Test: Volcanoes - Year 4 MCQ

Volcanic soils are considered fertile primarily because they are enriched with minerals from the weathering of lava and ash, providing essential nutrients for plant growth. This fertility supports agriculture in volcanic regions.

Most active volcanoes are located along tectonic plate boundaries, particularly in areas known as subduction zones, where one plate is forced under another. This is evident in regions like the "Ring of Fire."

Hot springs are formed when groundwater near a magma chamber is heated by volcanic activity and rises to the surface. They often create warm pools that can support unique ecosystems.

A batholith is a large igneous rock intrusion that forms deep underground when magma cools and solidifies. These formations can be exposed through erosion and are significant in understanding geological history.

A fissure volcano erupts through fissures or cracks in the Earth's surface, allowing lava to spread over a large area rather than building a conical shape. This can lead to extensive lava plateaus.

A lava plateau is formed by long-term volcanic activity where lava flows spread out over a vast area. This type of landform can cover extensive regions and is characterized by its flat terrain.

Volcanic eruptions are primarily caused by tectonic plate movements, which trigger the release of built-up pressure in magma chambers beneath the Earth's surface. As tectonic plates shift, they can create cracks that allow magma to rise and erupt.

Endogenic forces are those that originate from within the Earth and cause movements such as earthquakes and volcanic activity. They are responsible for shaping the Earth's internal structure.

A caldera is a large depression that forms when the summit of a volcano is blown off due to explosive eruptions. This feature can be quite large and often fills with water, creating a lake.

A geyser is a type of hot spring that periodically erupts with a fountain of hot water and steam, often due to pressure build-up beneath the surface. Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park is one of the most famous examples, known for its regular eruptions.

Mount Kilimanjaro is classified as a dormant volcano, meaning it hasn't erupted in a long time but could potentially become active again. Dormant volcanoes can remain "sleeping" for centuries.

A shield volcano is formed by large amounts of hot lava that spread out over a wide area, creating a gentle slope. Mauna Loa in Hawaii is a prime example of this type of volcano, known for its extensive lava flows.

One of the destructive effects of volcanic eruptions includes the loss of life and property due to lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and ash fall. These hazards can devastate nearby communities and environments.

The primary difference lies in their eruption history: active volcanoes have erupted recently, dormant volcanoes have not erupted for a long time but may still erupt, and extinct volcanoes are unlikely to erupt again.

A crater is the circular depression that forms at the top of a volcano, created by the explosive ejection of material during eruptions. It is often the site where lava and gases escape to the surface.

Common gases released during volcanic eruptions include sulphur dioxide (SO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), among others. These gases can have significant effects on air quality and climate.

Pyroclasts refer to solid rock fragments that are ejected during volcanic eruptions. These can vary in size from large boulders to fine dust, each contributing to the volcanic activity's impact on the environment.

Sedimentary rock is not a product of volcanic eruptions. It forms through the accumulation and cementation of mineral and organic particles, whereas pyroclasts, lava, and gases are direct products of volcanic activity.

The magma chamber is the underground reservoir that stores molten rock (magma) before it erupts. It is crucial for volcanic activity, as pressure builds up inside this chamber leading to eruptions.

A composite cone, also known as a stratovolcano, is formed from layers of lava and rock fragments that accumulate from many explosive eruptions. Mount Fuji in Japan is a classic example of this type of volcano.