This resource describes the nature of pressure surfaces and explains the dynamic processes associated with the eruption model. It contains a movie depicting a cross-sectional view of an explosively erupting volcano, typical of a so-called Plinian eruption. Additionally, there is a link to a computer program, which allows the user to construct a diverse group of volcanic landforms through the simulation of variable types of eruptions. It can be downloaded free of charge.
This article, entitled Mountains of Fire, describes the relationship between the types of volcanic activity and plate movement and the connection between types of volcanoes and how they erupt. The article is supported by a video of an erupting volcano, a photograph of an eruption and an animation depicting pyroclastic flow and the formation of a composite volcano. It is also supported by three sidebars, called Volcanoes of North America, Montserrat: An Island Under Siege, and Volcanoes on other Planets. These sidebars also have videos or photographs to enhance their message.
The 1950 eruption was the largest and most spectacular eruption from the southwest rift zone of Mauna Loa Volcano, Hawaii, since written records have been kept. It was especially noteworthy, for lava was erupted from a nearly continuous 20-km-long fissure along the middle portion of the rift zone. Flows reached the sea in less than four hours. The description includes 5 photographs, a map of a portion of the southwest rift of Mauna Loa showing the 1950 flows and place names, and a relief map showing distribution of 1950 flows with labels for named flows.
