Processes
Volcanism
Also Known As Volcanic Activity
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The eruption of solids, liquids, gases and their mixtures onto the surface of a planet or moon, driven by an internal heat source generated by processes such as radioactive decay or tidal heating. The heat partially melts solid material in the body or turns it to gas, and the mobilized material rises through the interior and may break through the solid surface.
Facts
TimescaleA single eruption can last hours to years, but a volcanic center or arc typically stays active over thousands to millions of years. 1 Driving ForceAs mantle rock rises and pressure on it drops, it partially melts, generating the magma that feeds volcanism and creates new oceanic crust. 2 Resulting FeatureVolcanism produces silicate lava flows, which on Earth solidify at around 1000 degrees Celsius into igneous rock. 1 SignificanceLarge volcanic eruptions can cool Earth's climate: ash and sulfuric acid droplets thrown into the atmosphere obscure the sun and lower tropospheric temperature. 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Hypothesized to explain anomalous volcanism such as hotspots and large igneous provinces.
Active volcanism is a part of many, but not all, active rift systems.
Causes
Formed when lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth.
A volcanic rock of extremely vesicular volcanic glass.
In Discipline
Sources
1. Volcanism (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead sectionQuote, Lead section
Volcanism, vulcanism, volcanicity, or volcanic activity is the phenomenon where solids, liquids, gases, and their mixtures erupt to the surface of a solid-surface astronomical body such as a planet or a moon.
1. Volcanism (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationTypes (lava temperature)Quote, Types (lava temperature)
Silicate lava flows, like those found on Earth, solidify at about 1000 degrees Celsius.
1. Volcanism (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationEarthQuote, Earth
Large eruptions can affect atmospheric temperature as ash and droplets of sulfuric acid obscure the Sun and cool Earth's troposphere.
2. Volcano (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationPlate tectonicsQuote, Plate tectonics
The decrease of pressure in the rising mantle rock leads to adiabatic expansion and the partial melting of the rock, causing volcanism and creating new oceanic crust.
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