Volcanoes Eruption: Definition, Formation and Causes

A volcano is referred to as ruptures in the earth's crust that allow lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape by opening and exposing the magma inside. Volcanic eruptions are fuelled in part by dissolved gas pressure, similar to how escaping gases pull the cork out of a bottle of champagne. Liquid magma with dissolved gases rises through cracks in the Earth's crust beneath a volcano. The pressure falls as the magma rises, allowing the gases to form bubbles. Here, we will be discussing volcano eruption in depth along with some important questions.

Read more: Volcanism and Volcanoes

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What is Volcano Eruption?

A volcanic eruption occurs when elements within the Earth, such as hot lava, rocks, and dust, explode from a volcano in the form of an explosion. The volcano's side branches or upper part may erupt in an explosion. If large volumes of rock and volcanic ash begin to erupt, it might be dangerous. Many individuals are killed or injured in these types of explosions.

A volcano is an eruption-producing vent in the Earth's crust. There are around 1500 volcanoes on the planet that could be active. Volcanoes can spew hot, toxic gases, ash, lava, and rock when they erupt, causing catastrophic loss of life and property, especially in densely populated areas. Between 1998 and 2017, volcanic eruptions and wildfires impacted 6.2 million people and killed nearly 2400 people.

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How do Volcanoes Erupt?

It is so heated deep within the Earth that some rocks slowly melt and create lava, a viscous, flowing material. Magma rises and gathers in magma chambers because it is lighter than the solid rock surrounding it. Some of the magma eventually makes its way to the Earth's surface through vents and fractures. Lava is a term used to describe magma that has erupted.

Volcanic eruptions can be explosive or non-explosive. The explosivity of an eruption is determined by the magma's composition. Gases can quickly leave magma if it is thin and fluid. This form of magma flows out of the volcano as it erupts. The eruptions of Hawaii's volcanoes are a good illustration. Because lava flows slowly enough for humans to escape out of the way, they rarely kill anybody. Gases cannot easily escape magma that is viscous and sticky. The pressure grows until the gases violently escape and explode. The eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington is a good example. The lava bursts into the air and breaks apart into tephra during this sort of eruption. Tephra can range in size from microscopic ash particles to rocks the size of houses.

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Reasons behind Volcanoes Eruption

Below are the reasons behind volcanic eruptions:

• When magma, or molten rock, rises to the surface, volcanoes erupt. When the earth's mantle melts, magma is created.
• Melting can occur when tectonic plates separate or when one plate is forced beneath another.
• Because magma is lighter than rock, it rises to the surface of the Earth. Gas bubbles form inside the magma as it rises.
• Runny magma erupts from cracks or vents in the earth's crust and flows as lava onto the surface.
• Gas bubbles cannot easily exit thick magma, and pressure increases up as the magma rises.
• When there is too much pressure, an explosive eruption might occur, which can be both deadly and disastrous.
• When water beneath the surface mixes with hot magma and forms steam, an eruption can occur.
• This can lead to an explosion if enough pressure is built up.

Check Important Notes for Venturimeter

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Causes for Volcano Eruption

The rocks inside the Earth's mantle melt due to the tremendous temperature. However, its substance remained inside and grew in volume as it turned into a liquid. As it is thinner than the surrounding rocks, the material is light in weight. And as the thin lava can float, it rises to the surface of the crust. The magma gets to the surface and explodes if the density of the magma between the area of its production and the crust is less than the encased rocks.

Andesitic and rhyolitic components combine to generate magmas. They also contain dissolved volatiles such as water, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide. Experiments have shown that the amount of liquefied gas in magma under universal pressure is zero, but that it increases with increasing force. The solubility of water in magma decreases as it travels upwards.

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Things to Remember

• Volcanoes are craters on the surface of the Earth, which is derived from the word ‘Vulcan’.
• Volcanoes exist in three states: active, dormant, and extinct. Magma is the liquid that flows inside the volcano. The liquid that is ejected from the volcano is known as lava.
• Volcanoes can be found in another solar system as well. Around 1,500 active volcanoes may be found on the planet. Mauna Loa in Hawaii is the world's largest volcano.
• Volcanoes are commonly seen where tectonic plates collide.
• Between 1998 and 2017, volcanic eruptions and wildfires impacted 6.2 million people and killed nearly 2400 people.
• When magma, or molten rock, rises to the surface, volcanoes erupt. When the earth's mantle melts, magma is created.

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