Makushin Volcano, Alaska. The 9th Most Dangerous Volcano in the US?

Active fumaroles on Makushin Volcano from Dutch Harbor July 2018. Photo courtesy Abi Woodbridge, via AVO

Suwanose-jima, one of Japan’s Most Active Volcanoes

Suwanose-jima island and Otake volcano in its center. Flank collapse and new pyroclastic cone are clearly visible on the center and to the east of the crater. Image screen capture via Google maps.

Activity Continues at Langila, New Britain, PNG

Langila Volcano. Crater 3 is to the right. Image taken in 1970. Courtesy Smithsonian GVP. https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=252010

Fisher Caldera, Alaska – The largest Caldera System in the State

Historically Active Volcanoes of Alaska. Image courtesy AVO. https://avo.alaska.edu/images/dbimages/display/1258656665_ak6.jpg

Recent Volcanic Activity in Baja California

Schematic of major volcanic fields and structures in Baja California. Image courtesy All.This.Homework blog. https://allthishomework.wordpress.com/general-education/physical-geography/earthquakes-and-volcanoes/

Flank Collapse at Anak Krakatau, Dec. 22, 2018

Anak Krakatau a week following flank collapse eruption Dec. 22. The vent region has not yet been rebuilt above water level. Highest remaining part of the island is the hyaloclastic ring that used to host the most recent cone. Note also the island has been resurfaced and grown a bit. Image courtesy BBC News, Jan. 3 https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46743362https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46743362

Popocatepetl – Mexico City’s Active Volcano

Popocatepetl in eruption, July 2013. Photo courtesy Science Times. http://www.isciencetimes.com/articles/5617/20130712/popocatepetl-volcano-erupts-mexico-city-ash.htm

The Michoacán – Guanajuato Volcanic Field, Mexico

Paricutin volcano, lava flow and buried church. http://www.amusingplanet.com/2014/08/paricutin-volcano-that-grew-out-of.html

The 2018 Eruption Sequence at Mayon, Philippines

Mayon in eruption Jan 23. Photo courtesy Philstar Global. http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/01/24/1780930/mayon-volcano-spreads-lava-3-kilometers-crater

Basaltic…? Felsic…? Porphyritic…? Confusion!

Felsite quarry at Mount Ararat (© en.ararat-stone.com)

That’s how I felt at times reading interesting things about volcanoes but had to skip those -ic words. So, I am trying to give you a simple overview on rock types produced by volcanoes… I can already hear the experts groan: omg, “petrology” and “simple” are the two most antagonistic terms in the world! 😉 Nevertheless, I know all too well our typical skip-and-jump motion when it comes to different lavas, just let’s try and achieve a broad understanding about what volcanoes bring up from the depth.