Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Explain the process behind a volcanic eruption. Why are some eruptions explosive in nature? What makes Hawaiian volcanoes different from other Volcanoes?

Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,

1. Explain the process behind a volcanic eruption. Why are some eruptions explosive in nature? What makes Hawaiian volcanoes different from other Volcanoes? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to EarthInsights on India

Why the question:

Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, began sending up fountains of glowing rock and spilling lava from fissures as its first eruption in nearly four decades began on Nov. 27, 2022.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the volcanic eruption, science behind their eruption and different nature of Hawaiian volcanoes.

Directive word: 

Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context.

Body:

First, write about the process of volcano formation – A volcano is a vent (opening) in the earth’s crust through which molten material erupts suddenly from a magma chamber below the surface. Due to very high temperatures, some rocks slowly melt and turn into a thick flowing matter known as magma. Since it is lighter than the solid rock around it, the magma rises and gets collected in magma chambers which eventually pushes through fissures and vents on the earth’s surface.

Next, write about the factors that make volcanic eruptions explosive in nature.

Next, write about the factors that make Hawaiian volcanoes different than the rest.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.