Learn More About Volcano Quiz
Quiz to determine knowledge of volcanoes. Types, locations, and eruptions are covered.
- 1.
The ancient Greeks believed volcanoes were the gods showing their power. What have scientists learned about volcanoes?
- A.
They really are related to supernatural activity
- B.
They are tunnels leading to the center of the Earth
- C.
They are always caused by transform plate boundaries
- D.
They are vents in the crust that let out molten rock, steam, and debris
Correct Answer
D. They are vents in the crust that let out molten rock, steam, and debrisExplanation
Scientists have learned that volcanoes are vents in the Earth's crust that release molten rock, steam, and debris. This understanding is based on extensive research and observation, which has allowed scientists to study the processes and mechanisms behind volcanic activity. Through the use of advanced technology and monitoring systems, scientists can track and predict volcanic eruptions, further deepening our knowledge of these natural phenomena. This knowledge has helped to debunk the ancient Greek belief that volcanoes are related to supernatural activity and has provided a more accurate understanding of their true nature.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The negative aspects of volcanoes are obvious in that they can cause much destruction and death, however there are positive aspects of volcanic eruptions. What are they?
- A.
Volcanoes provide valuable mineral deposits and fertilize the land.
- B.
Volcanoes can provide geothermal energy.
- C.
Volcanoes build new land in places like Hawaii.
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.Explanation
Volcanoes have both negative and positive aspects. While they can cause destruction and death, they also have positive effects. Volcanic eruptions can provide valuable mineral deposits and fertilize the land, making the soil rich and fertile. Additionally, volcanoes can provide geothermal energy, which is a renewable and sustainable source of power. Moreover, volcanic activity can lead to the creation of new land, as seen in places like Hawaii where volcanic eruptions have formed new islands. Therefore, all of the options mentioned above are positive aspects of volcanic eruptions.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Most volcanoes occur
- A.
At tectonic plate boundaries.
- B.
In high, folded mountain ranges.
- C.
In the mid atlantic ridge.
- D.
In the middle of tectonic plates.
Correct Answer
A. At tectonic plate boundaries.Explanation
Volcanoes occur at tectonic plate boundaries because these are the areas where the Earth's crust is either colliding, separating, or sliding past each other. This movement creates intense heat and pressure, causing magma to rise to the surface and form volcanoes. Volcanoes are commonly found along subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, as well as along divergent boundaries, where plates are moving apart. In these areas, the Earth's crust is more vulnerable to fractures and magma can easily reach the surface, resulting in volcanic activity.Rate this question:
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- 4.
75% of the worlds volcanoes occur in a region known as
- A.
The Bad Lands
- B.
The Ring of Fire
- C.
The Cascade Mountains
- D.
The Mid Atlantic Ridge
Correct Answer
B. The Ring of FireExplanation
The correct answer is The Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. It is a direct result of plate tectonics and the movement and collisions of lithospheric plates. This region is known for its high volcanic activity, with approximately 90% of the world's volcanoes located within it. The volcanoes in the Ring of Fire are a result of subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, causing intense volcanic activity and seismic events.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Island Arc volcanoes occur in the ocean when crust is subducted at
- A.
A divergent boundary lets magma rise to the surface forming new land.
- B.
A convergent boundary, melting part which rises back up forming volcanoes.
- C.
A transform boundary which causes earthquakes that crack the earth letting magma out.
- D.
The center of a plate where magma melts its way through the crust forming a volcano.
Correct Answer
B. A convergent boundary, melting part which rises back up forming volcanoes.Explanation
Island Arc volcanoes occur in the ocean when crust is subducted at a convergent boundary. This is where two tectonic plates collide, and one plate is forced beneath the other into the mantle. As the subducting plate descends, it heats up and releases water and other volatile substances. These substances cause the mantle above to melt, forming magma. The magma then rises through the overlying plate, eventually reaching the surface and forming volcanoes. This process is responsible for the creation of island arcs, such as the Japanese archipelago or the Aleutian Islands.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Hot spot volcanoes like Hawaii occur at
- A.
A divergent boundary lets magma rise to the surface forming new land.
