A structured lecture on types of volcanoes and volcanic eruptions, including an
interactive activity and a multiple-choice quiz.
Lecture: Types of Volcanoes and Volcanic Eruptions
Introduction
Volcanoes are fascinating geological formations that result from the movement of
tectonic plates and the eruption of magma from beneath the Earth's crust.
Understanding the different types of volcanoes and their eruptions helps us appreciate
the dynamic nature of our planet.
Types of Volcanoes
1. Cinder Cone Volcanoes
o Description: Small, steep-sided volcanoes built from particles and blobs
of congealed lava ejected from a single vent.
o Example: Parícutin in Mexico.
2. Composite Volcanoes (Stratovolcanoes)
o Description: Large, symmetrical volcanoes with steep profiles, composed
of alternating layers of lava flows, volcanic ash, and other volcanic debris.
o Example: Mount Fuji in Japan.
3. Shield Volcanoes
o Description: Broad, domed-shaped volcanoes with gentle slopes, formed
by the eruption of low-viscosity basaltic lava.
o Example: Mauna Loa in Hawaii.
4. Lava Domes
o Description: Small, dome-shaped volcanoes formed by the slow eruption
of viscous lava.
o Example: Mount St. Helens' Lava Dome in the USA.
Types of Volcanic Eruptions
1. Icelandic Eruptions
o Description: Effusive eruptions with low-viscosity lava flowing from long
fissures.
o Example: Laki Fissure in Iceland.
2. Hawaiian Eruptions
o Description: Effusive eruptions with fluid lava flowing from a volcano's
summit and radial fissures.
o Example: Kilauea in Hawaii.
3. Strombolian Eruptions
o Description: Moderate bursts of expanding gases that eject clots of
incandescent lava.
o Example: Stromboli in Italy.
4. Vulcanian Eruptions
o Description: Short, violent, relatively small explosions of viscous magma.
o Example: Vulcano in Italy.
5. Pelean Eruptions
o Description: Explosive eruptions that produce pyroclastic flows.
o Example: Mount Pelée in Martinique.
6. Plinian Eruptions
o Description: Catastrophic eruptions characterized by the explosive
ejection of ash, pumice, and gases.
o Example: Mount Vesuvius in Italy.
Interactive Activity: Build Your Own Volcano
Objective: Understand the structure and eruption style of different types of volcanoes.
Materials:
Baking soda
Vinegar
Red food coloring
Dish soap
Clay or playdough
A plastic bottle
Instructions:
1. Construct the Volcano: Use clay or playdough to build a volcano around the
plastic bottle.
2. Prepare the Eruption: Fill the bottle with baking soda, a few drops of dish soap,
and red food coloring.
3. Erupt the Volcano: Pour vinegar into the bottle and observe the eruption.
Discuss how this simulates a volcanic eruption and relate it to the types of
eruptions discussed.
Multiple Choice Quiz
1. Which type of volcano is characterized by gentle slopes and formed by
low-viscosity lava?
o a) Cinder Cone
o b) Composite
o c) Shield
o d) Lava Dome
2. What type of eruption is known for producing pyroclastic flows?
o a) Icelandic
o b) Hawaiian
o c) Pelean
o d) Strombolian
3. Which volcano is an example of a composite volcano?
o a) Mauna Loa
o b) Parícutin
o c) Mount Fuji
o d) Stromboli
4. What type of eruption involves the explosive ejection of ash, pumice,
and gases?
o a) Plinian
o b) Vulcanian
o c) Hawaiian
o d) Icelandic
5. Which type of volcano is typically small and formed from particles and
blobs of congealed lava?
o a) Shield
o b) Composite
o c) Lava Dome
o d) Cinder Cone
