Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-7-volcanoes [Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [IGCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse.md) › [Geography](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography.md) › [Edexcel IGCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse.md) › Volcanoes # Volcanoes Geography: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 1.4.7 ## Where Do Volcanoes Happen? A volcano is an opening in the Earth's crust that is formed when magma rises from inside the Earth and erupts through the Earth's crust. Volcanoes can be formed at constructive plate margins and destructive plate margins. ### Convergent plate margins ![Convergent plate margins](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/eceb3849-11cb-442c-bc91-a12e056d92e5/shutterstock_632702609.jpg) - The denser oceanic plate is forced under the continental plate at convergent plate margins. - The friction and pressure cause cracks (vents) to form in the continental plate. The magma rises to the surface of the Earth through the cracks in the continental plate. - This usually creates highly explosive volcanoes (e.g. Mount Vesuvius in Italy) that produce a lot of gas and lava (magma above the surface). ### Divergent plate margins ![Divergent plate margins](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/ae136ed8-142b-49f4-a34a-9df0b59812a4/shutterstock_632702600.jpg) - At divergent plate margins: - Tectonic plates move apart (diverge) because the convection currents in the mantle diverge, creating outward pressure. - Magma bubbles up to fill the gap between the plates, creating a volcano. - This kind of volcano is common in Iceland. ### Hotspots ![Hotspots](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/60087b10-6a64-42a9-a824-ef5b9bb17616/shutterstock_530735248.jpg) - Hotspots do not happen at plate boundaries. But they still count as volcanic activity. - Hotspots happen on parts of the Earth's crust over hotter parts of the Earth's mantle. - The rising hot air weakens the Earth's crust and magma can reach the surface, bubbling up through the weakness in the crust. - The Hawaiian islands all formed as a result of a mid-Pacific hotspot. ## Test yourself on Volcanoes - What do we call an opening in the Earth's crust? - Volcano Formation at Destructive Plate Margins [Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/ef6d2f62-5eb8-4168-aaaf-48efdb77968e/section/96e630fb-f576-4463-88a5-db86408f5bf2/session) - Previous topic: [1.4.6 Case Study: Japan & Pakistan - Planning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-6-case-study-japan-and-pakistan-planning.md) - Next topic: [1.4.8 Types of Volcanoes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-8-types-of-volcanoes.md) ## Geography: Edexcel IGCSE contents ### 1 Physical Geography - 1.1 River Environments - [1.1.1 Weathering](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-1-weathering.md) - [1.1.2 Mass Movement](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-2-mass-movement.md) - [1.1.3 Erosion](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-3-erosion.md) - [1.1.4 Transportation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-4-transportation.md) - [1.1.5 Deposition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-5-deposition.md) - [1.1.6 River Landforms: Waterfalls & Gorges](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-6-river-landforms-waterfalls-and-gorges.md) - [1.1.7 River Landforms: Interlocking Spurs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-7-river-landforms-interlocking-spurs.md) - [1.1.8 River Landforms: Flood Plains](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-8-river-landforms-flood-plains.md) - [1.1.9 River Landforms: Point Bars](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-9-river-landforms-point-bars.md) - [1.1.10 River Landforms: Levees](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-10-river-landforms-levees.md) - [1.1.11 River Landforms: Meanders](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-11-river-landforms-meanders.md) - [1.1.12 River Landforms: Oxbow Lakes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-12-river-landforms-oxbow-lakes.md) - [1.1.13 River Landscape Changes: Long Profile](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-13-river-landscape-changes-long-profile.md) - [1.1.14 River Landscape Changes: Cross Profile](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-14-river-landscape-changes-cross-profile.md) - [1.1.15 Vertical & Lateral Erosion](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-15-vertical-and-lateral-erosion.md) - [1.1.16 Flood Risk Factors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-16-flood-risk-factors.md) - [1.1.17 Human Activities on Rivers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-17-human-activities-on-rivers.md) - [1.1.18 River Management: Hard Engineering](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-18-river-management-hard-engineering.md) - [1.1.19 River Management: Soft Engineering](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-19-river-management-soft-engineering.md) - [1.1.20 Case Study: The River Eden - Landforms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-20-case-study-the-river-eden-landforms.md) - [1.1.21 Case Study: The River Eden - Climate](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-21-case-study-the-river-eden-climate.md) - [1.1.22 Case Study: The River Eden - Geology](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-22-case-study-the-river-eden-geology.md) - [1.1.23 Case Study: The River Eden - Management](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-23-case-study-the-river-eden-management.md) - [1.1.24 