Question

Answer in detail:

Write a note on volcanic materials

Answer 1

There are three main types of material that come out in volcanic eruptions namely liquid, solid, and gaseous form.

1) Liquid material :

1. It is the molten rock material. When the molten rock material is below the earth's surface, it is called 'Magma'.
2. When it appears on the surface it is called 'lava'. On the basis of the percentage of silica, it is classified as:

Acidic lava:

• It contains a higher percentage of silica.
• It has a high melting point. 
• It is thick, fluid, and moves slowly.

Basic lava:

• It contains less percentage of silica.
• It has a low melting point.
• It's thicker, fluid, and can flow over longer distances.

2) Solid material:

• It consists of dust particles and rock fragments.
• When the material is very fine, it is called volcanic dust.
• The small-sized solid particles are called ash.
• The solid angular fragments are known breccias.
• Sometimes, the lava material thrown into the air solidifies into small fragments before falling on the earth's surface; it is called volcanic bombs.

3) Gaseous material:

• At the time of the volcanic eruption, a dark cloud of smoke can be seen over the crater.
• On the basis of shape, the cloud is called the cauliflower cloud.
• Various inflammable gases are found in these clouds.
• These gases produce flames.