The term 'volcano' originates from the Roman deity 'Vulcan,' the god of fire. This connection offers insight into the etymology of volcanic phenomena.
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Unveiling Volcanoes: Earth's Surface Rifts
Volcanoes, typically nestled within mountains, serve as openings in Earth's surface, enabling the release of gas, magma, and ash from beneath the crust.
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Tectonic Plates & Volcanoes
Volcanoes frequently emerge at intersections of 'tectonic plates,' which are Earth's surface fragments resembling a jigsaw puzzle, illustrating their pivotal role in volcanic activity.
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Mantle Plumes & Volcanoes
Volcanoes can form atop 'mantle plumes,' intensely hot zones of rock within Earth. Understanding these plumes sheds light on volcanic origins.
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Volcanic Risk: Population Impact
Roughly 350 million individuals reside within the 'danger range' of active volcanoes, indicating that one in 20 people inhabits areas susceptible to volcanic activity.
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Volcano Classification: Active, Dormant, Extinct
Volcanoes are categorised as active, dormant, or extinct based on their level of activity. 'Active' denotes regular eruptions, 'dormant' indicates recent activity with current quietness, and 'extinct' signifies long dormancy, unlikely to erupt again.
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Diverse Shapes Of Volcanoes
Volcanoes exhibit a range of shapes and sizes. The two primary types are composite, characterised by steep slopes and cone shape, and shield, featuring wide, gentle slopes.
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Magma Vs. Lava: Key Differences
Magma refers to molten rock inside a volcano, while lava is the term for magma once it exits the volcano. Understanding this distinction is crucial in studying volcanic processes.
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Scorching Lava Temperature
Volcanic lava can soar to temperatures of 1,250°C, capable of incinerating everything in its trajectory. Its extreme heat even surpasses the melting point of glass thermometers.
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Pompeii's Catastrophic Legacy
In A.D. 79, Mount Vesuvius engulfed the Italian town of Pompeii, preserving it under layers of ash. Today, this ancient site stands as a testament to history, drawing countless visitors to Italy.
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