#Volcanic Formation Rules
Hi,
I'm involved in a world-building project in the SFLIT Forum (section 19) and
we've gotten into a discussion concerning volcanoes.
What we'd like to know is how much current theory about volcano formation,
behavior, and impact on a planetary system has been influenced by the data
collected from Martian, Venusian, and other probes in the last 20-25 years.
What are the basic concepts now?
We've got two methods for forming volcanoes: stress along the edges of crustal
plates (where they are colliding) and "hot spots" where a rupture has developed
in the crust. Are these still the essentials required for volcanoes?
And what about the impact of a large number of volcanoes. Suppose the Earth
had twice as many active volcanoes as it now does. How would our landscape and
atmosphere be different from what we have today? How much ecological impact
would there be?
Can you suggest any up-to-date references for us to check out?
Thanks in advance.
Michael