Classification of Volcanic Eruptions » Questions

Test your knowledge on the classification of volcanic eruptions in the following three questions.

Question 1 of 3

Order (drag-and-drop) the volcanic eruptions below by their relative explosive potential. 1 is Least Explosive, 4 is Most explosive.

  1.     Vulcanian
  2.     Plinian
  3.     Hawaiian
  4.     Strombolian

The correct sequence is:

  1. Hawaiian
  2. Strombolian
  3. Vulcanian
  4. Plinian

 

Question 2 of 3

Which factors contribute to the explosivity of volcanic eruptions? (Choose all that apply.)

The correct answers are a) and c).

A high-viscosity magma will retain the gases and increase the pressure. This increases the potential for explosive release. The size of lava clots and the height of the volcano do not contribute to the explosiveness of an eruption.

 

Question 3 of 3

What characteristics of Plinian eruptions make them so dangerous? (Choose all that apply.)

The correct answers are a), b) and c).

Large quantities of ash and gases as well as pyroclastic flows make Plinian eruptions dangerous. Answer d) is incorrect because huge clots of molten lava are associated with Hawaiian and Strombolian type eruptions.