Previous Year Question
Consider the following:
Pyroclastic debris
Ash and dust
Nitrogen compounds
Sulphur compounds
How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
All four are included among the materials released by volcanic eruptions:
1. Pyroclastic debris:
Fragmented solid material ejected during an explosive volcanic eruption is called pyroclastic debris.
It may include rock fragments, lapilli, pumice and volcanic bombs.
2. Ash and dust:
Volcanic ash consists of extremely fine particles of rock, minerals and volcanic glass.
Powerful eruptions can carry these particles to great heights in the atmosphere.
3. Nitrogen compounds:
NCERT includes nitrogen compounds among the gases released during volcanic eruptions.
4. Sulphur compounds:
Volcanic gases contain sulphur compounds such as sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide.
These gases can contribute to acid rain and the formation of atmospheric aerosols.
According to NCERT, volcanic products include lava flows, pyroclastic debris, volcanic bombs, ash and dust, and gases such as nitrogen and sulphur compounds.