(a) Define the term Vulcanicity
(b) Describe the mode of formation and appearance of a volcanic plateau
(c) Highlight four effects of Vulcanicity
Explanation
(2) The term Vulcanicity is the process by which molten rock or magma is forced into the earth’s crust or on to the earth’s surface.
(b)(i) Mode of formation:- Formed from sheets of basaltic lava flows. Lava comes out from fissures in the ground spreads out to form lava flow. Lava flow then accumulates and hardens to form a lava plateau.
(ii) APPEARANCES:- Vulcanicity is very flat, extensive and made of accumulation of lava harden in nature with steep sides dissected by streams. Examples are the Deccan plateau, including Columbia Snake Plateau, Antrim, plateau in Northern Ireland and Abyssinia Highland of Ethiopia.
(c) EFFECTS OF VULCANICITY:–
(a) Displacement of settlement result in resettlement.
(b) Destruction of lives and properties.
(c) Erection of hot lava, ashes etc increases surrounding temperature.
(d) Air and water pollution.
(e) Submergence / displacement of settlements.
(f) Depletion of natural forest products.
(g) Results in landslides.
(h) Result in formation of precious stones and minerals.
(i) Causation of floods.