What causes volcanoes to erupt?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the activity of volcanoes and specifically mentions Mount St. Helens. Sources are provided for more information about the causes of volcanic eruptions and recent earthquake swarms in the area. The conversation emphasizes that volcanoes can have periods of both eruption and calm, and mentions the recent increase in localized earthquakes near Mount St. Helens.
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Hunter1234
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I would appreciate if you could provide a source. Thanks!
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
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Mount St. Helens Is Recharging Its Magma Stores, Setting Off Earthquake Swarms
http://www.wired.com/2016/05/mount-st-helens-recharging-magma-stores-setting-off-earthquake-swarms
When it comes down to it, volcanoes spend most of their existence not erupting. If you look at almost any volcano, it might have a bout of eruption for days to months at a time, then go quiet for decades, centuries or more. So when you think about the activity at any given volcano, you should not only concern yourself with what might be happening when the volcano is actually coughing stuff up (erupting), but also when, at the surface, things look perfectly calm.

http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2016/0507/Rumbles-heard-from-Mount-St.-Helens-Another-eruption
More than 130 small tremors have been documented in the Mount St. Helens region in Washington, according to the US Geological Survey. The quakes began in mid-March and have ramped up to nearly 40 localized earthquakes a week.
 
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1. What is the main cause of volcanic eruptions?

Volcanic eruptions are primarily caused by movement and pressure within the Earth's crust. This is known as plate tectonics, where the Earth's surface is made up of large plates that continually shift and collide, causing friction and pressure. This movement and pressure can trigger volcanic eruptions.

2. Can human activity contribute to volcanic eruptions?

In rare cases, human activity such as drilling and mining near or within a volcano can potentially trigger an eruption. However, the vast majority of volcanic eruptions are caused by natural geological processes and not human activity.

3. How do scientists predict when a volcano will erupt?

There are a few different methods that scientists use to predict volcanic eruptions. These include monitoring changes in volcanic gas emissions, measuring ground deformation, and tracking seismic activity. However, predicting volcanic eruptions is not an exact science and can be difficult to do accurately.

4. Are all volcanoes the same?

No, there are different types of volcanoes with varying eruption styles and characteristics. Some volcanoes, such as shield volcanoes, have more gentle, effusive eruptions, while others, like stratovolcanoes, have more explosive eruptions. The type of magma and the location of the volcano can also impact its eruption behavior.

5. Can volcanic eruptions be beneficial?

While volcanic eruptions can be destructive and dangerous, they also have some benefits. Volcanic eruptions can create new land and contribute to the formation of fertile soil. They also release nutrients into the atmosphere which can help plants grow. Additionally, volcanic ash and minerals can be used for various purposes, such as construction materials and fertilizer.

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