SCIENCE REVIEWER NOTES
Grade 8 – Earth and Space
Quarter 3: Volcanoes, Magma, and Volcanic Eruptions
I. Structure of the Earth and Its Crust
A. Layers of the Earth (Egg Analogy)
Crust – thin outer layer (egg shell)
Mantle – thick layer beneath the crust (egg white)
Core – hottest and densest layer (egg yolk)
These layers differ in temperature, thickness, and composition.
B. Types of Earth’s Crust
1. Oceanic Crust
Thinner but denser than continental crust
Density: 2.9–3.0 g/cm³
Composed mainly of basaltic rocks
Located beneath oceans
Features include:
o Ocean trenches
o Mid-ocean ridges
o Undersea volcanoes
Constantly created at ridges and destroyed at subduction zones
2. Continental Crust
Thicker but less dense
Density: ~2.7 g/cm³
Composed mainly of granitic rocks
Forms continents, mountain ranges, and many volcanoes
Older and more stable than oceanic crust
II. Volcanoes and Mountains: Key Differences
Volcano
Formed by magma, lava, ash, and gases
Has:
o Magma chamber
o Vent
Can erupt molten materials
Classified as active or inactive
Often cone-shaped or dome-shaped
Mountain
Formed by:
o Tectonic plate collision
o Folding and faulting
o Uplift and erosion
No magma chamber
Does not erupt
Shape depends on tectonic processes
👉 Important:
✔ Volcanoes can form mountains
✖ Not all mountains are volcanoes
III. How Volcanoes Are Formed
1. Magma Generation
o Rocks in the mantle melt due to extreme heat and pressure
2. Magma Ascent
o Magma rises because it is less dense than surrounding rocks
3. Magma Storage
o Magma collects in a magma chamber beneath the volcano
4. Eruption
o Pressure from gases forces magma to the surface
5. Volcano Growth
o Lava, ash, and debris accumulate, building the volcanic structure
6. Volcano Activity
o Volcano may erupt repeatedly or become inactive over time
IV. Plate Tectonics and Volcano Distribution
Volcanoes commonly form:
Along convergent boundaries (subduction zones)
Along divergent boundaries (mid-ocean ridges)
Above hotspots (e.g., Hawaii)
Movement of tectonic plates affects:
Location of volcanoes
Frequency of eruptions
Volcano size and shape
V. Types of Volcanoes
1. Shield Volcano
Very wide and broad
Gentle slopes (2–10°)
Formed by basaltic magma
Low viscosity → lava flows easily
Eruptions are quiet and effusive
Common at hotspots and ocean ridges
Example: Mauna Loa (Hawaii)
2. Cinder Cone Volcano
Smallest type of volcano
Steep sides (>20°)
Built from:
o Cinders
o Ash
o Volcanic bombs
Usually formed by a single eruption
Short-lived
Example: Mt. Iriga (Philippines), Parícutin (Mexico)
3. Composite (Stratovolcano)
Tall, steep, and symmetrical
Built from alternating layers of lava and ash
Magma is often andesitic to rhyolitic
Eruptions can be explosive or quiet
Common at subduction zones
Example: Mayon Volcano, Mt. Fuji
VI. Magma and Lava
Difference Between Magma and Lava
Feature Magma Lava
Location Beneath Earth’s surface On Earth’s surface
Gas Content High Reduced
Temperature Extremely hot Cooling
Role Source of eruptions Builds landforms
VII. Magma Composition and Viscosity
Viscosity
Resistance of magma to flow
Affected by:
o Silica content
o Temperature
o Gas content
Types of Magma
Magma Type Silica Temperature Viscosity Eruption
Basaltic Low High Low Quiet
Andesitic Medium Medium Medium Moderate
Magma Type Silica Temperature Viscosity Eruption
Rhyolitic High Low High Explosive
👉 Higher silica = thicker magma = trapped gases = explosive eruption
VIII. Types of Volcanic Eruptions
(From weakest to strongest)
1. Phreatic – steam-driven explosion
2. Hawaiian – lava fountains, gentle
3. Strombolian – moderate explosions
4. Vulcanian – ash columns and pyroclastic flows
5. Plinian – extremely explosive, widespread ash
IX. Volcanic Hazards
1. Ash Fall
o Causes breathing problems
o Damages crops and roofs
2. Lava Flow
o Destroys structures and vegetation
3. Pyroclastic Flow
o Fast-moving, hot gases and rocks
o Most deadly volcanic hazard
4. Lahar
o Volcanic mudflow
o Buries houses and farmlands
X. Effects of Volcanic Eruptions on Living Things
Death of plants and animals
Crop failure and food shortage
Respiratory diseases
Eye and skin irritation
Long-term ecosystem damage
XI. Disaster Preparedness and Safety
Shield volcanoes
o Focus on lava flow paths
o Smaller evacuation zones
Composite volcanoes
o Large danger zones
o Risk of ash, gas, and pyroclastic flows
o Require early evacuation
Understanding volcano types helps:
Predict eruption behavior
Reduce loss of life
Improve disaster planning
XII. Key Vocabulary
Volcano
Magma
Lava
Viscosity
Tephra
Pyroclastic flow
Lahar
Magma chamber
Vent
XIII. Important Exam Takeaways
Volcano type depends on magma composition
High-silica magma causes explosive eruptions
Shield volcanoes have gentle slopes
Composite volcanoes are the most dangerous
Studying volcanoes helps protect communities