About this Study Set
This study set covers Volcanology through
25 practice questions.
An introductory look at the science of volcanoes, plate tectonics, and eruptions. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.
Questions & Answers
Browse all 25 questions from the
Volcanology Basics for Students study set below.
Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.
1
What is the molten rock called while it is still beneath the Earth's surface?
-
A
Lava
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B
Magma
-
C
Ash
-
D
Tephra
2
Which of the following is a wide, gently sloping volcano formed by thin, runny lava flows?
-
A
Shield volcano
-
B
Cinder cone
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C
Stratovolcano
-
D
Lava dome
3
What is the name of the tectonic region surrounding the Pacific Ocean known for frequent volcanic activity?
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A
The Atlantic Ridge
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B
The Ring of Fire
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C
The Mid-Ocean Belt
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D
The Alpine Fault
4
Which volcanic feature is formed when the top of a volcano collapses after an eruption?
-
A
Vent
-
B
Fissure
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C
Caldera
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D
Crater
5
What is the term for a volcanic hazard consisting of a fast-moving current of hot gas and rock?
-
A
Lahar
-
B
Pyroclastic flow
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C
Tsunami
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D
Lava fountain
6
Which gas is most commonly emitted in large quantities by active volcanoes?
-
A
Oxygen
-
B
Nitrogen
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C
Water vapor
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D
Helium
7
What type of rock is formed when volcanic lava cools and solidifies?
-
A
Sedimentary
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B
Metamorphic
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C
Igneous
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D
Limestone
8
A 'Lahar' is specifically defined as what type of volcanic hazard?
-
A
A flow of mud and volcanic debris
-
B
An earthquake triggered by magma
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C
A cloud of toxic sulfur gas
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D
A large ocean wave
9
Which instrument is primarily used by scientists to detect volcanic earthquakes?
-
A
Barometer
-
B
Seismograph
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C
Thermometer
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D
Anemometer
10
What is the most common material ejected during an explosive volcanic eruption?
-
A
Solid gold
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B
Volcanic ash
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C
Liquid iron
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D
Frozen water
11
What do geologists call a volcano that is not currently erupting but is expected to erupt again in the future?
-
A
Extinct
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B
Dormant
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C
Active
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D
Defunct
12
Which type of volcano is typically symmetrical, cone-shaped, and built of alternating layers of lava and ash?
-
A
Composite volcano
-
B
Shield volcano
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C
Cinder cone
-
D
Fissure vent
13
What is the name of the opening in the Earth's crust through which volcanic materials reach the surface?
-
A
Conduit
-
B
Vent
-
C
Magma chamber
-
D
Fissure
14
Which state in the United States is famous for its massive shield volcanoes, such as Mauna Loa?
-
A
California
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B
Alaska
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C
Hawaii
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D
Washington
15
What is the name of the study of volcanoes and volcanic phenomena?
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A
Seismology
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B
Volcanology
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C
Meteorology
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D
Hydrology
16
Small, steep-sided volcanoes built entirely from loose volcanic fragments are known as:
-
A
Cinder cones
-
B
Shield volcanoes
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C
Stratovolcanoes
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D
Composite volcanoes
17
Which volcanic hazard refers specifically to the cooling of lava into solid rock?
-
A
Tephra fall
-
B
Lava flow
-
C
Pyroclastic surge
-
D
Ash fall
18
What is the name for the large underground pool of liquid rock beneath a volcano?
-
A
Magma chamber
-
B
Lava lake
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C
Crater
-
D
Vent
19
Volcanic ash is made up of tiny fragments of what?
-
A
Plastic and rubber
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B
Hardened mud
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C
Glass, minerals, and rock
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D
Compressed organic matter
20
Which of these is considered a 'dormant' volcano in the United States, famously erupting in 1980?
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A
Mount St. Helens
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B
Kilauea
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C
Yellowstone
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D
Mauna Kea
21
What term describes the thickness or 'stickiness' of magma?
-
A
Buoyancy
-
B
Viscosity
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C
Density
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D
Gravity
22
Which of the following is often a precursor signal that a volcano might erupt?
-
A
Increased earthquake activity
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B
Decrease in temperature
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C
Change in wind direction
-
D
Cloud formation
23
What is the name of a long crack in the Earth's surface through which lava can erupt?
-
A
Fissure
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B
Caldera
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C
Summit
-
D
Vent
24
Approximately how many active volcanoes are there on Earth?
-
A
About 100
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B
About 1,500
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C
About 50,000
-
D
Over 1 million
25
Which volcanic product is often mined and used in items like pumice stones or concrete?
-
A
Pumice
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B
Basalt
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C
Diamond
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D
Coal
