Select all of the answers that apply.

Which of the following cause volcanic eruptions?

pressure and heat built up in the magma chamber
foreshocks and aftershocks
plate tectonics and subduction
ground swelling and foreshocks

1 answer

The following options cause volcanic eruptions:

  1. Pressure and heat built up in the magma chamber - This is a primary cause of volcanic eruptions as increased pressure can lead to the fracturing of rocks and the expulsion of magma.

  2. Plate tectonics and subduction - Volcanic eruptions are often associated with tectonic plate movements, especially at subduction zones where one plate moves under another, leading to magma formation and subsequent eruptions.

  3. Ground swelling and foreshocks - Ground swelling can indicate the movement of magma beneath the surface, and foreshocks may indicate that an eruption is imminent.

Foreshocks and aftershocks - While foreshocks can sometimes be associated with volcanic activity, they are more commonly linked to seismic activity related to earthquakes rather than being a direct cause of volcanic eruptions.

So the applicable answers are:

  • Pressure and heat built up in the magma chamber
  • Plate tectonics and subduction
  • Ground swelling and foreshocks