Question 1: What is a stratovolcano?

Answer: A tall, conical volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash.

Question 2: Define 'pyroclastic flow' and explain its danger during eruptions.

Answer: A fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter that can destroy everything in its path during an eruption.

Question 3: Name two types of volcanoes based on eruption style.

Answer: Stratovolcanoes and shield volcanoes.

Question 4: What is the significance of the 'Ring of Fire'?

Answer: A major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to tectonic plate movements.

Question 5: Explain the term 'lahar' and its impact.

Answer: A destructive volcanic mudflow caused by the melting of snow and ice or heavy rain mixing with volcanic ash, which can bury communities.

Question 1: Which tectonic plate boundaries are most associated with volcanic activity?

Answer: Convergent and divergent boundaries

Question 2: Name the volcano in Italy that famously erupted in AD 79, destroying the city of Pompeii.

Answer: Mount Vesuvius

Question 3: What type of volcano is most likely to produce explosive eruptions?

Answer: Stratovolcanoes

Question 4: Describe the main process that causes a volcano to erupt.

Answer: The accumulation of magma in magma chambers increases pressure until it finds a way to escape through the volcano’s vent, resulting in an eruption.

Question 1: The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland caused widespread disruption to air travel. Based on the case, explain how ash clouds from volcanoes can impact human activities.

Answer: Ash clouds can block and damage aircraft engines, leading to flight cancellations and safety concerns. They also affect air quality, agriculture, and infrastructure around the volcano.

Question 2: Identify two social impacts experienced by communities near Mount Vesuvius during its eruption in AD 79.

Answer: The destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum, loss of life, and long-term displacement of residents due to the threat of future eruptions.

Question 3: Discuss the economic effects of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens on local communities.

Answer: Destruction of timber and infrastructure, loss of tourism, increased costs for disaster response and rebuilding, but also long-term economic recovery through hazard mitigation investments.

Question 1: Explain why stratovolcanoes tend to produce more explosive eruptions compared to shield volcanoes.

Answer: Stratovolcanoes are composed of more viscous magma that traps gases, leading to higher pressure buildup and more explosive eruptions. In contrast, shield volcanoes produce less viscous lava that flows easily, resulting in gentler eruptions.

Question 2: Analyse the reasons for the high frequency of volcanic eruptions along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Answer: The Ring of Fire coincides with major convergent and divergent plate boundaries in the Pacific Ocean, where subduction zones generate magma and volcanic activity. The dynamic tectonic interactions create frequent eruptions and earthquakes.

Question 3: Explain how volcanic landforms like calderas are formed.

Answer: Calderas form when a volcano's magma chamber empties rapidly during a large eruption, causing the ground above to collapse and create a large, basin-like depression.

Question 1: To what extent are current volcanic hazard mitigation strategies effective in reducing loss of life and property? Consider examples such as monitoring, evacuation plans, and land-use planning.

Answer: Effective mitigation strategies, including advanced monitoring systems like seismographs and gas sensors, have significantly reduced casualties in recent eruptions. Evacuation plans and land-use restrictions near high-risk zones help minimize losses. However, challenges remain in unpredictable eruptions and in regions with limited resources, making complete prevention impossible. Overall, mitigation measures are highly effective but require continuous improvement and community engagement.