A caldera is a large depression formed when a volcano erupts and collapses. During a volcanic eruption, magma present in the magma chamber underneath the volcano is expelled, often forcefully. ... As a result, the sides and top of the volcano collapse inward.

Where do calderas happen?

Calderas also occur on shield volcanoes. These calderas are thought to form when large rift eruptions or lateral intrusions remove tremendous quantities of magma from the shallow magma chambers beneath the summit, leaving the ground above the chambers with no support.

How is a caldera formed quizlet?

How does a caldera form? Enormous eruptions may empty the main vent and the magma chamber beneath a volcano. The mountain becomes a hollow shell. With nothing to support it, the top of the mountain collapses inward, forming a caldera.