Volcanology 101: The Birth and Study of Volcanoes

by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023

Volcanology 101: The Birth and Study of Volcanoes

Volcanology is the study of volcanoes, which are considered to be one of the great geological forces of the Earth. It is a branch of the Earth and Planetary Sciences and deals with various aspects of volcanism such as description of volcanic features, lava structure and composition, processes involved in eruptions, prediction of eruptions, hazards associated with volcanism, and so on. The development of volcanology as a scientific discipline made it possible to understand volcanic processes and to predict or mitigate their effects.

What Is Volcanology?

Volcanology is the scientific study of volcanoes, their eruption dynamics and volcanic hazards. It is a branch of the Earth and Planetary Sciences and deals with various aspects of volcanism and related phenomena. The scope of volcanology is very broad and includes topics such as the description of physical volcanic features, lava structure and composition, processes involved in eruptions, prediction of eruptions, eruption hazard assessment, the analysis of eruption deposits and the effects of eruptions on geomorphology and hydrology. Volcanology also includes studying of volcanic activity through the use of ground-based, airborne or satellite sensing techniques.

What Are Volcanoes?

Volcanoes are vents that form when molten rock or magma from deep within Earth’s mantle rises and erupts through the atmosphere. They are often, but not always, located at areas of seismic activity, known as fault lines, due to tectonic activities. Volcanoes generally form when plates beneath the Earth’s surface slip or move and decompress molten rock, called magma. Magma, a mixture of molten and solid rock, heat and gases, rises to the surface and erupts, spewing ash, gas, and lava.

Volcanoes Classification

Volcanoes are classified according to their shape and the type of material they erupted. There are three major types of volcanoes:

Shield Volcano: Shield volcanoes are the largest on Earth and form when molten basaltic magma moves slowly, giving it time to cool and solidify before it can reach the surface. Shield volcanoes have low, broad shapes.
Cinder Cone Volcano: Cinder cone volcanoes are smaller and steeper than shield volcanoes. They form from the accumulation of small, glassy fragments of lava (called cinders) near their summit.
Composite Volcano: Composite volcanoes are constructed from alternating layers of ash and lava. As the alternating layers of material are ejected, the volcano becomes larger and takes on a symmetrical shape with a central crater.

Volcanic Eruptions

Volcanic eruptions occur when molten magma and gases escape from the volcano’s vent. The type of eruption depends on the composition of the magma and the amount of silica it contains. The three main types of eruptions are:

Hawaiian-type Eruptions: Hawaiian-type eruptions involve the oozing of molten lava flows, such as the famous Kilauea volcanic eruption on the big island of Hawaii.
Explosive Eruptions: Explosive eruptions occur when magma contains large amounts of gas. The gas expands rapidly and can cause violent explosions, which result in the fragmentation of pyroclastic material (ash, cinders, lapilli and bombs).
Submarine Eruptions: Submarine eruptions occur underwater and are far less destructive, but can still disrupt shipping lanes and beach activities.

Dangers of Volcanic Eruption

Volcanic eruptions can be extremely dangerous and destructive. The primary hazards of volcanic eruptions are:

Lava Flows and Pyroclastic Flows: Lava flows are streams of molten material that can flow for miles and damage buildings and infrastructure. Pyroclastic flows are mixtures of hot ash, cinders, lapilli and bombs that move rapidly down the volcano’s slopes.
Toxic Clouds and Gas: Volcanic eruptions can eject large clouds of sulfur dioxide and other toxic gases into the air. These clouds can spread for hundreds of miles and cause respiratory problems and even death.
Volcanic Ashes: Volcanic ashes are a mixture of finely-grained material ejected from a volcano. They can result in extensive damage to vegetation, buildings and infrastructure, and can even cause long-term climate changes.
Lahars and Tsunamis: Lahars are rivers of mud and debris that can occur during or after a volcanic eruption. Tsunamis can occur if the eruption or landslides cause displacement of a large volume of water.

Volcanology as a Scientific Discipline

Volcanology as a scientific discipline has grown in importance in recent years due to the increased threats posed by volcanic eruptions. It is essential that we understand the processes involved in eruptions and how they interact with the environment to minimize their impacts. To this end, volcanologists have developed advanced methods of eruption hazard assessment, which has helped us to manage volcanic threats more effectively.

In order to study volcanoes, volcanologists use a range of techniques including field observations, remote sensing (satellite imagery), geophysical investigations and laboratory experiments. By combining all of these methods, volcanologists can gain a comprehensive understanding of the forces behind volcanic activity and its associated hazards.

Conclusion

Volcanology is a branch of the Earth and Planet Sciences and deals with the forces behind volcanic activity, its associated hazards and methods of eruption hazard assessment. It is an important scientific discipline as volcanoes are one of the great geological forces of the Earth, and understanding their behaviour can help us to better predict and mitigate the consequences of volcanic eruptions. By combining field observations, remote sensing, geophysical investigations and laboratory experiments, volcanologists can gain a comprehensive understanding of volcanic activity on Earth and its potential effects.