Physical Processes
Volcanism
Also Known As Vulcanism, volcanicity, or volcanic activity
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Volcanism is the eruption of molten rock, ash and gas onto the Earth's surface through vents where buoyant, gas-charged magma forces its way up from depth. Most of the roughly 1,350 potentially active volcanoes worldwide are concentrated along tectonic plate boundaries, especially the Pacific Ring of Fire, and take characteristic forms ranging from steep cinder cones built by explosive eruptions to broad shield volcanoes built from fluid lava flows.
Facts
Process Type TimescaleA single eruption can last days, months or years, while the growth of a volcanic edifice itself unfolds over thousands to millions of years. 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Demonstrated By
An active continental rift zone with ongoing volcanic activity along its length.
Shaped
A volcanic arc built by subduction-driven volcanism along the Pacific margin of South America.
Sources
1. United States Geological Survey
United States Geological SurveyPlate tectonics and people, This Dynamic EarthQuote, Plate tectonics and people, This Dynamic Earth
As with earthquakes, volcanic activity is linked to plate-tectonic processes.
1. United States Geological Survey
1. United States Geological Survey
United States Geological SurveyDemonstrated By: The Great Rift ValleyView the Source Volcanism (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead section, opening sentenceQuote, Lead section, opening sentence
Volcanism, vulcanism, volcanicity, or volcanic activity
Kilimanjaro (Volcano World, Oregon State University)
Oregon State University, Volcano WorldShaped: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro pageQuote, Shaped: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro page
Kilimanjaro is a giant stratovolcano reaching an elevation of 19,335.6 ft. (5,895 m).
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