Chapter 6.1, Problem 1BYL

To determine

The diagnostic characteristics of a volcano.

Answer to Problem 1BYL

The top part of volcanoes are characterized by circular depression. In addition, various features such as fissures, calderas, and craters also constitute a volcano.

Explanation of Solution

A volcano can be defined as a vent through which magma and other volcanic products are erupted onto the surface of the Earth. Most of the volcanoes are characterized by a depression at the top portion, which is roughly circular in shape. It is composed of volcanic rocks generated due to the crystallization of lava, pumice, volcanic ash, and other products that are formed from volcanism.

In addition, magma can erupt from fairly liner cracks known as fissures and large depressions known as calderas. Most volcanoes show evidence of being active during the last hundreds to million years or even during the last days and it can be a layer of volcanic ash that is present on the hillslopes or lava and ash flows that are comparatively un-weathered or the absence of a well-developed soil. Over time, volcanoes and volcanic craters are destroyed due to erosion and as a result, they become less evident.