Parts of a Volcano
Volcano
A volcano is an opening in the
earth's crust through which magma is
released from the earth's inner layers.
Magma
Magma is melted rock formed in the outer
core of the earth. Magma occurs because the
extreme heat at the core of the earth melts rock.
When the rock melts, gas is produced. The gas
mixes with magma. The gaseous magma is lighter
than the rock of the mantle, so the magma rises
through the mantle to the crust of the earth.
Magma Chamber
The magma chamber is an area
in the crust layer of the earth
where the magma collects.
Lava
Lava is the name for magma which has
escaped the crust of the earth. Lava is
very hot when it erupts. Lava flows along
the surface of the earth. Fluid lava flows
quickly. Thick lava flows more slowly.
Lava Layer
Lava layer is the buildup of lava from
past eruptions. The lava layers form
the mound or cone of the volcano.
Volcanic Ash
Volcanic ash consists of larger particles
from the volcanic eruption. Volcanic ash
falls to the surface of the earth and sticks
together as rock. In rock form, the volcanic
ash is called volcanic tuff. Volcanic ash
can combine with steaming water
to form a boiling mudflow.
Volcanic Bomb
Volcanic bomb is the eruption
of large heavy fragments.
Volcanic Dust
Volcanic dust consists of very light
particles from the volcanic eruption.
Volcanic dust can be carried miles from
the eruption site or all around the earth.
Side Vent
The side vent is a hole at the end of
the central conduit. The magma, under
great pressure, moves from the magma
chamber up the side conduit. As the magma
nears the surface of the earth, the magma
releases gases. The magma and gas blast
out an opening at the end of the side conduit.
Central Conduit
The central conduit is a channel or pathway
from the magma chamber to the surface
of the earth. The hot magma melts or blasts
through the rock to the surface of the earth.
Gas
Gas pours out of a volcano during an
eruption. The gas is mostly steam. Most
of the steam comes from the magma. Other
gases that pour out are carbon dioxide,
nitrogen, and sulfer dioxide.
Eruption
Eruption is the expulsion of magma,
gas, and rock fragments from inside
the earth to the outside of the earth.
Side Conduit
A side conduit is a channel or pathway that
extends horizontally from the central conduit.
Side conduits are formed after the first eruption
of a volcano. The side conduit functions in the
same manner as the central conduit: the side
conduit releases magma to the surface of the earth.
Central Vent
The central vent is a hole at the end of
the central conduit. The magma, under great
pressure, moves from the magma chamber
up the central conduit. As the magma nears
the surface of the earth, the magma releases
gases. The magma and gas blast out an
opening at the end of the central conduit.
Rock Fragments
Rock fragments blasted from a volcanic
eruption are formed sticky magma. The gas
trapped in the sticky magma blasts the magma
into fragments, producing volcanic dust,
volcanic ash, and volcanic bombs.
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Montessori Geology
