Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Geography Quiz

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Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Geography Quiz

Exploring Volcanism, Lava Flows, and Plate Tectonics (10 questions).

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Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Geography Quiz: Quick Study Notes

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is a dynamic landscape that offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the forces of creation and destruction at work. Located on the Big Island of Hawai‘i, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Understanding the geology of this region involves delving into the concepts of volcanism, the diverse types of lava flows, and the grand theory of plate tectonics that governs Earth’s ever-changing surface.

Key Concepts Explained

VolcanismThe process by which magma and gases are expelled from Earth’s interior onto the surface, forming volcanic features.
Lava FlowsStreams of molten rock erupted from a volcano. Hawaiian flows are typically fluid basaltic, forming pāhoehoe (smooth) and ʻaʻā (rough) types.
Plate TectonicsThe theory describing the large-scale motion of Earth’s lithosphere, explaining phenomena like continental drift, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.
Hawaiian HotspotA stationary plume of magma rising from deep within Earth’s mantle, responsible for creating the Hawaiian island chain as the Pacific Plate moves over it.

Key Takeaways

  • Hawai‘i’s volcanoes (Kīlauea, Mauna Loa) are classic shield volcanoes, characterized by gentle slopes and effusive eruptions.
  • The Hawaiian Islands formed over a ‘hotspot’ in the Earth’s mantle, not at a plate boundary.
  • The Pacific Plate’s movement over this stationary hotspot explains the linear chain of islands, with younger volcanoes to the southeast.
  • Common lava flow types in Hawai‘i include smooth, ropy pāhoehoe and rough, blocky ʻaʻā.
  • Volcanic gases, particularly sulfur dioxide (SO₂), react in the atmosphere to form volcanic smog (VOG).
  • Lava tubes are natural conduits formed by flowing lava that insulates itself, allowing lava to travel far from its source.
  • Kīlauea’s summit caldera is known as Kaluapele, with the active Halemaʻumaʻu crater nested within it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of volcanoes are found in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park?

The park is home to shield volcanoes, specifically Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Shield volcanoes are characterized by their broad, gently sloping profiles built up by layers of fluid basaltic lava flows.

How do the Hawaiian Islands relate to plate tectonics?

The Hawaiian Islands are formed by a “hotspot” – a plume of magma rising from Earth’s mantle – over which the Pacific Plate slowly moves. This process creates a chain of volcanoes, with active ones over the hotspot and older, dormant, or extinct ones further away.

What are the main types of lava flows seen in Hawai‘i?

The two main types are pāhoehoe and ʻaʻā. Pāhoehoe lava has a smooth, ropy, or billowy surface, while ʻaʻā lava is characterized by a rough, jagged, and clinkery surface. Both are basaltic and highly fluid.

What is “VOG” and why is it a concern?

VOG stands for volcanic smog. It is a hazy mixture of volcanic gases (primarily sulfur dioxide) and atmospheric moisture, dust, and aerosols. VOG can cause respiratory problems, reduce air quality, and impact visibility.

Are Hawaiian volcanoes generally explosive or effusive?

Hawaiian volcanoes are predominantly effusive. This means they erupt with relatively gentle outpourings of fluid basaltic lava, rather than violent, explosive eruptions of ash and rock fragments often associated with stratovolcanoes.

GeoQuizzy.com • Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Geography Quiz

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