31 Explosive Facts about Volcanoes - mental_floss List Show Ep. 508

TL;DR

Over 80% of the Earth's surface has volcanic origins, with volcanoes being located at the edges of tectonic plates or around hot spots. Volcanoes come in different types and can cause changes to the Earth's climate and even inspire literature.

Transcript

hi I'm John Green Welcome to My Salon this is Mental Floss video and did you know that over 80% of the Earth's surface has volcanic Origins that includes surfaces both above and below sea level that's the first of many explosive facts about volcanoes I'm going to share with you today and know I will not apologize for that pun if you're wondering ho... Read More

Key Insights

• 😅 Over 80% of the Earth's surface has volcanic origins, with volcanoes located at the edges of tectonic plates or around hot spots.
• 🌋 Different types of volcanoes include shield volcanoes, stratovolcanoes, cinder volcanoes, and mud volcanoes.
• ⚾ The Volcanic Explosivity Index is used to measure volcanic eruptions based on height, duration, and the amount of material involved.
• 🥶 Volcanic eruptions can have significant effects on the Earth's climate, including unseasonably cold years and changes in the entire climate.
• 🌋 Historical figures, such as the Greek philosopher Empedocles, have had connections to volcanoes.
• ⛈️ Volcanic lightning occurs during some eruptions, caused by particles splitting and migration of positive and negative particles.
• 🌋 Volcanoes can have devastating impacts, with eruptions causing deaths, destruction, and changes in landscapes.

Questions & Answers

Q: What determines if a volcano is considered active?

According to many volcanologists, active volcanoes are those that have erupted in the past 10,000 years. There are currently around 1,510 active volcanoes on Earth.

Q: Where are volcanoes most likely to be found?

Volcanoes are most likely to be found at the edges of tectonic plates or around hot spots on the Earth's surface.

Q: How do volcanic eruptions affect the climate?

Volcanic eruptions can cause changes to the Earth's entire climate. For example, the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia led to an unseasonably cold year in the Northern Hemisphere, earning the nickname "The Year Without a Summer."

Q: What is the largest known chain of volcanic activity on land?

In 2015, scientists discovered a chain of volcanoes spanning 1,240 miles throughout Australia. This is the largest known chain of volcanic activity on land and is connected by a mantle plume underneath the surface.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Volcanoes make up over 80% of the Earth's surface, both above and below sea level, and are typically found at the edges of tectonic plates or around hot spots.

• There are different types of volcanoes, including shield volcanoes, stratovolcanoes, and cinder volcanoes. Mud volcanoes, which do not produce lava, are named for the mud that flows out of them.

• Volcanic eruptions are measured using the Volcanic Explosivity Index, which determines their strength and size based on height, duration, and the amount of material involved.