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Exploration Questions: Volcanoes

1. Identify the type of volcano shown here. Then explain the relationship between the composition of its magma, the way it erupts, and its shape.
2. Why is a chain of extinct volcanoes often found trailing away from a hotspot?
3.  Identify the tool used to produce this image of a volcano (right), and explain how this tool can help scientists predict an eruption.
4. Explain what’s happening in this picture. How does this lead to volcanic eruptions?
5. Name at least three types of evidence that a hotspot lies below Yellowstone National Park.
Photo credits: volcano, Nula666 via Wiki Commons; tools and illustrations, © AMNH.

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