Formation and types of Volcanoes
FORMATION OF VOLCANOES : A volcano is an opening in the Earth's crust that allows hot, molten rock (magma), volcanic ash, and gases to escape from the mantle. The mantle is the layer of hot, solid rock that lies between the Earth's crust and the core. When magma reaches the surface, it is called lava. Volcanoes are found all over the world, but they are most common along the edges of tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are large pieces of Earth's Crust that are constantly moving. When two tectonic plates move apart or diverge in two different directions, magma can rise up to mantle and fill the gap between the spaces. This is how volcanoes are formed at mid- oceanic ridges. When two tectonic plates come together, one plate may be forced down into the mantle. As the plate sinks, it heats up and releases water vapor and other gases. These gases can cause the magma in the mantle to rise up and erupt through the Earth's Crust. This is how volcanoes are formed at Subduction ...