanic mountain.
Repeated eruptions over thousands and millions of years, and repeated lava flows are what create Volcanic mountains that are so familiar. After the eruption subsides (as the magma chamber empties to the surface and the pressure is released) the cycle begins again. At the surface over time, the Volcano's crater will sometimes fill in, or in many cases fill with water, creating a lake. Over time though, the magma chamber will fill again, and the pressure will increase. Occasionally, earthquakes caused by tectonic plates sliding will ease pressure in the magma chamber and extend the eruption cycle. But eventually with most established volcanoes, eruption is a certainty at some point, and more lava flows will increase the height of the mountain.
Occasionally, the eruption is so violent that it will literally blow off the top of the volcano's mountain that has built up over many years. Mount St. Helens was such an eruption, as was Krakatoa in the 1800's, and Vesuvius near Naples in Italy. One famous eruption in the Mediterranean is the island of Santorini, which in 1630 BC was so violent it destroyed much of the island itself.
Super Volcanoes are the most destructive - we have not seen one during the period of human existence (which by historical Earth standards hasn't been that long). The most notable is Yellowstone Park - the caldera (the center inside the cone where the magma bursts through) is literally miles across, as is the magma chamber. Such an eruption will be an ELE, or Extinction Level Event, due to the amount of ash and rock it will eject into the atmosphere.
What else can I help you with?
Can lightning cause earthquakes?
No There are two main causes of earthquakes. Firstly, they can be linked to explosive volcanic eruptions; they are in fact very common in areas of volcanic activity where they either proceed or accompany eruptions. Secondly, they can be triggered by Tectonic activity associated with plate margins and faults. The majority of earthquakes world wide are of this type.
What is the main cause of continental drift earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?
The main cause of continental drift is the movement of tectonic plates, which are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere. Earthquakes are typically caused by the release of stress along plate boundaries as they move past each other. Volcanic eruptions are often associated with the movement of tectonic plates, as magma rises from the mantle and reaches the surface through weak points in the Earth's crust.
Do tsunami s have aftershocks?
No, tsunamis do not have aftershocks. Aftershocks are typically associated with earthquakes and are smaller earthquakes that follow the main event. Tsunamis are large ocean waves usually triggered by underwater earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions.
What is the main theory about the cause of volcanic activity and earthquakes in this region?
Volcanic activity and earthquakes in this region are mainly caused by the movement of tectonic plates. The region is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet and interact, leading to intense geological activity. Volcanic eruptions occur when magma from the Earth's mantle rises to the surface, while earthquakes are the result of the release of built-up stress along fault lines.
Do tsunamis have weather geologic or humans cause?
Tsunamis are primarily caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides which disturb the ocean floor. While weather conditions may influence the generation of tsunamis, such as in the case of typhoons or hurricanes, they are not the main cause. Human activities like underwater explosions or collapsing coastal structures can also trigger tsunamis but these are rarer occurrences compared to natural causes.
What are the main features of tsunamis?
a series of waves, produced by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, meteorite impact, or underwater landslides.
Can lightning cause earthquakes?
No There are two main causes of earthquakes. Firstly, they can be linked to explosive volcanic eruptions; they are in fact very common in areas of volcanic activity where they either proceed or accompany eruptions. Secondly, they can be triggered by Tectonic activity associated with plate margins and faults. The majority of earthquakes world wide are of this type.
Is the motion of lithospheric plates a major cause of earthquakes?
It is the main cause of earthquakes. However you may get minor earthquakes due to volcanic activity or mass wasting events.
What is the main cause of continental drift earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?
The main cause of continental drift is the movement of tectonic plates, which are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere. Earthquakes are typically caused by the release of stress along plate boundaries as they move past each other. Volcanic eruptions are often associated with the movement of tectonic plates, as magma rises from the mantle and reaches the surface through weak points in the Earth's crust.
Do tsunami s have aftershocks?
No, tsunamis do not have aftershocks. Aftershocks are typically associated with earthquakes and are smaller earthquakes that follow the main event. Tsunamis are large ocean waves usually triggered by underwater earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions.
What is the main theory about the cause of volcanic activity and earthquakes in this region?
Volcanic activity and earthquakes in this region are mainly caused by the movement of tectonic plates. The region is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet and interact, leading to intense geological activity. Volcanic eruptions occur when magma from the Earth's mantle rises to the surface, while earthquakes are the result of the release of built-up stress along fault lines.
Do tsunamis have weather geologic or humans cause?
Tsunamis are primarily caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides which disturb the ocean floor. While weather conditions may influence the generation of tsunamis, such as in the case of typhoons or hurricanes, they are not the main cause. Human activities like underwater explosions or collapsing coastal structures can also trigger tsunamis but these are rarer occurrences compared to natural causes.
Why do volcanic eruptions differ?
The main cause of differences in volcanic eruption characteristics is due to the viscosity of the magma. High viscosity magmas are high in sticky silica which traps gas and produces explosive eruptions. Low viscosity magmas are low in silica and produce eruptions with far less energetic characteristics.
What can occur because of tectonic plates?
Tectonic plates can result in a variety of events when altered, however the main 4 are:EarthquakesLandslidesTidal WavesVolcanic Eruptions
What forces shape the eaths features?
The main forces that shape Earth's features are plate tectonics, which cause earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountains; erosion by water, wind, and ice, which shapes the landscape over time; and human activities, such as deforestation and urbanization, which also alter the Earth's features.
What is the minor difference between earthquakes and tsunamis?
Earthquakes are sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates along faults, while tsunamis are large ocean waves typically triggered by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. The main difference lies in their nature: earthquakes are a geological phenomenon affecting solid ground, whereas tsunamis are water waves that travel across oceans and can cause widespread flooding when they reach coastal areas.
What are the two kinds of earthquake and be able to differentiate?
The two main types of earthquakes are tectonic and volcanic. Tectonic earthquakes occur along fault lines when tectonic plates move. Volcanic earthquakes occur near volcanoes due to the movement of magma beneath the surface. Tectonic earthquakes are more common and are caused by the Earth's tectonic plates shifting, while volcanic earthquakes are associated with volcanic activity.
