Volcanic Landforms

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What is a volcano?

Back

A cone-shaped mountain formed by eruptions of magma through a vent.

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What is lava?

Back

Magma that has reached the Earth's surface.

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What is a Composite volcano?

Back

Tall, cone-shaped mountains in which layers of lava alternate with layers of ash.

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What is a Caldera?

Back

A large crater formed by the collapse of a volcano.

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What is tephra?

Back

Fragments of volcanic rock and ash ejected during an eruption.

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What is a Cinder Cone volcano?

Back

A type of volcano that is built from particles and blobs of congealed lava ejected from a single vent.

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What is a Shield volcano?

Back

A broad, domed volcano with gently sloping sides, formed by the eruption of low-viscosity lava.

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What is a vent in a volcano?

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An opening in the Earth's crust through which lava, ash, and gases escape.

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What is a fissure?

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A linear volcanic vent through which lava erupts, usually without explosive activity.

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What is a lava plateau?

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A flat, elevated area formed by the eruption of lava that spreads over a large area.