Physical Geography
CGF 3MI (University/College)
Introduction to Volcanism
Below are a series of 7 questions (most with websites). Follow the instructions given for
each question. When you are finished, print out the answers and put them in your
notebook…this takes the place of copying notes off the board in class. The answer to
question 7 needs to be printed and handed in separately. You have two lab periods to
complete this work.
1. United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program
http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/Hazards/What/hazards.html
Define the following terms:
Magma:
Lava:
Extrusive volcanism:
Intrusive volcanism:
Complete the following table of extrusive volcanic related phenomena
Name
Gas
Description of feature
Description of Related Hazards
Physical Geography
CGF 3MI (University/College)
Tephra
Lahars
Landslides
Lava
Flows
Pyroclastic
Flows
What is a volcanic Plug?
Define: Caldera
2. Principal Types of Volcanoes
Describe the nature of the four principal types of volcanoes and find an appropriate image.
Go to http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/volc/cover2.html
Type
Description
Cinder
Cone
Composite
Shield
Lava
Dome
Image
3. Classifications of Eruptions:
There are a number of types of eruptions, named according to a representative example.
Describe the essential elements of each. (Use the same site as for Question 2)
Strombolian –
Vulcanian –
Vesuvian –
Peléan (“Nuée ardente”) Hawaiian –
Phreatic –
Plinian –
4. Major Volcanic Events in History
Go to the following link and list what you would consider to be five major volcanic eruptions
found in the table. Identify the major cause(s) of death and destruction for each.
http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/deadliest-eruption
Location
Causes and Effects
Physical Geography
CGF 3MI (University/College)
5. Types of Magma/Lava
Find a website (and record the information for it – MLA) to define the following terms:
Basaltic –
Granitic –
Intrusive Volcanic Features (find an image that illustrates these features):
Batholith (Pluton)Laccolith
Sill –
Dyke-
6. Write a one-paragraph summary describing the beneficial effects of extrusive volcanic
activity on the human population of the planet.
See the following resource: http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/dynamic.html Follow the link
“ Plate tectonics and People”
7. Based upon what you have learned during your research, what aspect of volcanic activity
does you think is the most dangerous to humans? Answer in the form of a properly
formatted paragraph, including a short works cited list for your sources. Print this on a
separate sheet with your name etc, so that it can be handed in.