- B.
A convergent boundary, melting part which rises back up forming volcanoes.
- C.
A transform boundary which causes earthquakes that crack the earth letting magma out.
- D.
The center of a plate where magma melts its way through the crust forming a volcano.
Correct Answer
D. The center of a plate where magma melts its way through the crust forming a volcano.Explanation
Hot spot volcanoes like Hawaii occur at the center of a plate where magma melts its way through the crust forming a volcano. Unlike other types of volcanoes that occur at plate boundaries, hot spot volcanoes are formed by a stationary plume of hot mantle material that rises through the plate. As the plate moves over the hot spot, magma is generated and rises to the surface, creating a volcanic island. This process continues as the plate moves, resulting in a chain of volcanoes. This explanation aligns with the information provided in the question.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Spreading center volcanoes have flowing lava that occurs when
- A.
A divergent boundary lets magma rise to the surface forming new land.
- B.
A convergent boundary, melting part which rises back up forming volcanoes.
- C.
A transform boundary which causes earthquakes that crack the earth letting magma out.
- D.
The center of a plate where magma melts its way through the crust forming a volcano.
Correct Answer
A. A divergent boundary lets magma rise to the surface forming new land.Explanation
Divergent boundaries occur when two tectonic plates move away from each other. This movement creates a gap where magma from the mantle can rise to the surface, forming new land. As the magma reaches the surface, it cools and solidifies, creating volcanoes and spreading center volcanoes. These volcanoes have flowing lava because the magma is able to reach the surface more easily due to the separation of the tectonic plates. Therefore, the correct answer is that a divergent boundary lets magma rise to the surface forming new land.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Subduction zone volcanoes occur when one plate is pushed down into the mantle by another at a convergent boundary. This causes
- A.
Rock layers to bend and break making folded mountain ranges
- B.
Melted rock to come up through the crust forming volcanoes.
- C.
Strike slip faults that cause many earthquakes and volcanic rifts.
- D.
Spreading centers where magma rises to the surface pushing plates apart.
Correct Answer
B. Melted rock to come up through the crust forming volcanoes.Explanation
When one tectonic plate is pushed down into the mantle by another plate at a convergent boundary, it creates intense heat and pressure. This heat and pressure cause the rocks in the subducting plate to melt. The melted rock, known as magma, is less dense than the surrounding rocks, so it rises towards the surface. As the magma reaches the crust, it can erupt through the surface, forming volcanoes. Therefore, the correct answer is that subduction zone volcanoes occur when melted rock comes up through the crust forming volcanoes.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Cinder cone volcanoes are
- A.
Large, steep volcanoes created by explosive eruptions that alternate with more gentle flows of lava.
- B.
Created by gentle flowing lava eruptions that build a shallow cone around the vent.
- C.
Created by repeated explosive eruptions that pile up cinders around the vent.
- D.
Created by random explosive or fountain eruptions, mostly at divergent boundaries.
Correct Answer
C. Created by repeated explosive eruptions that pile up cinders around the vent.Explanation
Cinder cone volcanoes are created by repeated explosive eruptions that pile up cinders around the vent. This is because cinder cone volcanoes are characterized by their steep slopes and conical shape, which are formed by the accumulation of loose volcanic fragments called cinders. These cinders are ejected during explosive eruptions and fall back to the ground, gradually building up the cone shape. The repeated explosive eruptions contribute to the growth of the volcano over time.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Strata, or composite volcanoes are
- A.
Large, steep volcanoes created by explosive eruptions that alternate with more gentle flows of lava.
- B.
Created by gentle flowing lava eruptions that build a shallow cone around the vent.
- C.
Created by repeated explosive eruptions that pile up cinders around the vent.
- D.
Created by random explosive or fountain eruptions, mostly at divergent boundaries.
