Volcanoes contain a variety of materials depending on their type and activity, but generally include deposits of volcanic ash, tephra, lava flows, and sometimes lava domes, lahar, and landslide deposits.
Here's a breakdown of common components found inside volcanoes:
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Volcanic Ash and Tephra: These are fragmental materials ejected during explosive eruptions. Tephra refers to all airborne volcanic ejecta, while ash is the finest fraction. Some volcanoes are almost entirely composed of these deposits.
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Lava Flows: Molten rock that erupts effusively. The composition and viscosity of the lava determine its flow characteristics. Volcanoes can be made almost entirely of lava flows.
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Lava Domes: Bulbous masses of viscous lava that accumulate around a vent.
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Pyroclastic Deposits: These are accumulations of hot, fast-moving flows of gas and volcanic debris (pyroclastic flows).
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Lahars: Mudflows or debris flows composed of volcanic ash, rock, and water.
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Landslide Deposits: Material from past collapses of the volcano's structure.
In addition to these deposits, a volcano contains:
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Magma Chamber: A reservoir of molten rock beneath the surface. This is the source of the erupted materials.
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Conduit/Vent: A pathway through which magma travels to the surface.
