Volcanism and Earthquakes: JAMB Geography Questions, Answers & Notes

What Volcanism and Earthquakes covers in the JAMB Geography syllabus

Volcanism is the process by which molten material (magma below the surface, lava when erupted) reaches the earth's surface through a volcano — an opening/vent in the crust. Volcanoes are active (erupting), dormant (quiet but may erupt) or extinct (not expected to erupt). Volcanism is extrusive (reaching the surface — lava, ash, craters, hot springs and geysers) or intrusive (cooling within the crust — batholiths, dykes, sills). An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the crust; it originates at the focus (hypocentre) with the epicentre directly above on the surface, is measured by a seismograph on the Richter scale, and undersea quakes can trigger a tsunami. Both occur mainly along tectonic plate boundaries. Volcanism forms fertile soils and minerals, but earthquakes can destroy buildings and lives.

For Volcanism and Earthquakes, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Explain volcanism, magma/lava and types of volcanoes
• Distinguish intrusive and extrusive volcanism and volcanic features
• Explain earthquakes (focus, epicentre, seismograph, Richter scale, tsunami) and effects

Key facts & revision notes: Volcanism and Earthquakes

These are the recurring points our Volcanism and Earthquakes questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• Volcanism is the process by which molten material (magma) from within the earth reaches the surface.
• Magma is molten rock beneath the earth's surface; once it erupts, it is called lava.
• Lava is molten rock (magma) that has erupted onto the earth's surface.
• A volcano is an opening (vent) in the crust through which lava, gas and ash erupt.
• An active volcano is one currently erupting or expected to erupt.
• A dormant volcano is quiet for a long time but could still erupt.
• An extinct volcano is one not expected to erupt again.
• Extrusive volcanism reaches the surface (lava, ash); intrusive volcanism cools within the crust.
• Intrusive volcanism forms features (e.g.
• batholiths, dykes, sills) as magma cools within the crust.
• An earthquake is a sudden shaking or vibration of the earth's crust.
• The focus (hypocentre) is the point within the earth where an earthquake originates.
• The epicentre is the point on the surface directly above the earthquake's focus.
• A seismograph records and measures the vibrations (magnitude) of earthquakes.
• The Richter scale measures the magnitude (energy released) of earthquakes.
• A tsunami is a giant sea wave that can be triggered by undersea earthquakes or volcanic activity.
• A crater is the bowl-shaped hollow at the top of a volcano around the vent.
• Volcanoes and earthquakes occur mainly along the boundaries of tectonic plates.
• Volcanic activity forms fertile volcanic soils and can create new land and mineral deposits.
• Hot springs and geysers are minor volcanic features caused by heated underground water.
• Earthquakes can destroy buildings, roads and infrastructure and cause loss of lives.

Worked examples

Three Volcanism and Earthquakes questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Volcanism and Earthquakes is tested in JAMB Geography

Our Volcanism and Earthquakes bank holds 20 questions (1 easy, 12 medium, 7 hard). JAMB Geography typically returns to Volcanism and Earthquakes year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Volcanism and Earthquakes questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Volcanism and Earthquakes. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one Geography item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Volcanism and Earthquakes is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Volcanism and Earthquakes

The errors that cost marks on Volcanism and Earthquakes are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Volcanism and Earthquakes actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Volcanism and Earthquakes part of the JAMB Geography syllabus?

Yes. Volcanism and Earthquakes is a recognised topic in the JAMB Geography syllabus, covering explain volcanism, magma/lava and types of volcanoes. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Volcanism and Earthquakes questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 20 original, JAMB-standard Volcanism and Earthquakes questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Volcanism and Earthquakes?

Volcanism is the process by which molten material (magma below the surface, lava when erupted) reaches the earth's surface through a volcano — an opening/vent in the crust. Volcanoes are active (erupting), dormant (quiet but may erupt) or extinct (not expected to erupt). Volcanism is extrusive (reac…

How do I answer Volcanism and Earthquakes questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Volcanism and Earthquakes. Practising timed Volcanism and Earthquakes questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB Geography Volcanism and Earthquakes questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Volcanism and Earthquakes questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Volcanism and Earthquakes practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME Geography syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.