Lavas of Etna

Synopsis

Surface features and structural differences between older and younger basaltic flows of an active volcano, Mt Etna, are illustrated. Rock samples from the two, rather distinct layers reveal differences in crystal size, shape and colour. From these differences, inferences are made concerning differences in rates and sources of flow. Laboratory analysis - fractional crystallisation, mass spectrometry, and strontium isotope analysis - reveal further differences in samples from the two layers and strongly suggest that the two lava groups have come from different parts of a non-homogeneous mantle.

Series

Earth: Structure, Composition and Evolution, Course S237

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 25 min.

Year of production

1981

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Uses

Advanced students of geomorphology to show the techniques used to study origins of lava flows. A knowledge of volcanism and radiochemistry is assumed.*

Subjects

Geology

Keywords

lava flows; volcanoes

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk