EARTH SCIENCE WITH SEAN
Volcanoes
OBJECTIVES
01 02 03
Students will be able to Students will be able to Students will be able to
identify the different parts describe the three explain one positive and
of a volcano, from the common types of one negative impact of
crater to the lava. volcanoes. volcanoes.
Volcano
Volcanoes are fascinating geological features
that are formed when molten rock, ash, and
gas escape from the Earth's surface.
They can be found all around the world and
come in many different shapes and sizes.
Some volcanoes are active and erupt
frequently, while others are dormant or extinct
and haven't erupted in many years or even
thousands of years.
Parts of a Volcano
The Magma
Crater Chamber
This is a bowl- This is a large
shaped depression underground
at the top of the cavity or reservoir
volcano that forms where molten rock
when the summit (magma) is stored
collapses after an before it erupts.
eruption.
Parts of a Volcano
Conduit
This is a long, narrow channel that connects
the magma chamber to the surface of the
volcano. Magma rises through the conduit
and erupts.
Fumarole
This is a vent on the surface of the volcano
that emits steam, gas, and other materials.
Fumaroles are found near the summit.
Types of Volcanoes
Shield Volcanoes
These volcanoes have a broad, gently sloping cone
shape, similar to a warrior's shield laid on the ground.
They are formed by numerous lava flows that spread
out in all directions from a central vent.
Shield volcanoes typically have non-explosive
eruptions and produce thin, runny lava that flows for
long distances.
Types of Volcanoes
Stratovolcanoes
These are tall, steep-sided volcanoes with a classic,
cone-shaped appearance. They are formed by
alternating layers of lava, ash, and other volcanic
debris.
Stratovolcanoes can have explosive or non-explosive
eruptions and are known for their powerful
explosions and pyroclastic flows.
Types of Volcanoes
Cinder Cones
These are small, steep-sided volcanoes made up of
loose, pyroclastic material such as ash, cinders, and
volcanic bombs.
They are usually formed by explosive eruptions
that eject the material from a single vent, piling it
up around the vent.
Impacts of Volcanoes
Property damage Water Pollution
Volcanic eruptions can cause significant Volcanic eruptions can also release
property damage, particularly if they ash and other materials into bodies of
produce lava flows, pyroclastic flows, or water, which can kill fish and other
lahars. These can destroy buildings, aquatic life, and contaminate drinking
infrastructure, and agricultural land. water supplies.
Impacts of Volcanoes
Soil Fertility Geothermal Energy
Volcanic ash is rich in minerals and can Volcanic activity can produce
provide a nutrient-rich soil for plant geothermal energy, which can be
growth. For example, the volcanic soils harnessed for electricity generation
have been known to produce highly and heating. This can provide a clean
productive agricultural land. and sustainable source of energy.
Thank You!
Experiment Time!
You’ll need:
Large cardboard boxes or construction
paper (enough for groups of 3-4)
Playdough or modeling clay in various
colors (red, orange, brown, black, grey)
Baking soda
Vinegar
Liquid dish soap (optional, for a more
realistic flow)
Small plastic cups or spoons
Newspaper or plastic tablecloth (to
protect surfaces)
Experiment Time!
Follow these steps:
1. Group Up: Divide the class into groups of 3-4 students. 4. Eruption Preparation:
In the magma chamber, add a spoonful of baking
2. Volcano Construction: Each group gets a box. Cut the soda.
top off the box to create a volcano shape with a crater Outside the volcano, students can use brown, red,
opening. Students can decorate the outside with markers and orange playdough to create different lava flows
or crayons to represent mountains and vegetation. coming down the sides.
3. Magma Chamber: Inside the volcano, have students 5. Eruption Time: Carefully pour a small amount of
create a small hollow space using playdough or vinegar mixed with a few drops of dish soap into the
modeling clay to represent the magma chamber where magma chamber. Observe the eruption! The baking soda
hot molten rock is stored. and vinegar will react, causing a fizzy eruption.
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