The Volcanos of the Administrate of Centripax [First Draft]

[Firebird]

	THE VOLCANOS OF THE ADMINISTRATE OF CENTRIPAX A general definition of a volcano is: opening in Earth's crust: a naturally occurring opening in the surface of the Earth through which molten, gaseous, and solid material is ejected; a mountain created by the deposition and accumulation of materials ejected from a vent in a central crater. A volcanic vent is an opening exposed on the earth's surface where volcanic material is emitted. All volcanoes contain a central vent underlying the summit crater of the volcano. The volcano's cone-shaped structure, or edifice, is built by the more-or-less symmetrical accumulation of lava and/or pyroclastic material around this central vent system. The central vent is connected at depth to a magma chamber, which is the main storage area for the eruptive material. Because volcano flanks are inherently unstable, they often contain fractures that descend downward toward the central vent, or toward a shallow-level magma chamber. Such fractures may occasionally tap the magma source and act as conduits for flank eruptions along the sides of the volcanic edifice. These eruptions can generate cone-shaped accumulations of volcanic material, called parasitic cones. Fractures can also act as conduits for escaping volcanic gases, which are released at the surface through vent openings called fumaroles: however, there are many different kinds of volcanos in Aelyria. I wish to address only those ringing the area of the Administrate of Centripax. VOLCANO TYPES In order to categorize the active volcano border, it is necessary to describe the shape and type of the volcano mountains. Volcanos have always existed from the time of the early chronicles of the first inhabitants of the known world. The three, which occur in the Centripax mountain range are most notably: Aslan's Forge: Shield volcanoes are broad, low-profile features with basal diameters that vary from a few kilometers to over 100 kilometer. Their heights are typically about 1/20th of their widths. The lower slopes are often gentle (2-3 degrees), but the middle slopes become steeper (~10 degrees) and then flatten at the summit. This gives shield volcanoes a flank morphology that is convex in an upward direction. Their overall broad shapes result from the extrusion of very fluid (low viscosity) basalt lava that spreads outward from the summit area, in contrast to the vertical accumulation of air-fall tephra around scoria-cone vents, and the build-up of viscous lava and tephra around strato-volcanoes. Cross-sections through shield volcanoes reveal numerous thin flow units of pahoehoe basalt, typically < 1 m thick. Pyroclastic deposits are minor (< 1%) and of limited dispersal, generally from flank eruptions associated with parasitic scoria cones, or from rare, localized hydro-volcanic eruptions. Volcanos such as Aslan's Forge are generated by mountainous eruptions. However, there is some variability in their eruptive style, which translates into variations in shield morphology and size. The almost perfect symmetry and small volume (~15 km3) of its shields, for example, stands in marked contrast to the elongation and huge volume (thousands of km3) of the Fire Island's shields. These variations are largely attributed to the monogenetic, small-volume, centralized summit eruptions, typical of Aslan's Forge shields, and the polygenetic, large-volume, linear fissure eruptions, typical of most Fire Islands shields. Still different are the symmetrical Aslan shields, which have steep middle slopes (>10 degrees) and flat tops occupied by large and very deep calderas. These shield types appear to be generated by ring-fracture mark the site of caldera collapse eruptions, which delineate the sides of the caldera and and mark the site of caldera collapse. Mount Juno: A Scoria cone volcano, also known as cinder cones, it is the most common type of volcano. They are also the smallest type, with heights generally less than 300 meters. That is the character of Mount Juno, which resides in the Mountains above Center of Peace Sanctuary. Scoria cone volcanos can occur as discrete volcanoes on basaltic lava fields, or as parasitic cones generated by flank eruptions on shield volcanoes and strato-volcanoes. Scoria cones are composed almost wholly of ejected basaltic tephra. The tephra is most commonly of lapilli size, although bomb-size fragments and lava spatter may also be present. The tephra fragments typically contain abundant gas bubbles (vesicles), giving the lapilli and bombs a cindery (or scoriaceous) appearance. The tephra accumulates as scoria-fall deposits which build up around the vent to form the volcanic edifice. The edifice has very steep slopes, up to 35 degrees, although older eroded scoria cones typically have gentler slopes, from 15 to 20 degrees. Unlike the other two main volcano types, scoria cones have straight sides and very large summit craters, with respect to their relatively small edifices. They are often symmetric, although many are asymmetric due to: (1) the build up of tephra on the downwind flank of the edifice, (2) elongation of the volcano above an eruptive fissure, or (3) partial rafting of an outer wall of the volcano due to basalt lava oozing outward from beneath the volcano edifice. Where scoria cones have been breached, they typically reveal red-oxidized interiors. Mount Aelyria: Strato-volcanoes, also known as composite cones, are the most picturesque and the most deadly of the volcano types. Their lower slopes