This is a picture of a geologist examining the eruptive hsitory of a volcano.
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Image from: U.S. Geological Survey, photo by Robert McGimsey

Eruption Layers

An examination of consecutive lava flows of a volcano reveals the chemical evolution of the magma in the chamber.


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Magma Chamber

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Volcanic Ash

Ash is made of millions of tiny fragments of rock and glass formed during a volcanic eruption. Volcanic ash particles are less than 2 mm in size and can be much smaller. Volcanic ash forms in several ways...more

Cinder Cones

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Flowing Lava

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How Do Plates Move?

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Clues to Plate Movements

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Mid-Ocean Spreading Ridge

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