Volcano - Eruptions, Magma, Structure

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How volcanoes work, explained by a volcanologist

What it's like to visit an active volcano

Classify volcanic eruptions according to the physical and chemical properties of their magma

For Students

volcano summary

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The shape and size of a volcano are controlled by several factors. These include: The volume of material released in any one eruption can vary enormously from a few cubic metres of magma to as much as 3,000 cubic km (720 cubic miles). A series of small eruptions usually builds up mounds close to the vent, whereas large-volume eruptions tend to disperse their products over a greater distance. Effusive eruptions form lava plateaus or gently sloping shield volcanoes; moderately explosive eruptions form stratovolcanoes; and giant explosive eruptions form plateaus of lava or ash flows and almost always form a caldera ...(100 of 12070 words)

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