Spatter cone

Definition

A spatter cone is a type of volcanic cone formed from the accumulation of molten lava droplets ejected during explosive eruptions. These cones typically have steep sides and are often smaller than other volcanic structures, such as cinder cones. The lava fragments that create spatter cones cool and solidify before falling back to the ground, leading to a distinctive conical shape that showcases the behavior of basaltic lava during eruptions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Spatter cones usually form around the vents of basaltic lava eruptions, which are characterized by their fluidity and low viscosity.
2. The size of spatter cones can vary but they generally reach heights of up to 30 meters, making them smaller compared to other types of volcanic cones.
3. Spatter cones are often found in association with other volcanic features like lava fields and can indicate areas of recent volcanic activity.
4. The formation of a spatter cone can happen rapidly during a single eruption event as molten lava splashes out of the vent and accumulates around it.
5. Spatter cones are important for understanding volcanic processes, particularly how different types of lava behave during eruptions and contribute to landforms.

Review Questions

• How do spatter cones differ from cinder cones in terms of formation and characteristics?
  • Spatter cones are primarily formed from molten lava droplets that are ejected during explosive basaltic eruptions, leading to a cone shape as the lava cools upon landing. In contrast, cinder cones are made up of solidified volcanic debris, or cinders, that accumulate around a vent. While both types of cones exhibit steep sides and are conical in shape, spatter cones specifically highlight the role of fluid lava during their formation.
• Discuss the significance of spatter cones in understanding the behavior of basaltic lava during volcanic eruptions.
  • Spatter cones provide key insights into the dynamics of basaltic lava eruptions due to their formation process involving molten droplets. By studying these cones, scientists can analyze how different eruption styles influence the distribution and characteristics of volcanic materials. Understanding spatter cone formation helps researchers assess volcanic hazards and predict future activity in regions prone to basaltic eruptions.
• Evaluate the implications of studying spatter cones for volcanic risk assessment and land use planning in areas surrounding active volcanoes.
  • Studying spatter cones is crucial for volcanic risk assessment as it helps identify areas prone to lava fountains and explosive eruptions. By understanding their formation and behavior, scientists can better predict potential hazards associated with future eruptions. This information is valuable for land use planning, ensuring communities near active volcanoes are prepared for possible hazards like lava flows or pyroclastic material deposition, ultimately leading to improved safety measures for local populations.

Related terms

cinder cone: A cinder cone is a steep, conical hill formed from the accumulation of volcanic debris, primarily composed of small fragments of solidified lava known as cinders.

lava fountain: A lava fountain is a volcanic eruption that produces a jet of molten lava ejected high into the air, often resulting in the formation of spatter cones when the lava cools and falls back to the ground.

basalt: Basalt is a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that is typically formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity lava, commonly associated with spatter cones and other basaltic volcanic features.