Types of Volcanic Eruptions
This page delves into the two main types of volcanic eruptions: effusive and explosive. It provides a comprehensive comparison between these eruption styles, which is essential knowledge for students studying volcan effusif et explosif 4ème.
Effusive volcanoes primarily produce lava flows that destroy everything in their path. However, on volcanic islands, successive lava flows can actually enlarge the island over time.
Explosive volcanoes, on the other hand, eject ash and pyroclastic flows (clouds of ash and very hot gas) that cover the landscape. These eruptions are characterized by their extreme violence.
The page includes a detailed comparison table highlighting the differences between effusive and explosive volcanoes:
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Dangerosity:
- Effusive volcanoes: Not very dangerous
- Explosive volcanoes: Very dangerous, potentially causing thousands of casualties
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Products ejected by the volcano:
- Effusive volcanoes: Lava flows
- Explosive volcanoes: Projections, ash and rock plumes, pyroclastic flows
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Volcanic edifice:
- Effusive volcanoes: Lava cone
- Explosive volcanoes: Not specified in the image
Example: Hawaii's Kilauea is a classic example of an effusive volcano, while Mount Vesuvius in Italy is known for its explosive eruptions.
Definition: A nuée ardente, or pyroclastic flow, is a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter that flows down the side of a volcano during an explosive eruption.
Understanding these differences is crucial for assessing volcanic hazards and forms an important part of the cours sur le volcanisme pdf for 4ème students.
