Volcano
Volcano
Volcano (/vɒlˈkeɪnoʊ/; from the Latin vulcanus, named after the Roman god of fire, Vulcan) is a rupture in the crust of a planetary-mass object, such as Earth, that allows hot lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape from a magma chamber below the surface.
Etymology
The term "volcano" originates from the name of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. The island of Vulcano in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Sicily was named after him, and it was thought to be the chimney of the forge of Vulcan.
Types of Volcanoes
There are several types of volcanoes, including stratovolcanoes, shield volcanoes, lava domes, and cinder cones. Each type has unique characteristics and can produce different types of eruptions.
Volcanic Activity
Volcanic activity is classified into three groups: active, dormant, and extinct. An active volcano is one that has erupted recently or is expected to erupt in the near future. A dormant volcano is one that has not erupted for a long time but could erupt again. An extinct volcano is one that has not erupted for thousands of years and is unlikely to erupt again.
Volcanic Hazards
Volcanoes can pose many hazards, including volcanic ash, pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and volcanic gases. These hazards can cause damage to infrastructure, harm human health, and disrupt air travel.
Related Terms
- Magma: Molten rock beneath the Earth's surface.
- Lava: Molten rock that has erupted onto the Earth's surface.
- Tephra: Solid material ejected into the air during a volcanic eruption.
- Caldera: A large, bowl-shaped depression formed by the collapse of a volcano.
- Volcanology: The study of volcanoes and volcanic phenomena.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Volcano
- Wikipedia's article - Volcano
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