Synonym: Phreatic explosion ; Gaseous explosion
This is the phenomenon of gas ejection during a volcanic eruption. Gases released when magma moves slowly from a volcanic vent to the surface gather in shallow fissures, forming a pressurised chamber. When the pressure exceeds the load from the overlying strata, the chamber explodes. Concentrated gaseous explosions are usually discontinuous and cause gaseous ejections. Gaseous explosions are destructive and usually eject small amounts of magma.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2020 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this entry
Cite this entry
(2020). Phreatic Eruption. In: Chen, A., Ng, Y., Zhang, E., Tian, M. (eds) Dictionary of Geotourism. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2538-0_1877
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2538-0_1877
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-13-2537-3
Online ISBN: 978-981-13-2538-0
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Earth and Environmental Sciences