Introduction
Volcanism includes all the phenomenon associated with movement of molten material
from the interior of the earth to the surface. In other words, it can be said to embrace all
the activities and processes by which gaseous, liquid and solid substances of internal
origin are ejected onto the surface.
Processes
There are three main processes:
1. Generation of Magma- When rocks in the Earth's mantle and crust melt due to a
decrease in pressure, an increase in temperature, or a change in composition, it leads
to generation of magma. This molten rock is less dense than the surrounding solid
rock, causing it to rise towards the surface.
2. Intrusion of Masses present in the Magma- When magma, the molten rock beneath
the Earth's surface, intrudes into existing rock formations, it can incorporate
fragments of the surrounding rock. These fragments, known as xenoliths, provide
valuable insights into the composition and evolution of the Earth's crust and mantle.
3. Extrusion of Molten Material onto the surface- It is the oozing out of the molten
materials, the magma from the crust by either simple and quiet activity or by forceful
explosive volcanic eruptions.
Magma and Lava
The term magma is derived from a Greek word which means kneaded mixture, like a
paste. Magma is any hot mobile material within the earth that is capable of penetrating
into or through the rocks of the crust.
The main di erence between magma and lava is that when the material material remains
inside the earth’s crust it is called magma but when it emerges out and starts to cool
rapidly it is known as lava. Both magma and lava essentially have the same composition
except for some minor variations that occurs due to chemical reactions of the volatile
compounds in the magma once exposed to air and moisture.
There are generally three types of magma or lava on the basis of their composition:
1. Tholeiitic- mostly consists of basalt, less viscous and more uid, smooth texture. High
temperature above 1000*C.
2. Rhyolitic- high silica content, more viscous and explosive due to presence of high
pressure gases. Lowest temperature compared to the other’s ranging from 650-800*C
3. Andesitic- both basalt and silica content, intermediately viscous. Temperature ranging
between 800-1000*C.
Distribution
1. Volcanic Ridges: associated with worldwide system of oceanic ridges, continuous and
invisible, forms crust below ocean, tholeiitic lava. Eg- Mid Atlantic Ridges, East Paci c
Rise, Ridges encircling the Antarctica.
2. Volcanic Arcs: comprises of island arcs and associated volcanic activities, active
volcanoes evenly spread at an average 50-60km within nearly straight volcanic
segments. Eg- Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Indian Oceanic Girdle.
3. Volcanic Chains: straight line of volcanoes within post tectonic stage fold mountains,
active volcanoes occur singly within inactive belts at average spacing of 80km,
andesitic lava. Eg- Andes of South America, Western USA, Mexico.
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4. Volcanic Clusters: found either in the middle of oceans or deep inside continental
mainland. Eg- Galapagos and Mauritius in ocean, Ethiopia and East African Rift Valley
in continental.
5. Volcanic Lines: lines of dominantly extinct volcanoes and seamounts linearly
arranged. Eg- Hawaiian Emperor Seamount Chain, Austral Marshall Gilbert Chain.
Phenomenon Associated with Volcanism
1. Hot Springs- associated with volcanic activity of recent dates, surface water heated
by contact with hot rocks or by gaseous emanations.
2. Fumaroles- jets of steams and hot gases discharged from volcanic vent, often deposit
solid materials near the vent.
3. Geysers- fountains of hot water ejected periodically, often rise to 30-60 meters. Eg-
Yellow Stone National Park (USA).
4. Mud Volcano- hydrocarbon gases, muddy saline water and traces of petroleum
discharged from cones of dried mud, occur usually near oil elds and do not show
actual connections to volcanic activities.
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