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Explosivity Worksheet

DIRECTIONS: Use the Volcano Explosivity Index your teacher has provided (or find it online at http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/education/eruption_scale.html ) to help you answer the questions below. Write your answers on the lines.

Name ___________________________

1. What are the eight main classifications of volcanic eruptions? 1.___________________________ 2._______________________ 3.________________________ 4.________________________ 5.______________________________

2. What word do scientists use to describe a Plinian eruption? _________________________________________________________________

3. What classifications of eruptions occur most often? __________________________________________________________________

4. How are level 5 and level 6 eruptions different? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. What is the approximate plume height of a cataclysmic volcano? __________________________________________________________________

6. What volume of lava erupted from Mount St. Helens in 1981? __________________________________________________________________

7. How often do severe eruptions occur? __________________________________________________________________

8. What four characteristics do scientists consider when rating eruptions? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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