Volcanoes and Magma

Magma is the molten rock beneath the Earth's surface that can erupt onto the surface as lava.

Stratovolcanoes are known for their steep-sided cone shape and frequent eruptions.

Lava is the term for the solidified molten rock that flows out of a volcano.

Stratovolcanoes are formed by the accumulation of layers of lava and ash.

A caldera is a large, bowl-shaped depression formed by the collapse of a volcano.

Shield volcanoes are known for their broad, gently sloping shape and frequent eruptions of low-viscosity lava.

Tephra is the term for the fragments of rock and volcanic material ejected from a volcano during an eruption.

Cinder cone volcanoes are characterized by their steep-sided cone shape and eruptions of cinders and ash.

Lava is the term for the molten rock that erupts from a volcano.

Calderas are formed by the collapse of a volcano's central cone.

Eruption is the term for the process by which magma rises to the Earth's surface.

Calderas are characterized by a large, central crater and frequent eruptions of ash and gas.

Intrusive rock is the term for the solidified magma that forms beneath the Earth's surface.

Pyroclastic cones are formed by the accumulation of layers of pyroclastic material.

Intrusive rock is the term for the molten rock that cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface.