Volcano

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Volcanos)

Volcano

A volcano is a rupture in the crust of a planetary-mass object, such as Earth, that allows hot lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape from a magma chamber below the surface.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The word volcano is derived from the name of Vulcano, a volcanic island in the Aeolian Islands of Italy whose name in turn comes from Vulcan, the god of fire in Roman mythology.

Plate tectonics[edit | edit source]

Volcanoes are usually located where tectonic plates are diverging or converging. A mid-oceanic ridge, for example, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, has examples of volcanoes caused by divergent tectonic plates pulling apart.

Types of volcanoes[edit | edit source]

Volcanoes can be described as either active, dormant, or extinct. An active volcano is one that has had an eruption in the past 10,000 years. A dormant volcano is one that has not erupted in the past 10,000 years, but which is expected to erupt again. An extinct volcano is one that scientists consider unlikely to erupt again.

Volcanic features[edit | edit source]

The features of volcanoes are much more complicated and their structure and behavior depends on a number of factors. Some volcanoes have rugged peaks formed by lava domes rather than a summit crater, whereas others present landscape features such as craters and vents.

Volcanic activity[edit | edit source]

Volcanic activity can be of three types: explosive, effusive, or a mixture of these two.

Volcanic effects[edit | edit source]

Volcanic eruptions can cause earthquakes, fast floods, mud slides, and rock falls. Longer-term effects can include changes to the climate and even mass extinctions of species.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Volcano Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD