About this Study Set
This study set covers Volcanology through
20 practice questions.
Core knowledge about volcanic structures, eruptions, and geological processes. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.
Questions & Answers
Browse all 20 questions from the
Volcano Science Essentials study set below.
Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.
1
What is the term for molten rock that is still located beneath the Earth's surface?
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A
Lava
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B
Magma
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C
Ash
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D
Obsidian
2
Which type of volcano is characterized by wide, gently sloping sides formed by runny lava flows?
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A
Shield volcano
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B
Cinder cone
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C
Stratovolcano
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D
Composite volcano
3
What is the name of the opening at the top of a volcano from which lava and gas are released?
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A
Vent
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B
Crater
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C
Chamber
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D
Fissure
4
Which of these is a major belt of volcanoes located along the edges of the Pacific Ocean?
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A
The Atlantic Ridge
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B
The Ring of Fire
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C
The Mediterranean Belt
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D
The Himalayan Arc
5
What substance is made of tiny fragments of rock, minerals, and volcanic glass blasted into the air?
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A
Magma
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B
Lava
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C
Volcanic ash
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D
Pumice
6
Which type of rock is formed specifically from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava?
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A
Sedimentary
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B
Metamorphic
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C
Igneous
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D
Limestone
7
What do scientists call a volcano that is not currently erupting but is expected to erupt again in the future?
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A
Extinct
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B
Dormant
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C
Active
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D
Defunct
8
What is the name of the superheated mixture of gas, ash, and rock that rushes down a volcano during an eruption?
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A
Pyroclastic flow
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B
Lava tube
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C
Mudslide
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D
Tsunami
9
Which instrument is most commonly used by scientists to detect ground vibrations caused by volcanic activity?
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A
Thermometer
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B
Barometer
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C
Seismograph
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D
Anemometer
10
What are the large, underground pools of liquid rock beneath a volcano called?
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A
Magma chambers
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B
Lava reservoirs
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C
Tectonic plates
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D
Sediment beds
11
Which of these is a volcanic rock that is light enough to float on water?
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A
Basalt
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B
Granite
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C
Pumice
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D
Marble
12
What is the primary gas released during a volcanic eruption that makes up the largest percentage of volcanic emissions?
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A
Oxygen
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B
Water vapor
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C
Nitrogen
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D
Helium
13
What is a 'fissure eruption'?
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A
An eruption from a long crack in the ground
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B
An eruption that lasts for 100 years
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C
An eruption that produces only ash
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D
An underwater explosion
14
What term describes a volcano that has not erupted in historical times and is unlikely to erupt again?
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A
Dormant
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B
Active
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C
Extinct
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D
Erosional
15
What is the scientific name for the study of volcanoes?
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A
Geology
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B
Volcanology
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C
Seismology
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D
Meteorology
16
Which layer of the Earth provides the magma that erupts from volcanoes?
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A
The Crust
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B
The Outer Core
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C
The Mantle
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D
The Inner Core
17
How are composite volcanoes different from shield volcanoes?
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A
They are smaller
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B
They are flatter
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C
They have explosive eruptions
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D
They never erupt
18
What is the primary cause of the movement of tectonic plates that leads to volcanic activity?
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A
Tides
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B
Convection currents in the mantle
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C
The rotation of the moon
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D
Ocean currents
19
Which of these describes the thickness or 'stickiness' of magma?
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A
Density
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B
Viscosity
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C
Temperature
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D
Pressure
20
What is an island arc?
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A
A circle of volcanic islands
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B
A chain of volcanoes on a continent
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C
A frozen island
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D
A man-made volcano
