Question 1: What is a 'vent' in the context of a volcano?

Answer: An opening through which volcanic materials are expelled.

Question 2: Define 'pyroclastic flow'.

Answer: A fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter.

Question 3: What is the difference between an active and dormant volcano?

Answer: Active volcanoes are currently erupting or show signs of activity; dormant volcanoes have not erupted recently but may erupt in the future.

Question 4: Name the tectonic boundary where most volcanoes are found.

Answer: Convergent and divergent plate boundaries.

Question 5: Give an example of a stratovolcano.

Answer: Mount Vesuvius.

Question 1: Where is Mount Vesuvius located?

Answer: Italy

Question 2: What type of volcano is Eyjafjallajökull?

Answer: Stratovolcano

Question 3: Name the main gases emitted during a volcanic eruption.

Answer: Water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide.

Question 4: Which volcanic hazard caused the destruction of Pompeii?

Answer: Pyroclastic flows

Question 1: Describe the main impacts of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

Answer: The eruption destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, causing approximately 16,000 deaths, burying the towns under ash and pyroclastic flows, and causing long-term economic and social disruption.

Question 2: Identify two challenges faced by emergency services during the Mount Vesuvius eruption.

Answer: Limited warning systems at the time, difficulty evacuating residents in time, and managing the pyroclastic flows and ash fall.

Question 3: Explain why Mount Vesuvius remains a threat today despite its long period of dormancy.

Answer: Mount Vesuvius is classified as an active volcano with a history of eruption, situated near densely populated areas like Naples, making future eruptions a significant risk due to its potential for explosive activity and pyroclastic flows.

Question 1: Analyse the primary causes of explosive eruptions in stratovolcanoes like Mount Vesuvius.

Answer: Explosive eruptions are caused by high-viscosity magma that traps gases, leading to pressure build-up within the volcano. When the pressure exceeds the strength of the overlying rocks, it results in a violent explosion, releasing ash, gases, and pyroclastic material. This process is typical at convergent plate boundaries where subduction generates magma with high gas content.

Question 2: Explain the pattern of volcanic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Answer: The Pacific Ring of Fire exhibits a high concentration of active volcanoes along subduction zones surrounding the Pacific Plate, such as in Indonesia, Japan, and Alaska. These areas experience frequent eruptions due to ongoing subduction processes, high magma production, and tectonic plate movements.

Question 1: To what extent are current monitoring and evacuation strategies effective in reducing casualties from volcanic eruptions like Eyjafjallajökull?

Answer: Current monitoring strategies, including seismic activity detection, gas emissions, and satellite observations, significantly improve early warning systems. Evacuation plans and public education further reduce risks. However, challenges remain in predicting the exact timing and magnitude of eruptions, especially in remote areas. In the case of Eyjafjallajökull, despite effective alerts, ash cloud disruptions highlight the importance of international cooperation and technological advancements. Overall, while strategies are improving, complete prevention of casualties is not guaranteed, emphasizing the need for continued investment and research.