are gentle, but they rise steeply near the summit to produce an overall morphology that is concave in an upward direction. The summit area typically contains a surprisingly small summit crater. This classic strato-volcano shape is exemplified by many well-known strato-volcanoes. In detail, however, strato-volcano shapes are more variable, primarily because of wide variations in eruptive style and composition. Some may contain several eruptive centers, a caldera, or perhaps an amphitheater as the result of a lateral blast. Typically, strato-volcanoes have a layered or stratified appearance with alternating lava flows, air-fall tephra, pyroclastic flows, volcanic mud-flows (lahars), and/or debris flows. The compositional spectrum of these rock types may vary from basalt to rhyolite in a single volcano; however, the overall average composition of strato-volcanoes is andesitic. Many oceanic strato-volcanoes tend to be more malic than their continental counterparts. The variability of strato-volcanoes is evident when examining the eruptive history of individual volcanoes. Mount Aelyria is characteristic by andesitic-to-dacitic pyroclastic material. Strato-volcanoes typically form at convergent plate margins, where one plate descends beneath an adjacent plate at the site of a subduction zone. The eruptive history of most strato-volcanoes is delineated by highly explosive Plinian eruptions. These dangerous eruptions are often associated with deadly pyroclastic flows composed of hot volcanic fragments and toxic gases that advance down slopes at hurricane-force speeds. Like shield volcanoes, strato-volcanoes are polygenetic; however, they differ from shield volcanoes in that they erupt infrequently, with typical repose intervals of a millenia between eruptions. TEPHRA AND PYROCLASTIC ROCKS The rapid eruption of expanding gases results in the obliteration and fragmentation of magma and rock. The greater the explosivity, the greater the amount of fragmentation. Individual eruptive fragments are called pyroclasts ("fire fragments"). Tephra is a generic term for any airborne pyroclastic accumulation. Whereas tephra is unconsolidated, a pyroclastic rock is produced from the consolidation of pyroclastic accumulations into a coherent rock type. Classification of Pyroclasts: Tephra is classified on the basis of pyroclast size: ASH -- Very fine-grained fragments (< 2 mm), generally dominated by broken glass shards, but with variable amounts of broken crystal and lithic (rock) fragments. LAPILLI -- Pea- to walnut-size pyroclasts (2 to 64 mm). They often look like cinders. In water-rich eruptions, the accretion of wet ash may form rounded spheres known as accretionary lapilli. BLOCKS AND BOMBS -- Fragments >64 mm. Bombs are ejected as incandescent lava fragments which were semi-molten when airborne, thus inheriting streamlined, aerodynamic shapes. Blocks are ejected as solid fragments with angular shapes. Within this size classification, specific types of tephra can be further defined by physical attributes. For example, lapilli-size fragments of basaltic lava may cool quickly while airborne, to form glassy teardrop-shaped lapilli called Diana's tears. During strong winds, these molten fragments can be drawn out into fine filaments called Diana's hair. Nonexplosive Aslan Forge-type eruptions often produce lapilli- to bomb-size fragments, called spatter which remain airborne for only a short amount of time so that are still liquid when they hit the ground surface. Some lapilli- to bomb-size pyroclasts maintain a frothy appearance due to escaping volcanic gases and the rapid accumulation of bubbles (vesicles). These highly vesicular rock types include mafic and felsic varieties. Vigorous gas escape in felsic lavas produces pumice, whereas similar gas escape in mafic lavas produces reticulite. The high vesicularity of pumice lowers the density of this rock type so that it can literally float on water. Reticulite has a still lower density, with vesicles occupying up to 98% of the total volume. Unlike pumice, however, most of the bubble walls in reticulite are broken so that it sinks in the presence of water. Reticulite, however, is not as common as scoria, a denser mafic rock containing a smaller abundance of relatively large vesicles. SUBORDINATE VOLCANO TYPES Lava and tephra can erupt from vents other than these three main volcano types. A fissure eruption, for example, can generate huge volumes of basalt lava; however, this type of eruption is not associated with the construction of a volcanic edifice around a single central vent system. Although point-source eruptions can generate such features as spatter cones and hornitos, these volcanic edifices are typically small, localized, and/or associated with rootless eruptions (i.e., eruptions above the surface of an active lavaflow, unconnected to an overlying magma chamber) . Vent types related to hydrovolcanic processes generate unique volcanic structures. WHEN IS A VOLCANO CONSIDERED ACTIVE, DORMANT, OR EXTINCT? Classifying a volcano as active, dormant, or extinct is a subjective and inexact exercise. A volcano is generally considered active if it has erupted in historic time. This definition, however, is rather ambiguous, because recorded history varies from thousands of years throughout the realm, to only a few hundred years in other regions of Telath like the Fire Islands in Carmelyan Province. Scientists generally consider a volcano active if it is currently erupting, or exhibiting unrest through earthquakes, uplift, and/or new gas emissions.

