SCIENCE EARTH SCIENCE VOLCANOES

Q: What happens when a volcano erupts?

A: Volcanoes erupt to release pressure built up in the magma chamber by expelling the magma as
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lava. Along with lava, a volcanic eruption releases ash and greenhouse gases such as sulfur
dioxide and carbon dioxide. CONTINUE READING

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How does a volcanic neck form?

What is a volcanic neck?
What causes a volcano to form?

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The intensity of a volcanic eruption depends on how viscous the magma is. If the magma is very
viscous, then the eruption tends to be more explosive, with rocks and ash shooting up several feet.
But if the magma is not viscous, the magma may gently flow out of the crater to form lava streams.
Some volcanic eruptions are accompanied by pyroclastic flows. A pyroclastic flow is a fast-moving
mass of hot gas and rock that flows down the side of the volcano. If ash is released during the
eruption, the heavier particles fall back to the ground. The ash is very dense, and if it accumulates on
roofs, the weight of the ash can cause the roof to collapse. The lighter particles remain suspended in
the air and can block out the sun. People living in areas surrounding a volcano can have difficulty
breathing during an eruption due to the ash suspended in the air. Greenhouse gases such as sulfur
dioxide and carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere and can condense as acid rain.
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Sources: edu4hazards.org

RELATED QUESTIONS

Q: What erupts from a volcano?

A: When a volcano erupts, magma from beneath the Earth is forced out of the volcano's mouth
in the form of molten lava. Large amounts of gases and ash can als... FULL ANSWER >

F I L E D U N D E R : VOLCANOES
 Q: What are the main features of a volcano?

A: The main features of a volcano include a vent, a summit crater and a magma chamber. The
vent is an opening through which volcanic material is erupted. Volc... FULL ANSWER >

F I L E D U N D E R : VOLCANOES

Q: What is a volcano?

A: A volcano is a place where molten rock seeps or erupts from beneath the crust. Most
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F I L E D U N D E R : VOLCANOES

Q: How are shield volcanoes formed?

Shield volcanoes form in areas where low viscosity magma comes to the surface as fast-
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F I L E D U N D E R : VOLCANOES

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