Case Study: The River Eden - Human Activity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-24-case-study-the-river-eden-human-activity.md) - [1.1.25 End of Topic Test - River Environments](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-25-end-of-topic-test-river-environments.md) - 1.2 Coastal Environments - [1.2.1 Weathering](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-1-weathering.md) - [1.2.2 Mass Movement](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-2-mass-movement.md) - [1.2.3 Erosion](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-3-erosion.md) - [1.2.4 Deposition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-4-deposition.md) - [1.2.5 Longshore Drift](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-5-longshore-drift.md) - [1.2.6 Sediment Transportation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-6-sediment-transportation.md) - [1.2.7 Wave Action on Coasts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-7-wave-action-on-coasts.md) - [1.2.8 Other Factors Influencing Coasts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-8-other-factors-influencing-coasts.md) - [1.2.9 Coastal Landforms: Wave-cut Platforms & Cliffs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-9-coastal-landforms-wave-cut-platforms-and-cliffs.md) - [1.2.10 Coastal Landforms: Headlands & Bays](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-10-coastal-landforms-headlands-and-bays.md) - [1.2.11 Coastal Landforms: Caves, Arches & Stacks](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-11-coastal-landforms-caves-arches-and-stacks.md) - [1.2.12 Coastal Deposition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-12-coastal-deposition.md) - [1.2.13 Spits, Bars & Sand Dunes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-13-spits-bars-and-sand-dunes.md) - [1.2.14 Human Activity on Coasts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-14-human-activity-on-coasts.md) - [1.2.15 Coastal Defences: Hard Engineering](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-15-coastal-defences-hard-engineering.md) - [1.2.16 Coastal Defences: Soft Engineering](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-16-coastal-defences-soft-engineering.md) - [1.2.17 Coastal Defences: Managed Retreat](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-17-coastal-defences-managed-retreat.md) - [1.2.18 Case Study: Holderness Coast Overview](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-18-case-study-holderness-coast-overview.md) - [1.2.19 Case Study: Holderness Coast Management](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-19-case-study-holderness-coast-management.md) - [1.2.20 Case Study: Holderness Coast Defences](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-20-case-study-holderness-coast-defences.md) - [1.2.21 End of Topic Test - Coastal Environments](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-21-end-of-topic-test-coastal-environments.md) - 1.3 Hazardous Environments - Tropical Cyclones - [1.3.1 Characteristics of a Tropical Cyclone](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-1-characteristics-of-a-tropical-cyclone.md) - [1.3.2 Structure of a Tropical Cyclone](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-2-structure-of-a-tropical-cyclone.md) - [1.3.3 Physical Hazards of Tropical Cyclones](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-3-physical-hazards-of-tropical-cyclones.md) - [1.3.4 The Impacts of Tropical Cyclones](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-4-the-impacts-of-tropical-cyclones.md) - [1.3.5 Responses to Tropical Cyclones](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-5-responses-to-tropical-cyclones.md) - [1.3.6 Vulnerability to Tropical Cyclones](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-6-vulnerability-to-tropical-cyclones.md) - [1.3.7 Preparing for Tropical Cyclones](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-7-preparing-for-tropical-cyclones.md) - [1.3.8 Case Study: Katrina](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-8-case-study-katrina.md) - [1.3.9 Case Study: Nargis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-9-case-study-nargis.md) - 1.4 Hazardous Environments - Earthquakes & Volcanoes - [1.4.1 Earthquakes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-1-earthquakes.md) - [1.4.2 Features of an Earthquake](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-2-features-of-an-earthquake.md) - [1.4.3 Types of Earthquake](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-3-types-of-earthquake.md) - [1.4.4 Case Study: L'Aquila](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-4-case-study-laquila.md) - [1.4.5 Case Study: Chile](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-5-case-study-chile.md) - [1.4.6 Case Study: Japan & Pakistan - Planning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-6-case-study-japan-and-pakistan-planning.md) - [1.4.7 Volcanoes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-7-volcanoes.md) - [1.4.8 Types of Volcanoes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-8-types-of-volcanoes.md) - [1.4.9 Volcanic Eruptions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-9-volcanic-eruptions.md) ### 2 Human Geography - 2.1 Economic Activity & Energy - [2.1.1 Increasing Energy Consumption](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-1-increasing-energy-consumption.md) - [2.1.2 Non-Renewable Energy - Nuclear](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-2-non-renewable-energy-nuclear.md) - [2.1.3 Non-Renewable Energy - Fossil Fuels](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-3-non-renewable-energy-fossil-fuels.md) - [2.1.4 Renewable