Discuss the main landforms formed by volcano?
Volcanoes are natural geological formations that occur when molten rock, ash, and gases erupt onto the Earth's surface. These eruptions can create a variety of landforms that shape the Earth's landscape. Here are some of the main landforms formed by volcanoes:
1. Volcanic Cones:
- Volcanic cones are the most common landforms created by volcanic activity.
- They are formed when lava and other volcanic materials build up around the vent of a volcano.
- The shape and size of volcanic cones can vary depending on the type of eruption and the composition of the lava.
2. Calderas:
- Calderas are large, basin-shaped depressions that form when a volcano collapses after a massive eruption.
- These eruptions can completely empty the magma chamber beneath the volcano, causing the summit to collapse inward.
- Calderas can be several kilometers in diameter and can often be filled with water to form lakes.
3. Lava Plateaus:
- Lava plateaus are extensive flat or gently sloping landforms created by successive volcanic eruptions.
- They are formed when large amounts of highly fluid lava flow out of the volcano and spread over a wide area.
- Over time, the lava cools and solidifies, creating a thick layer of basaltic rock.
4. Fissure Vents:
- Fissure vents are long, narrow cracks in the Earth's crust through which lava erupts.
- They can be several kilometers long and are often associated with shield volcanoes.
- Fissure eruptions can create extensive lava flows that cover vast areas.
5. Volcanic Domes:
- Volcanic domes are rounded, steep-sided mounds that form when highly viscous lava erupts.
- The lava is too thick to flow far from the vent, so it piles up around the vent forming a dome-shaped landform.
- Volcanic domes are often associated with explosive eruptions and can be found on the flanks of stratovolcanoes.
6. Tuff Rings:
- Tuff rings are circular or horseshoe-shaped landforms that form when explosive volcanic eruptions occur in water or wet environments.
- The explosive eruption creates a ring-shaped crater, and the ejected volcanic materials, such as ash and rock fragments, settle around the crater forming a tuff ring.
These are just a few examples of the landforms created by volcanic activity. Each volcanic eruption is unique and can result in a variety of landforms depending on factors such as the type of volcano, the composition of the magma, and the surrounding geological conditions. Volcanic landforms not only shape the Earth's surface but also play a crucial role in the formation of soils, the distribution of minerals, and the development of ecosystems.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.