Useful Links
Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Earth's Structure and Processes
Volcanology
1. Introduction to Volcanology
2. Plate Tectonics and Volcanism
3. Magma: Generation, Composition, and Properties
4. Volcanic Structures and Landforms
5. Eruptive Processes and Styles
6. Volcanic Products and Deposits
7. Volcanic Hazards and Risk Assessment
8. Volcano Monitoring and Prediction
9. Extraterrestrial Volcanism
10. Volcanoes and Society
Eruptive Processes and Styles
Drivers of Eruptions
Magma Buoyancy
Density Contrasts
Buoyancy Forces
Gas Exsolution and Expansion
Volatile Saturation
Bubble Nucleation
Gas Expansion
Magma Recharge
Fresh Magma Injection
Pressure Increase
Overpressure and Fracturing
Critical Pressure
Conduit Opening
Dike Propagation
External Triggers
Earthquakes
Rainfall
Tidal Forces
Classification of Eruption Styles
Effusive Eruptions
Characteristics
Low Gas Content
Low Viscosity
Gentle Outpouring
Associated Landforms
Lava Flows
Shield Volcanoes
Explosive Eruptions
Characteristics
High Gas Content
High Viscosity
Violent Fragmentation
Associated Landforms
Pyroclastic Deposits
Stratovolcanoes
Specific Eruption Types
Hawaiian
Features and Hazards
Lava Fountains
Lava Flows
Minimal Explosive Activity
Strombolian
Features and Hazards
Intermittent Explosions
Scoria and Bombs
Moderate Hazards
Vulcanian
Features and Hazards
Short-Duration Explosions
Ash Columns
Ballistic Projectiles
Peléan
Features and Hazards
Pyroclastic Flows
Dome Collapse
High Lethality
Plinian and Ultra-Plinian
Features and Hazards
High Eruption Columns
Widespread Ashfall
Pyroclastic Flows
Regional Impact
Surtseyan (Phreatomagmatic)
Features and Hazards
Magma-Water Interaction
Steam-Driven Explosions
Base Surges
Phreatic (Steam-Blast)
Features and Hazards
No New Magma
Hydrothermal Explosions
Localized Impact
The Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI)
Scale and Criteria
Eruption Column Height
Tephra Volume
Qualitative Descriptions
Examples of VEI Ratings
VEI 0-2 Examples
VEI 3-5 Examples
VEI 6-8 Examples
Limitations of VEI
Previous
4. Volcanic Structures and Landforms
Go to top
Next
6. Volcanic Products and Deposits