Energy - Solar](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-4-renewable-energy-solar.md) - [2.1.5 Renewable Energy - Water & Bio](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-5-renewable-energy-water-and-bio.md) - [2.1.6 Renewable Energy - Hydro](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-6-renewable-energy-hydro.md) - [2.1.7 Energy - Statistical Skills](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-7-energy-statistical-skills.md) - 2.2 Rural Environments - [2.2.1 Rainforests](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-2-1-rainforests.md) - [2.2.2 Temperate Forests](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-2-2-temperate-forests.md) - [2.2.3 Characteristics of a Temperate Forest](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-2-3-characteristics-of-a-temperate-forest.md) - [2.2.4 Goods & Services in Temperate Forests](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-2-4-goods-and-services-in-temperate-forests.md) - [2.2.5 Deserts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-2-5-deserts.md) - [2.2.6 Tundra](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-2-6-tundra.md) - 2.3 Urban Environments - [2.3.1 Urbanisation in Different Countries](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-3-1-urbanisation-in-different-countries.md) - [2.3.2 Causes of Urbanisation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-3-2-causes-of-urbanisation.md) - [2.3.3 Consequences of Urbanisation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-3-3-consequences-of-urbanisation.md) - [2.3.4 Sustainable Urbanisation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-3-4-sustainable-urbanisation.md) - [2.3.5 Case Study: Rapid Urbanisation in Mexico City](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-3-5-case-study-rapid-urbanisation-in-mexico-city.md) - [2.3.6 End of Topic Test - Urbanisation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-3-6-end-of-topic-test-urbanisation.md) ### 3 Global Issues - 3.1 Fragile Environments & Climate Change - [3.1.1 Natural Causes of Climate Change](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-1-natural-causes-of-climate-change.md) - [3.1.2 Effects of Climate Change on the Environment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-2-effects-of-climate-change-on-the-environment.md) - [3.1.3 Effects of Climate Change on People](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-3-effects-of-climate-change-on-people.md) - [3.1.4 Impacts of Deforestation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-4-impacts-of-deforestation.md) - [3.1.5 End of Topic Test - Climate Change](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-5-end-of-topic-test-climate-change.md) - [3.1.6 Increasing Water Supply](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-6-increasing-water-supply.md) - [3.1.7 Sustainable Rainforest Management](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-7-sustainable-rainforest-management.md) - 3.2 Globalisation & Migration - [3.2.1 Globalisation - Transport](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-1-globalisation-transport.md) - [3.2.2 Globalisation - Communication Networks & Banking](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-2-globalisation-communication-networks-and-banking.md) - [3.2.3 Push & Pull Factors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-3-push-and-pull-factors.md) - [3.2.4 TNCs & Globalisation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-4-tncs-and-globalisation.md) - [3.2.5 Tourism Landscapes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-5-tourism-landscapes.md) - [3.2.6 The Growth of Tourism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-6-the-growth-of-tourism.md) - [3.2.7 The Economic Benefits of Tourism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-7-the-economic-benefits-of-tourism.md) - [3.2.8 The Social & Cultural Benefits of Tourism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-8-the-social-and-cultural-benefits-of-tourism.md) - [3.2.9 The Economic Costs of Tourism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-9-the-economic-costs-of-tourism.md) - [3.2.10 The Social & Cultural Costs of Tourism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-10-the-social-and-cultural-costs-of-tourism.md) - [3.2.11 Managing Tourism - Sustainability](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-11-managing-tourism-sustainability.md) - [3.2.12 Managing Tourism - Quotas & Tourism Hubs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-12-managing-tourism-quotas-and-tourism-hubs.md) - 3.3 Development & Human Welfare - [3.3.1 Ways of Defining Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-1-ways-of-defining-development.md) - [3.3.2 Different Ways of Measuring Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-2-different-ways-of-measuring-development.md) - [3.3.3 Environmental Factors Causing Uneven Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-3-environmental-factors-causing-uneven-development.md) - [3.3.4 Historical Factors Causing Uneven Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-4-historical-factors-causing-uneven-development.md) - [3.3.5 Economic Factors Causing Uneven Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-5-economic-factors-causing-uneven-development.md) - [3.3.6 Patterns of Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-6-patterns-of-development.md) - [3.3.7 How Can we Reduce the Global Development Gap?](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-7-how-can-we-reduce-the-global-development-gap.md) - [3.3.8 Top-Down & Bottom-Up Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-8-top-down-and-bottom-up-development.md)