[Firebird]

I need to add in a portion on gasses.

VOLCANIC GASSES

Gas Composition

Other than free oxygen, generated by photosynthesis, all atmospheric gases were derived from inside the earth and released by volcanic eruptions. The gaseous portion of magma varies from ~1 to 5% of the total weight. Water vapor constitutes 70-90%. The remaining gases include CO2, SO2, and trace amounts of of N, H, CO, S, Ar, Cl, and F. These subordinate gases can combine with hydrogen and water to produce numerous toxic compounds, such as HCl, HF, H2SO4, H2S, which are typical products of
main gases.

Trace Gasses-Toxic Gases

H2O (70-90%)
CO2
SO2N, H, S,
F, Ar,
CO, ClHCl, HF
H2SO4
H2S

A variety of sulfur aerosols may be present and sulfur itself may condenses around the fumarole into a crystalline accumulation called (yellow ground). On some volcanoes, enough sulfur is present to be mined as an economic resource. H2S is sometimes called "sewer gas" because it has a rotten egg odor. It is an insidious poison that irritates the eyes, nose, and throat. SO2 on the other hand, is the biting, choking gas that is smelled after lighting a kitchen match. When these two gases occur together, they react quickly with each other (within minutes) to produce sulfaterra and water vapor.

[Eyvind Redbeard]

It's a very interested project but I'd just like to ask if it was possible to give names to the gases instead of their chemical composition since there is no such thing as "chemical elements" in Aelyria, at least named or catalogued in ways you can say this is CO or that is HCl or that is simple H2O

[Orbril]

Nice write up I particulary like the description of the Aslans Forge Sheild with its flat top and caldera, and I like the Juno is seen as a cinder cone rising off the Aslan Sheild

I tend to agree with Eyvind though on the use of chemical nomanclature for the volcanic gases. Such nomenclature is very modern and most of those gases weren't even known before the 18th Century IRL

Really for the purposes of Aelyria it only needs to be stated that

magma contains a variety of fumes and toxic gases which can cause bubbles and explosive discharge. Alchemist have identified some of the typical gases including those of sulfur, water vapour, fixed air (CO2), marine air (HCl) and other more toxic and acidic fumes.

Besides the danger of gas explosions, there is also the danger of toxic gases being trapped in lava tunnels and of gases seeping up from the ground and causing suffocation. In some cases fumes have been known for form deadly acid fogs which roll great distances across the ground

Just on the issue of Alchemist it might be useful to list the alchemical substances produced by the various volcanoes

[Gossamer]

The color is pretty hard for most firefox people to read. I had to highlight it to even see it.

I think terms like 'magma chamber' and pyroplastic flow are too scientific for Aelyria's technological level because Aelyrian's wouldn't know about techtonic plates, upwellings, things they can't see below the surface because WE didn't until more recently in our scientific studies. What I'd do instead is write about the history of the volcanoes, the myth and lore surrounding them... why they are called what they are called, what Aslan's Forge means to most everyone. There's a lot of cultures throughout Aelyria that really have the Forge as a key ingredient in their rituals... heck soulstones for example are only found there.

I'd definitely make this more 'Aelyrian' and less scientific.

[Firebird]

Hmm I'm going to have to get a list of Firefox's colors. I thought I was safe doing 000000 for black. Would appreciate someone with Firefox looking that up. Thanks for the commets. I'll try and search out fables, etc on Aslan's Forge. Orbril I like your explanation of gasses. I'll do some research on ancient volcanos, don't know if Roman writings might have early writings on volcanos, but they might since the Romans had experience with volcanos, that's for sure.

[Iseult Fluersdotter]

Every time you use a frame code, make sure to put the # sign before the numbers of the color (frame=#000000). If you don't, the colors are going to skew. (The same, incidentally, goes for the number of numbers used--there must always be 6 numbers in the sequence for it show consistently across all platforms--but you don't have that problem!)

