SCIENCE 9 – THIRD QUARTER EXAM REVIEWER
Volcanoes, Geothermal Energy, Climate, and Astronomy
I. VOLCANOES AND VOLCANISM
1. Classification of Volcanoes (PHIVOLCS)
PHIVOLCS classifies volcanoes as:
• Active – with recorded eruptions or signs of activity
• Inactive – no recorded eruptions and no current signs of activity
This classification helps scientists assess volcanic risk and plan disaster preparedness.
2. Types of Volcanoes (Based on Structure)
Shield Volcano
• Built from layers of lava from continuous, non-explosive eruptions
• Lava is low-viscosity, so it flows easily
• Produces a broad, gently sloping shape
• Example: Mauna Loa (Hawaii)
These volcanoes are less explosive but can produce long lava flows.
Cinder Cone Volcano
• Small, hill-sized volcano
• Has a bowl-shaped crater
• Made from loose ash, cinders, and rocks
• Usually forms from short-lived eruptions
Often the smallest type of volcano.
Composite (Stratovolcano)
• Nearly perfect cone shape
• Formed by alternating layers of lava and pyroclastic materials
• Lava is thicker (high viscosity)
• Produces violent and explosive eruptions
Examples include Mt. Mayon and Mt. Pinatubo.
3. Caldera
A caldera is:
• A large depression formed when a volcano erupts explosively
• The magma chamber empties, causing the ground above to collapse
Calderas are much larger than craters and signal powerful eruptions.
4. Cause of Volcanic Eruptions
The primary cause of volcanic eruptions is:
• Movement of tectonic plates
Plate movements allow magma to rise toward the surface.
5. Volcanic Openings and Hazards
• Vent – opening where lava, ash, and gases escape
• Crater – bowl-shaped opening at the summit
• Caldera – collapsed volcanic depression
Secondary hazards include:
• Earthquakes
• Floods
• Mudflows (lahars)
These hazards often cause more damage than lava itself.
6. Volcanic Eruption Types
Pyroclastic Flow
• Fast-moving, extremely hot mixture of ash, gas, and rocks
• One of the deadliest volcanic hazards
Plinian Eruption
• Tall ash columns reaching the stratosphere
• Produces massive ashfall and pyroclastic flows
• Can cause global temperature drop due to ash blocking sunlight
Mt. Pinatubo (1991) is a classic example.
Strombolian Eruption
• Regular, small explosions
• Lava fountains
• Less destructive than Plinian eruptions
Phreatic Eruption
• Steam-driven
• Caused by heated groundwater
• Little to no lava
Dangerous because they occur suddenly.
Phreatomagmatic Eruption
• Occurs when magma interacts with water
• Produces violent ash columns and base surges
7. Magma Composition and Volcano Shape
• High silica, high viscosity magma → steep slopes, explosive eruptions
• Low silica, low viscosity magma → gentle slopes, quiet eruptions
Magma properties determine whether a volcano is explosive or non-explosive.
II. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
8. Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is heat from the Earth’s interior used to:
• Generate electricity
• Provide heating and cooling
9. Geothermal Power Plants vs. Heat Pumps
• Geothermal power plants
o Generate electricity
o Require high-temperature reservoirs
• Geothermal heat pumps
o Provide heating and cooling
o Work at lower temperatures
o Used in homes and buildings
III. CLIMATE AND WEATHER
10. Weather vs. Climate
• Weather – short-term atmospheric conditions
• Climate – long-term pattern of weather in a region
11. Latitude and Climate
Latitude measures distance north or south of the equator.
• Areas near the equator receive more direct sunlight
• Polar regions receive less solar energy
12. Climate Change
Climate change includes:
• Rising temperatures
• Changing rainfall patterns
• More intense weather events
It is broader than global warming, which refers only to temperature increase.
13. Factors Affecting Climate
• Latitude
• Altitude
• Topography
• Bodies of water
Water heats and cools more slowly than land, moderating coastal climates.
14. Orographic Effect
• Windward side: more rainfall, lush vegetation
• Leeward side: dry, rain shadow effect
15. El Niño Effects
El Niño can cause:
• Drought in the Philippines
• Reduced crop yields
• Agricultural losses
It can also reduce coffee production in countries like Brazil.
16. Monsoons and Agriculture
The best planting time in Mindanao is:
• June, during the southwest monsoon
• Brings warm, moist air and rainfall
IV. ASTRONOMY
17. Star Color
Stars have different colors because of:
• Differences in temperature
Hotter stars appear blue or white; cooler stars appear red.
18. Polaris (North Star)
At the North Pole, Polaris appears:
• Directly overhead
19. Apparent Motion of Stars
Stars appear to move:
• From east to west
• Due to the Earth’s rotation, not because stars are moving around Earth
20. Constellations
Ursa Major appears brightest in:
• Winter months in the Northern Hemisphere
V. HUMAN ACTIVITIES AND CLIMATE CHANGE
21. Human Role in Climate Change
Human activities such as:
• Burning fossil fuels
• Deforestation
are the primary drivers of modern climate change.
22. Reforestation
Reforestation:
• Helps absorb carbon dioxide
• Plays a modest but important role
• Limited by land availability and forest management
FINAL STUDY REMINDERS
✔ Understand why, not just what
✔ Relate magma properties → eruption style → hazards
✔ Connect geography → climate patterns
✔ Remember real-world examples (Pinatubo, Mauna Loa, El Niño)