CALDERAS Meaning and
Definition
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Calderas are large volcanic features that are formed when the magma chamber beneath a volcano becomes depleted and collapses. They are characterized by a circular or oval-shaped depression in the Earth's surface, often several kilometers in diameter, with steep walls that may rise hundreds to thousands of meters above the surrounding landscape.
These depressions are typically formed during explosive volcanic eruptions or the evacuation of magma over an extended period of time. When the magma chamber empties, the weight of the overlying rock can cause the roof of the chamber to collapse, resulting in the formation of a caldera.
Calderas can also be created by the collapse of a volcanic cone following large-scale eruptions, often referred to as caldera-forming eruptions. In such cases, the volcano experiences a catastrophic eruption, causing the summit or part of the volcanic cone to collapse inward, forming a bowl-shaped depression.
Calderas are often marked by a series of concentric or radial fractures, known as ring faults, which radiate outwards from the central depression. These faults are a result of the subsidence and collapse of the volcano. As a caldera forms, it may be filled with water, resulting in the formation of a lake within the depression, known as a caldera lake.
Calderas can be found in various parts of the world, including Yellowstone National Park in the United States, the Taupo Volcanic Zone in New Zealand, and the Campi Flegrei in Italy. They are important features for studying the geologic history of volcanic activity and can have significant impacts on local ecosystems and human settlements.
Common Misspellings for CALDERAS
Etymology of CALDERAS
The word "calderas" has its etymology in Spanish, specifically from the Latin word "caldāria", which means a "cooking pot" or a "cauldron". From Latin, it entered the Spanish language as "caldera", retaining the same meaning. In English, "caldera" is used to refer to a large volcanic crater typically formed by the collapse of a volcano following an eruption or the emptying of a magma chamber beneath it.
Similar spelling words for CALDERAS
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