A volcanic eruption It is an emission of materials from the interior of the Earth such as lava, ash and toxic gases through volcanoes. It occurs when the magma inside the Earth increases so much in temperature that it rises, turning into lava and, finally, being expelled outwards. There are various types of volcanic eruptions that define the type of volcano such as Hawaiian, Vulcan, Strombolian, Plinian and Surtseyan or marine.
In the following EcologiaVerde article we will talk about the definition and types of volcanic eruptions, in a simple way to be able to understand their main characteristics and their differences.
What are volcanic eruptions
A volcano is a Geological formation cone-shaped with a hole or crater at its top. It is formed by the movement of the large plates that are under the surface of the earth, the tectonic plates. These always have movement, but when it is very strong earthquakes, cracks appear and, when a couple or more of these plates collide, mountains, islands and volcanic formations also appear. This responds to how volcanoes form, that is, they appear when the plates collide and cause the earth to rise, leaving channels and chimneys, through which the lava that forms from the magma inside the Earth then comes out. Read here about What is magma, types, where it is found and how it is formed.
The Volcanic eruptions, are the result of the increase in temperature and movement in the core of the Earth. As the usual temperature of magma increases greatly, it rises to the surface through channels and vents found in volcanoes.
Violence or the force of the volcanic eruption It is given by the temperature and acidity of the lava, by the gases emitted, by the level of silica in the lava, since the more silica it contains, the greater the explosion, and by the state of the chimney, since if the explosion is obstructed it will be more violent.
We also recommend you read these other articles on How volcanoes form and the Difference between magma and lava and watch this video about it.
Types of volcanic eruptions according to the volcano
Simply explained, there are different types of volcanoes depending on their shape, composition and the way in which their eruptions, explosive or milder, occur. Thus, the different types of volcanoes and types of volcanic eruptions They are known by the same name, for example, Hawaiian explosions correspond to Hawaiian-type volcanoes. These are the different types of volcanoes and eruptions:
- Hawaiian
- Strombolian
- Vulcanian
- Pliniana or vesuviana
- Fight
- Surtseyan or marina
In this other article you can learn about the different types of volcanoes, which can be classified according to their eruption but also according to their activity and shape.
Definition of volcanic eruptions according to their type
Next, we explain each of the types of volcanic eruptions with their definition, to easily learn to differentiate them well:
Hawaiian eruptions
Its about most common types of volcanoes and eruptions of the world and they are called like that because the volcanoes of Hawaii are like that. Its lava is very fluid and there are no large explosions because they hardly contain explosive gases, therefore, the magmatic lava overflows through the crater forming rivers of lava down the slope, which can travel great distances before cooling and hardening. Due to this form of eruption, these formations have a very gentle slope, since the lava materials when descending in this way form a volcanic cone with little slope.
Strombolian eruptions
The name of these eruptions is due to Stromboli, the volcano found in Lipari, Italy. Its lava is fluid and contains explosive and toxic gases, which produce violent explosionsAlthough no ash is produced, and they can last for years. When lava materials fall down the slope, they descend forming the cone, but they do not travel as much distance as in the case of Hawaiian eruptions, because it cools earlier.
Vulcan eruptions
This other type owes its name to Vulcano, another volcano that is in Italy. Its lava magma is viscous rather than fluid, so it hardens quickly. The eruption of this type of volcano occurs with fast and very loud explosions, with many gases and ashes. They are some of the most spectacular eruptions and can last several days or even months.
Plinian eruptions
Are very violent eruptions and his name is in memory of Pliny the Elder, who died in one of them. They are similar to the Vulcanians, but the Plinians have more violent explosions, because the pressure of the gases is much stronger, and they are usually shaped like a mushroom or mushroom. When the materials from the blast cool down, they form ash clouds that can completely cover entire cities. The volcano of Mount Vesuvius and what happened in Pompeii, which was buried by its ashes, are a clear example.
Fighting eruptions
In this eruption the lava is very viscous, so much so that it forms a plug in the crater and the pressure of the gases expels it violently, even breaking part of the crater. It can also happen that before the cap is raised, some part of the slope gives way and the lava is thrown out of the side. Its name comes from Mount Pelée, a volcano in the Antilles.
Surtseyan or submarines
They tend to go unnoticed when underwater, but in reality they are more frequent than the others. Its name is due to the fact that an eruption of this very important type happened in Surtsey, Iceland. In these cases, a cloud of water vapor and ash usually rises, which can be seen or not depending on the depth of the point where the eruption occurs and its strength.
Prevention measures in case of volcanic eruption
Volcanic eruptions can have serious consequences on a material, ecological and human level. That is why volcanic areas have to have planned the actions that must be carried out at the moment in which an eruption begins. Next, in Green Ecologist, we explain the series of measures to reduce the effects of volcanic eruptions:
- Establish escape routes.
- Identify the areas of influence of the volcano near our house.
- Cover window and door cracks with duct tape to keep ashes out.
- Cover the water tanks to avoid contamination.
- Have a kit with emergency supplies, such as a mask and an eye shield, ready.
- Stay informed and follow the instructions of the authorities and volcanologists.
Here you can meet some of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.
How to make a volcano for children step by step
One of the best ways for children to learn how volcanoes work Y how are volcanic eruptions is to do a fun and simple science experiment: make a volcano with simple materials.
Material
- 1 tall, slim bottle or bottle with cap
- Earth or sand
- ¼ cup of water
- ¼ cup of baking soda
- ¼ cup vinegar
Steps to make a volcano
- Find an area in your garden where you can make a small mountain of sand as tall as the bottle and shaped like a cone, leaving a hole in the center where the entire bottle has to fit.
- Aside, pour the water and bicarbonate into the bottle, mix well and close with the cap.
- Place the bottle on the volcano-shaped sand mountain.
- Open the bottle and pour in the vinegar little by little. Then you will see the reaction that simulates a volcanic eruption.
To better know how its structure is to build it and for the little ones to learn more and better, here you can read what are the different Parts of a volcano.
If you want to read more articles similar to Types of volcanic eruptionsWe recommend that you enter our Nature Curiosities category.
