Frances and Oppenheimer Volcanoes Text Reading Study Questions
Chapter 1 Study Questions.
1. In what rock type is most radioactive heat produced? What element (K, U, Th) is
the most significant source of heat in this rock type? Justify your answer.
2. Why was heat flow so much higher in early earth history?
3. What percent of heat low is due to radioactive decay?
4. List and very briefly describe different sources of internal heat?
5. Define the following terms or concepts:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Condritic earth model
Depleted mantle
Peridotite
Primitive
6. Review section 1.4 on volcanic minerals and rocks. Know the italicized terms.
7. Using Figure 1.9- make lists of mafic rock types, intermediate rock types, and
felsic/silicic rock types.
Chapter 2 Study Questions
1. Review section 2.1 on volcano distributions in different tectonic settings. Know
the italicized terms.
2. Describe and compare and contrast – thoellites and alkali basalt. Which rock
types are most important?
3. Explain concept of incompatible elements.
4. Explain fractional crystallization, partial melting, and assimilation. How do
magma evolve by these three different mechanisms?
5. How do OIBs differ from MORBs and why?
Chapter 3
Four “classical” historical eruptions are described in Chapter 3. Working with a partner,
prepare a Powerpoint slide show about one of the eruptions (assigned in class). On
September x or y you and your partner will make a presentation to the class. The
presentation should summarize the eruption history, significant facts and ideas learned
(i.e. what makes this eruption “classical”?). Summarize the textbook information and
supplement it with information (including figures/photos) you get online. Make sure you
cite all sources used.
Chapter 4: Study Questions
1. Define polymerization and silicate polymers.
2. What factors decrease/increase polymerization in a magma?
3. If you add volatiles too a magma, will the magma viscosity increase or decrease?
4. If you increase the temperature of a magma, will the magma viscosity increase or
decrease?
5. If you lower the pressure on a magma will it increase or decrease the melting
temperature of the magma?
6. What has to happen for a magma to actually erupt?
7. What is first boiling? Second boiling?
8. Do basalts or rhyolites tend to have bigger vesicles? Is this surprising? Explain.
9. Examine Figure 4.6. How does silica content, temperature and H2O content
affect viscosity?
10. What is viscosity? List the ways that viscosity is important in eruptions.