I was wondering what the origins of the names used for classifying volcanoes,(Hawaiian, Strombolian, Vulcanian, and Plinian) were. Could you please send me that information or direct me to a place where I could get that information. Thank You, Scott Monaghan

rocky Scott Monaghan

Dear Scott,

Hawaiian, Strombolian, Vulcanian are derived from places/volcanoes where that style of eruption is common: Hawaii, Stromboli, and Vulcano, respectively. Plinian is named for Plinian the Younger. He described the 79 A.D. eruption of Vesuvius in great detail.

Macdonald's book about volcanoes does an excellent job of describing the different types of eruptions. You could probably find it at a university library or get a copy on loan to your local library.

Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota

Source of Information:
 Macdonald, G.A., 1972, Volcanoes: Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, Prentice-Hall, p. 510. 

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