Or, alternatively, you can just do frame=black

(I have no constructive comments at this time)

[Orbril]

Originally Posted by Firebird

I'll do some research on ancient volcanos, don't know if Roman writings might have early writings on volcanos, but they might since the Romans had experience with volcanos, that's for sure.

Roman Theories of Volanism weren't overly accurate.
Aristotle expounded on the Exhalation Theory whereby volcanoes are mostly hollow and filled with Exhalations (of Wind) which break out like a hurricaine. The wind heats up as it moves and heats the rock around it which is release in an eruption until the wind is spent.
Others contended that mountains have beneath them subterranean fires fueled by Sulfur, Bitumen and other fuels. The idea of rivers of fire isalso appears

In fact the best volcanic 'theory' although cloaked in imagery is derived from Polynesian myth and includes the concept of 'floating islands', a great river of fire (the Pacific Ring of Fire) and the Rock Cycle

and pretty much these theories remained until the 1960's

As to Aelyria

I note that the Soulstones lore includes mention of the Heart of the World, which I deduce is made up of all essences so we can take an 'essence-bassed (essential?) view of nature.

So Orbril theorises that

"The Heart of the World is surrounded by a elemental layers with fire surrounding the Heart and then Stone (earth), water and air

The layer of fire is a vast ring of fire around the Heart
The layer of Stone manifests as the Granite which underlies the Continents
The layer of Water manifests as the oceans
The layer of Air manifests as the Sky above and the winds

The layer of Stone is subject to erosion by heating and by water and thus is filled with cracks and produces particles of silt (and the formation of sedimentary rocks*).

The essence of Fire is able to intrude into the layer of Stone by way of these cracks and so we have the formation of magma by melting of the surrounding stone and which then moves through the stone as a river and carries with it various alchemical substances like sulfur, alum and other stones including the Soulstones. Eventually this river of magma may rise to the surface of Telath where it sits within subterranean chambers like 'lakes' where it can heat the water above generating hot springs or eventually break through as volcanoes. "

*Taking the Trade Goods of each city as a basis the major and most abundant stone types in Aelyria are Granite, Limestone and Marble. Limestone and Marble are both sedimentary rocks whereas Granite is volcanic (and here elemental) all other rock types seem to be comparatively rare

On the term Pyroclastic - it is derived from greek Pyro Klastos and just means fire broken. Ergo its not too modern and quite reasonable that it be used in Aelyria as a term derived from Ancient Aelyrian.
If not easy alternatives could be "Tephra Cloud", "Ash Cloud" or something similar

[Firebird]

I really like the imagery of the prose Orbril

*Taking the Trade Goods of each city as a basis the major and most abundant stone types in Aelyria are Granite, Limestone and Marble. Limestone and Marble are both sedimentary rocks whereas Granite is volcanic (and here elemental) all other rock types seem to be comparatively rare

I'm of the mind that dwarfs, being a mineral/ore oriented race, and legendary stone masters would be the ones who learned about marble and granite's building properties and then passed the knowledge on to other races. Its not that their mineral hunting grounds are the only rich ones in Aelyria, but that they were first to harvest the marble and granite. So when I'm writing them up as ancient stone masters, and have the oldest marble quarries, we're talking about before written history of Aelyria.

So Centripax contains most of the EARLY marble and granite quarries, but not, by any means, the only ones. There are other areas of Aelyria which could produce gemstones/decorative stones; and even have their own unique gemstones or minerals. They can have different colors and varieties of marble. In rl some marble quarries around the world produce only one color in various shades, such as dark green to light green, which have different inclusions, depending on what was combined with massive amounts of serpentine in one given area.

So when we get together the geology of Aelyria, other GM's can research their areas and develop their city's resources. For example, in rl Tanzania is the only place on earth where zoisite is found in a translucent blue to purple gemstone, which was named by Tiffany as Tanzanite. Only one pocket has been found and frankly zoisite has never been found in gemstone translucent quality before, and is usually green with red corundum (low grade ruby). The discovery of this stone deposit was found less than 50 years ago. But it proves that each area of Aelyria probably has undiscovered gemstones, which could be found or mined in one small location. Coulter Minith after 5 years of trying to rp finding what was in a mine in Natura was finally rewarded with finding a pocket of a rare gemstone.

So what different climatic, volcanic, heat, pressure would cause formation of very rare pockets of gemstones or minerals. It would make fun researching each climatic area in Aelyria and compare with real life geology, geography.

Or maybe it would just be fun for me. lol