Volcanoes

Formation

Volcanoes are a type of mountain, holding an opening or vent at the earth’s crust, where lava erupts to the surface. The most common method in which volcanoes are formed is the destructive plate process. Destructive plats form when two tectonic plates collide into each other, resulting in one sliding above and the other sliding under. This dissembles the mantle layer, triggering the magma underneath to boil and bubble, until it eventually saturates with gas. The magma rises through the Earth’s crust, creating a vent. Finally, a crater is formed when the magma excretes out.

Other Formation Methods

Constructive plate – The constructive plate formation method results when two tectonic plates move apart forming an opening pathway. The magma then rises to the Earth’s surface, solidifying and hardening at the top. The mountain crater is formed due to this.

Hot spots – Hot spot are formed when a stream of boiling hot magma rises upon the surface of the Earth’s crust, melting a hole at the surface of plate. This allows the magma to rise and mould the shape of the crater.

Diagrams

Destructive Plate Figure

Constructive Plate Figure

Hot Spot Figure

Examples of Volcanoes

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is an active volcano, although it has been dormant since the last eruption in 1707. It is located in Tokyo, Japan, and is the tallest volcano in Japan. It rises approximately 3,776 metres high.

Eyjafjallajökull

Eyjafjallajökull is an active volcano, meaning it can erupt in the future. The last eruption took place on April 14, 2010. Eyjafjallajökull is located in Iceland.

Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier is situated in the south-eastern area of South Australia. It is a dormant volcano, considering its last eruption was over 5,000 years ago. The rim of the volcanic crater is 190 metres and the volcano receives an average of 450mm-820mm rainfall per year.

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