Correct Answer
A. Large, steep volcanoes created by explosive eruptions that alternate with more gentle flows of lava.Explanation
Strata, or composite volcanoes, are large and steep because they are created by explosive eruptions that alternate with more gentle flows of lava. The explosive eruptions produce pyroclastic materials, such as ash, cinders, and volcanic bombs, which are ejected into the air and then fall back to the ground, building up layers over time. These layers of pyroclastic materials intermix with the more fluid lava flows, resulting in the characteristic steep profile of composite volcanoes. This alternating pattern of explosive and effusive eruptions also contributes to the formation of stratovolcanoes.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Shield volcanoes like Kilaueau are
- A.
Large, steep volcanoes created by explosive eruptions that alternate with more gentle flows of lava.
- B.
Created by gentle flowing lava eruptions that build a shallow cone around the vent.
- C.
Created by repeated explosive eruptions that pile up cinders around the vent.
- D.
Created by random explosive or fountain eruptions, mostly at divergent boundaries.
Correct Answer
B. Created by gentle flowing lava eruptions that build a shallow cone around the vent.Explanation
Shield volcanoes like Kilaueau are created by gentle flowing lava eruptions that build a shallow cone around the vent. This type of volcano is characterized by its broad, gently sloping sides and a relatively low-profile shape. The lava flows from the vent and spreads out in all directions, gradually building up the volcano over time. The lava is typically low in viscosity, allowing it to flow easily and cover large areas. This results in the formation of a wide, shield-like structure.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Volcanoes with LOW amounts of dissolved gas and LOW amounts of silica in the magma tend to be
- A.
Extremely explosive
- B.
Sometimes explosive and sometimes more gentle
- C.
More gentle, with flowing lava
- D.
Unpredictible, with any kind of eruption.
Correct Answer
C. More gentle, with flowing lavaExplanation
Volcanoes with low amounts of dissolved gas and low amounts of silica in the magma tend to be more gentle, with flowing lava. This is because the low gas content allows for the magma to flow more freely, resulting in a less explosive eruption. Additionally, the low silica content makes the magma less viscous, allowing it to flow more easily and creating gentle lava flows.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Volcanoes with HIGH amounts of dissolved gas and HIGH amounts of silica in the magma tend to be
- A.
Extremely explosive
- B.
Sometimes explosive and sometimes more gentle
- C.
More gentle, with flowing lava
- D.
Unpredictible, with any kind of eruption.
Correct Answer
A. Extremely explosiveExplanation
Volcanoes with high amounts of dissolved gas and high amounts of silica in the magma tend to be extremely explosive. This is because the high gas content creates pressure within the volcano, and the high silica content makes the magma thick and sticky. As a result, when the pressure is released, it causes violent and explosive eruptions, with ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and potentially devastating consequences.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Pyroclastic flows come from volcanoes with high amounts of gas and silica. These flows are
- A.
Mostly made up of fluid, flowing lava that runs downhill.
- B.
Really piles of cinders that roll down the slope and pile up at the bottom.
- C.
Very fine dust particles that just float into the air.
- D.
Hard fragments of rock and ash that roll down the volcano and are extremely dangerous.
Correct Answer
D. Hard fragments of rock and ash that roll down the volcano and are extremely dangerous.Explanation
Pyroclastic flows are composed of hard fragments of rock and ash that roll down the volcano, making them extremely dangerous. This is because these flows can reach very high speeds, reaching up to 700 km/h, and they can generate intense heat, as hot as 1,000 degrees Celsius. The combination of the velocity, heat, and density of the rock and ash fragments can cause significant destruction and pose a great risk to human life and infrastructure in the surrounding areas.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Volcanoes that are currently erupting are said to be active. Volcanoes that are not erupting, but that could be expected to erupt again are
- A.
Extinct
- B.
Subducting
- C.
Inactive
- D.
Dormant
Correct Answer
D. DormantExplanation
The correct answer is dormant. Dormant volcanoes are those that are not currently erupting but have the potential to erupt again in the future. They are in a state of temporary inactivity, but they still have a viable magma source and can become active again under the right conditions. Extinct volcanoes, on the other hand, are those that are not expected to erupt again as they no longer have a viable magma source. Inactive and subducting are not appropriate terms to describe volcanoes that could potentially erupt again.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Jan 17, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Feb 20, 2011Quiz Created by
Kymyers
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