There are numerous types of volcanoes depending on their origin, morphology and different types of eruptions. Eruptions depend on the size and shape of the volcano as well as the proportion that exists between the types of gases, liquids and solids that are released from the interior. Each type of eruption has different consequences both for the transformation of the surrounding ecosystem and for humans.
In this article we are going to explain to you what are the different types of eruptions, their main characteristics and their possible consequences.
What its a volcanic eruption
When we speak of volcanic eruption, we refer to all material that comes out from the top of a volcano. A volcano consists of the magmatic chamber where lava and all hot materials accumulate. These materials come from the earth's mantle and, in turn, from the core of the earth. Depending on the morphology of the magmatic chamber, certain materials accumulate that will subsequently release one or other gases. This chamber is located deep within the earth's crust.
Where the volcanic eruption happens is through the stay. The crater of a volcano is the opening of the highest part and is usually funnel-shaped. The materials and lava that are stored in the magma chamber are conducted into the crater through a conduit called a chimney.
Thus we can say that the volcanic eruption is the expulsion of all these materials that have accumulated in the magmatic chamber over time. There are different types of eruptions depending on the morphology of the volcano and the accumulated materials and gases. The activity of volcanoes is difficult to predict. There are numerous factors that are the determining factors of a volcanic eruption. Normally all volcanoes have periods of inactivity activity.
Some remain permanently with a very moderate activity reducing the negative impacts both on the surrounding ecosystems and on human risks. Those volcanoes that are dormant for centuries and erupt in more intense volcanic eruptions are the ones that can bring the most dangers to the population that has sat in villages around the volcano.
We are going to see what the types of eruptions are based on the gases, liquids and solids that they give off, as well as the shape and size of the volcano.
Types of eruptions
Hawaiian eruptions
These eruptions have as main characteristic fluid magma with basic composition. This is because mainly lava is made up of taller ones. These volcanoes are typical of oceanic islands such as the Hawaiian archipelago. Hawaiian eruptions have very fluid larvae and barely emit gases into the atmosphere. This makes them neither very dangerous nor explosive eruptions.
For a Hawaiian-type eruption to be seen, the volcano must have a shield shape and a low slope. The rate of ascent of the magma from the magma chamber is somewhat rapid, and runoffs arise intermittently.
The danger of these volcanoes lies in the fact that the lava, being so liquid, is capable of traveling distances of up to kilometers. Along the way, it can cause fires and destroy the infrastructure it passes through. To better understand this phenomenon, you can consult the article on why volcanoes erupt. In addition, you can learn more about volcanic activity in Indonesia to see more examples of eruption types in different contexts.
Strombolian eruptions
These eruptions have magma of the same composition as the previous one. That is, it is basaltic in nature and has a very fluid frost. Unlike the previous eruption, the magma rises more slowly and mixes with other gas bubbles that can rise up to 10 meters in height. Unlike the Hawaiian eruptions, these eruptions feature sporadic explosions.
Although they do not generate convective columns, the pyroclasts are ejected in ballistic trajectories and end up spreading throughout the area for a few kilometers around the crater. These explosions are not violent, so they pose little danger. They are capable of generating lava cones. If you would like to learn more about the relationship between earthquakes and eruptions, I invite you to check out the link.
Vulcan eruptions
We move on to one of the types of eruptions that is already having medium explosiveness. The origin of this explosion occurs when the volcanic conduits that are obstructed by frost are uncovered. The explosions occur at intervals of a few minutes to hours. They are common in volcanoes that emit magma that have an intermediate composition between acid and basic.
The columns do not reach more than 10 kilometers in height and the eruptions are considered to be of relatively low danger. One aspect worth highlighting is the effects of volcanic clouds that can be generated after this type of eruptions.
Plinian eruptions
It is one of the most gas-rich types of eruptions. These gases dissolve with the magma and cause its fragmentation into various pyroclasts. Pyroclasts are made up of pumice and ash. To all this mix of products is added the high speed of ascent through the chimney and the subsequent explosion. The eruptions are usually very stable in both volume and speed. Magmas are usually of high viscosity and of siliceous composition.
The risk is quite high because the mushroom-shaped eruptive columns reach heights well into the stratosphere. This is where significant ashfalls occur, affecting a radius of several thousand square kilometers. If you'd like to learn more about this, you can visit the link. One of the most prominent examples of this type of eruption is the Yellowstone supervolcano in the United States.
Surtseyan eruptions
These are the most explosive ones in which magma interacts with large quantities of seawater. The explosions are direct, and the contact between the lava and seawater produces large clouds of water vapor, a white color mixed with black clouds originating from basaltic pyroclasts. In this sense, it is important to understand how the Volcanic eruptions can generate tsunamis in areas near the sea.
Hydrovolcanic eruptions
They are those types of eruptions in which there is an intervention of the water. Lava is usually mixed with the water of the phreatic layer and induces the rise of magma through the chimney of the volcano. The explosions are low A and are produced in the rock above the magmatic heat source. They usually produce deflagration and other sludge runs.
As you can see, depending on the type of volcano, the size and the shape, there are different types of volcanic eruptions. I hope that with this information you can learn more about it.