Download Volcano Vocabulary

Volcano Vocabulary
Volcano - A
place where lava reaches the Earth’s surface and
builds a cone or other feature.
Magma - Molten
Lava - Magma
Vent - The
rock beneath the Earth’s surface.
that is on or has reached the Earth’s surface.
opening through which magma reaches the Earth’s
surface.
Crater - The
bowl-shaped feature around a vent.
Eruption - The
ejection of lava, gas, rocks and ash from a volcano.
Pyroclastic Flows - Clouds
of ash, rock, and dust traveling at speeds
of 100 km per hour.
Lahar - Mudflows
(Rain mixed with ash) that flow from the volcano
clogging rivers, destroying bridges and roads.
Lake Overturn - A
release of carbon dioxide into the surrounding area.
The buildup of carbon dioxide is created from fissures in a lake.
Three types of Volcanoes
Shield Volcano - Volcanoes
with broad, sloping sides
Made from runny lava that builds up over time
Form over hot spots and divergent plates
Quiet eruptions occur here
Ex. - Hawaii and Iceland
Composite Volcano - Volcanoes
are tall with steep sides
Made from alternating eruptions of lava and pyroclastic material
Form when an oceanic plate sinks beneath a lighter, less dense
continental plate.
Known for their explosive eruptions
Ex. - Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Pinatubo
Cinder Cone Volcano -
Short volcanoes with steep sides
Made from small cinders that pile up around the vent
Eruptions tend to be explosive, but can ooze lava at the base.
Ex. - Paracutin in Mexico