Source : Volcanoes (A Firefly Guide) isbn 1-55297-683-1
To understand the cause of volcano eruptions it is first necessary to define the elements of a volcanic system.
A volcano is composed of three basic elements. A vent through which volcanic material erupts, the conduit which is the passage way allowing the magma to reach the surface, and the reservoir or magma chamber deep in the crust of the Earth.An eruption simply takes place when the magma stored in the reservoir reaches sufficient pressure to overcome the resistance of the rock that forms the roof of the magma chamber.
Many things can cause this change in pressure to occur including earthquakes, plate movement in the Earth, melting glaciers, changes in tide and rainfall.
Underwater volcanic activity emits from three to five times the material as does surface vulcanism.
Source : Volcanoes (A Firefly Guide) isbn 1-55297-683-1
Costa Rica's Arenal volcano is in a constant state of eruptive activity and has been since 1968. The hot springs from the volcano are one of the most popular tourist attractions combined with the lush gardens and rainforest surrounding it.
Costa Rica's Poas volcano, although not continually active, produces steamy geysers that have shot a full mile high! Poas contains one of the largest crater lakes in the world and looks more like the Moon than Central America.
| More Volcano links 3 Types of Volcanos Volcano Vocabulary Volcano Eruptions (This page) |
Costa Rica volcano links Arenal volcano Poas volcano Rincón de la Vieja Costa Rica volcanos |
