Volcanism

Volcanism

Diagram illustrating the process of volcanism.

Volcanism is the phenomenon of eruption of molten rock (magma) onto the surface of the Earth or a solid-surface planet or moon, where lava, pyroclastics, and volcanic gases erupt through a break in the surface called a volcano.

Types of Volcanism

Volcanism can be classified into several types based on the nature of the eruptions and the types of volcanic structures formed.

Effusive Volcanism

Effusive volcanism is characterized by the outpouring of lava onto the ground. This type of volcanism typically forms shield volcanoes, which are broad, gently sloping landforms built by the accumulation of low-viscosity lava flows.

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Effusive eruption at Kilauea, Hawaii.

Explosive Volcanism

Explosive volcanism occurs when magma is violently fragmented and rapidly expelled from a volcano. This type of volcanism is associated with stratovolcanoes and can produce significant amounts of volcanic ash and pyroclastic flows.

Explosive eruption of Mount Sinabung, Indonesia.

Submarine Volcanism

Submarine volcanism occurs beneath the ocean and is responsible for the formation of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges. It can also occur at seamounts and oceanic islands.

Mud Volcanism

Mud volcanism involves the eruption of mud, water, and gases, often in areas of tectonic activity. These eruptions are not driven by magma but by the expulsion of fluids and gases from the Earth's crust.

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Mud volcano in Azerbaijan.

Volcanism on Other Planets

Volcanism is not limited to Earth and can be found on other planets and moons in our solar system.

Volcanism on Mars

Mars hosts the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons, which is a shield volcano.

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Olympus Mons on Mars.

Volcanism on Enceladus

Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, exhibits cryovolcanism, where water and other volatiles are expelled from the surface.

Cryovolcanism on Enceladus.

Recent Volcanic Events

Volcanic activity continues to shape the Earth's surface and impact human activity.

2022 Tonga Eruption

The 2022 eruption of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai volcano was a significant explosive event that had widespread atmospheric effects.

Eruption of the Tonga volcano in 2022.

Related Pages

• Volcano
• Lava
• Pyroclastic flow
• Tectonic plate
• Ring of Fire