Volcanic features found in the rift valley of Kenya

KCSE Geography Paper 1 2000 Section B Question 7 with Answers.

​(a) Differentiate between plutonic rocks and volcanic rocks

Volcanic rocks

1. ​Form from lava
2. Formed in surface
3. Cools rapidly
4. Forms small crystals
5. ​Fine textured

​Plutonic rocks 

1. Form from magma 
2. Formed deep inside the crust/intrusive/ Extrusive 
3. Cools slowly 
4. Forms large cry/course grained 
5. Coarse textured 

​(b) Describe how lava plateau is formed

1. The lava is ultra basic/ extremely fluid / of low viscosity
2. The lave flows over long distances spreading evenly over large areas before cooling
3. The lava cools slowly forming an extensive plateau.
4. The plateau may form through a series of eruption which results in thick layers of lava.

​(c) (i) Name three volcanic features found in the rift valley of Kenya

1. Hot springs
2. Crater/Caldera /crate lake
3. Volcanic cones/volcanic mountains
4. Lava plateaus / plains lava
5. Ash and cinder cones
6. Plug domes / spines
7. Fuma roles / solfatara

​(ii) Explain four negative effects of vulcanicity in Kenya

1. Some volcanic features create barriers making the construction of communication lines expensive
2. The rugged nature of volcanic landscape make settlement and agriculture difficult 
3. Volcanic mountain range create rain shadow effect which results into aridity 
4. Recent volcanic lava flows have poorly developed soils unsuitable for agriculture

​(b) You intend to carry out a field study of a volcanic landscape
(i) State four reasons why it is necessary to conduct a reconnaissance of the area of study.

1. To help in designing the research methods to be used during the study
2. To help formulate relevant hypothesis for the study
3. To help in working out a programmed/ schedule  for the field study
4. To help in identifying the appropriate equipment/instruments to be used in the study
5. To help in  identifying the features and their location before the study tour
6. To help in identifying the features and their location before the study tour
7. To help get contracts/guides for the study 
8. To identify problems likely to be encourage

​(ii) During your field work, you intend to study volcanic  rocks, state why you would need the  following items

A hammer 

• For breaking rocks for closer examination

A polythene bag

• For carrying samples for subsequent studies

Volcanicity, Minerals and rocks, Fieldwork, Internal land forming processes, form 1, form 2 level

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