Quel Type De Volcan Est Le Piton De La Fournaise
The Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Actually it’s one the most popular place to visit in France. It is located on the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean and has erupted more than 100 times in the past century. But what type of volcano is it?
Shield Volcano
The Piton de la Fournaise is a shield volcano. Shield volcanoes are typically broad and gently sloping, with a low profile. They are formed by the eruption of low-viscosity lava, which flows easily and does not build up a steep cone-shaped structure. Shield volcanoes are often found in Hawaii and Iceland, as well as other parts of the world.
Basaltic Lava
The lava erupted by the Piton de la Fournaise is basaltic. Basalt is a dark-colored, fine-grained volcanic rock that is rich in iron and magnesium. It is the most common type of lava on Earth and is found in many different types of volcanoes. Basalt is also the main component of the Earth’s oceanic crust.
Strombolian and Hawaiian Eruptions
The Piton de la Fournaise typically erupts in a Strombolian or Hawaiian style. Strombolian eruptions are characterized by frequent, small explosions of lava that send fragments of rock and ash into the air. Hawaiian eruptions are characterized by the eruption of large volumes of low-viscosity lava that flows easily and does not build up a steep cone-shaped structure.
Hazards of the Piton de la Fournaise
The Piton de la Fournaise is a dangerous volcano and poses a number of hazards to the people of Réunion. These hazards include:
- Lava flows: Lava flows from the Piton de la Fournaise can destroy homes and infrastructure.
- Ashfall: Ashfall from the Piton de la Fournaise can disrupt transportation and communications.
- Lahars: Lahars are mudflows that can be triggered by heavy rains or the melting of snow and ice on the volcano.
- Volcanic gases: Volcanic gases, such as sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, can be harmful to health.
Solutions to the Hazards of the Piton de la Fournaise
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the risks posed by the Piton de la Fournaise. These include:
- Land use planning: Restricting development in areas that are at risk from lava flows, ashfall, and lahars.
- Volcanic monitoring: Keeping a close watch on the volcano to detect signs of an impending eruption.
- Evacuation plans: Developing plans for evacuating people from areas that are at risk from an eruption.
- Public education: Educating the public about the hazards of the Piton de la Fournaise and how to stay safe in the event of an eruption.
Conclusion
The Piton de la Fournaise is a dangerous volcano, but it is also a fascinating one. Its frequent eruptions and diverse volcanic hazards make it a popular destination for scientists and tourists alike. By understanding the hazards of the volcano and taking steps to mitigate those hazards, we can help to keep the people of Réunion safe.
Quel Type De Volcan Est Le Piton De La Fournaise
Le volcan le plus actif de l’océan Indien.
- Volcan bouclier basaltique.
Éruptions stromboliennes et hawaïennes.
Volcan bouclier basaltique.
Le Piton de la Fournaise est un volcan bouclier basaltique. Cela signifie qu’il est large et plat, avec des pentes douces. Il est formé par l’accumulation de coulées de lave basaltique fluide. Les volcans boucliers sont le type de volcan le plus courant sur Terre et on les trouve dans de nombreuses régions, notamment à Hawaï et en Islande.
La lave basaltique est un type de lave riche en fer et en magnésium. Elle est très fluide et s’écoule facilement, ce qui lui permet de s’étendre sur de grandes distances. Les volcans boucliers sont donc souvent très larges et peuvent atteindre des hauteurs considérables. Le Piton de la Fournaise, par exemple, culmine à 2 632 mètres d’altitude et a un diamètre de plus de 10 kilomètres.
Les volcans boucliers sont généralement considérés comme moins dangereux que les autres types de volcans, car ils produisent des éruptions moins explosives. Cependant, ils peuvent tout de même causer des dégâts importants en raison de la grande quantité de lave qu’ils peuvent produire. Les coulées de lave peuvent détruire des maisons et des infrastructures, et les cendres volcaniques peuvent perturber les transports et les communications.
Le Piton de la Fournaise est l’un des volcans boucliers les plus actifs au monde. Il est entré en éruption plus de 100 fois au cours du siècle dernier. La dernière éruption a eu lieu en 2022. Le volcan est étroitement surveillé par les scientifiques afin de pouvoir prévenir les populations en cas d’éruption imminente.
