Year 8 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 23

Volcanoes

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Learning Goals

Compare shield and stratovolcanoes using features such as lava viscosity, slope angle, and eruption style.
Apply knowledge of volcano types to predict behaviour in Australian volcanic contexts.
Evaluate the risks associated with potentially active volcanic regions.

Warm Up

Compare two

Complete the table to compare a shield volcano and a stratovolcano (composite volcano).

Feature	Shield Volcano	Stratovolcano
Lava viscosity (runny / thick)
Slope angle (gentle / steep)
Eruption style (effusive / explosive)
Explosiveness (low / high)
Real-world example

Your Turn

Real-world context

The Newer Volcanics Province in western Victoria last erupted approximately 5,000 years ago, making it a potentially active volcanic region. More than 400 volcanic centres exist there, including Tower Hill near Warrnambool. Geoscience Australia monitors the region for seismic activity. The basaltic lava in the province is similar in composition to the lava erupted by Hawaiian shield volcanoes.

(a) Based on the type of lava present in the Newer Volcanics Province, describe what kind of volcanic activity would be expected if it erupted again. Refer to eruption style and likely hazards.

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(b) What warning signs would scientists look for before an eruption? Name at least two.

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(c) Should Melbourne residents be concerned about the Newer Volcanics Province? Explain your reasoning using evidence from the lesson.

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Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?