Natural disasters can be different, but one of the most dangerous is rightfully recognized as a volcanic eruption. Up to ten such emissions occur on the planet every day, many of which people do not even notice.
What is a volcano?
A volcano is a geological formation located on the surface of the earth's crust. At crater locations, magma comes out and forms lava, followed by gases and rock fragments.
The stone giant got its name from the ancient Roman god of fire, who bore the majestic name of Vulcan.
Classification
Such mountains can be classified in several ways. So, for example, according to the form, these formations are divided into the following types:
- Shield.
- Stratovolcanoes.
- Slag.
- Conical.
- Dome.
Also, volcanoes can be identified based on their location:
- Ground.
- Underwater.
- Subglacial.
In addition, among the inhabitants there is another, simple classification, which depends on the degree of activity of volcanoes:
- Active. This formation is characterized by the fact that it erupted relatively recently.
- Sleeping volcano. This definition refers to a mountain that is currently inactive, but may erupt in the future.
- An extinct volcano is a tectonic formation that no longer has the ability to gush.
Why do volcanoes erupt?
Before dealing with the products that come out of the volcano during an eruption, you need to know what this terrible phenomenon is and what are its causes.
Under the eruption is meant the release of lava flows to the surface, which is accompanied by the release of gases and ash. Volcanoes erupt due to the large amount of substances accumulated in magma.
What comes out of a volcano during an eruption?
Magma is constantly under very high pressure, so gases always remain dissolved in it as a liquid. The molten rock, which is gradually pushed to the surface by the onslaught of volatile substances, passes through cracks and enters the rigid layers of the mantle. Here the magma is rushing out.
It would seem that there should be no more questions about what appears during a volcanic eruption, because magma turns into lava and pours onto the surface. However, on the veryIn fact, during the eruption, in addition to these components, many different substances can manifest themselves to the world.
Lava
Lava is the most famous product released during active volcanic activity. It is she who is most often pointed out by people, answering the question: “What comes out of a volcano during an eruption?”. A photo of this hot substance can be seen in the article.
Lava masses are compounds of silicon, aluminum and other metals. There is also an interesting fact associated with it: it is known that this is the only terrestrial product in which you can find all the elements that are in the periodic table.
Lava is hot magma that flows out of the crater of a volcano and heads down its slopes. During the ascent, the composition of the underground guest is constantly undergoing changes due to atmospheric factors. In addition, a large amount of gases that, together with magma, rise to the surface, make it bubble.
The average temperature of lava is 1000 degrees, so it easily destroys all obstacles in its path.
Wreckage
It is no less interesting to consider what comes out during a volcanic eruption, except for lava. In the midst of the process, huge debris is ejected to the surface of the earth, which scientists have called "tephra".
The largest fragments, nicknamed "volcanic bombs", are isolated from the total mass. These fragments are liquid products, which, during the ejection, solidify right in the air. The size of these stonesmay vary: the smallest of them look like peas, and the largest ones exceed the size of a walnut.
Ashes
Also, when answering the question "What comes out of a volcano?", one should not forget about the ashes. It is he who often leads to catastrophic consequences, since it is released even with a minor eruption that cannot harm people.
Small particles of ash spread through the air at great speed - up to 100 kilometers per hour. Naturally, a significant amount of this substance can get into the throat of a person during breathing, therefore, during an eruption, one should cover the face with a handkerchief or a special respirator. A feature of the ash is that it is able to cross huge distances even bypassing water and hills. These small particles are so hot that they constantly glow in the dark.
Gases
Do not forget that a large amount of gases comes out of a volcano during an eruption, among other things. The composition of this volatile mixture includes hydrogen, sulfur and carbon. Small amounts contain boron, bromic acid, mercury, metals.
All gases that are released from the mouth of a volcano during an eruption are white. And if tephra is mixed with gases, then the clubs acquire a black tint. Often, it is by the black smoke coming from the volcanic crater that people determine that an ejection will soon occur and that they need to evacuate.
In addition, you need to know what comes out of a volcano during an eruption, in addition to the above substances. It's a strong smell of hydrogen sulfide. So, for example, on some islands, the volcanic spirit extends for hundreds of kilometers.
Remarkable fact: a small amount of gas continues to be released from the mouth of the volcano for several years from the date of the eruption. At the same time, such emissions are very toxic, and when they get into the water with rain, they poison it and make it undrinkable.
