interesting facts about volcanoes for homework

Everything you need to know about volcanoes.

How Volcanoes Form

In 1980 in Washington, after 123 years of hibernation, Mount St. Helens erupted. The blast destroyed and scorched 230 square miles (370 square kilometers) of forest within minutes. The eruption released an avalanche of hot ash, gas, steam, and rocks that mowed down giant trees up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) away.

When magma finds a way to escape from beneath the earth's surface, it creates a volcano.

Volcanoes erupt in different ways. Some, like Mount St. Helens, explode. Explosive eruptions are so powerful, they can shoot particles 20 miles up (32 kilometers), hurl 8-ton boulders more than a half mile (0.8 kilometers) away, and cause massive landslides. Explosive eruptions also create an avalanche of hot volcanic debris, ash, and gas that bulldozes everything in its path. Explosive volcanoes cause most of the volcano-related fatalities.

Volcanoes, like Mauna Loa in Hawaii, are effusive. Rather than a violent explosion, lava pours or flows out. Fatalities from effusive volcanoes are rare because people can usually outrun the lava. However, some people get too close or become trapped with no escape. The flowing lava burns, melts, and destroys everything it touches including farms, houses, and roads.

A volcanic eruption forever changes the landscape. Though volcanoes destroy, they also create mountains, islands, and, eventually, incredibly fertile land.

Carpet of Ash

Volcanic eruptions can cause damage hundreds of miles away. Volcanic ash causes airplane engines to fail, destroys crops, contaminates water, and damages electronics and machinery. The ash carpets the ground, burying everything, sometimes even causing buildings to collapse. Mount St. Helens produced more than 490 tons of ash that fell over a 22,000 square mile (56,980 square kilometer) area and caused problems in cities 370 miles (600 kilometers) away.

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17 explosive volcano facts!

Check out some fascinating facts about volcanoes.

Is it just us or is it getting hot in here, gang? Prepare to delve into the depths of the earth and uncover these seriously hot volcano facts – if you dare!

Volcano facts

1. Put simply, a volcano is an opening in the Earth’s surface.

Usually found in a mountain, the opening allows gas, hot magma and ash to escape from beneath the Earth’s crust .

2. The word “volcano” comes from the Roman name “Vulcan”.

“But who was Vulcan?” you might ask. He was the Roman god of fire !

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3.  Volcanoes are often found at meeting points of “tectonic plates”.

These plates are pieces of the Earth’s surface that fit together just like a jigsaw puzzle.

4.  Volcanoes can also occur over “mantle plumes”.

Ever heard of mantle plumes ? They’re super-hot areas of rock inside the Earth!

Did you know that we have a FREE downloadable  Volcanoes of Ecuador primary resource ? Great for teachers, homeschoolers and parents alike!

5.  Approximately 350 million people live within “danger range” of an active volcano.

That means that around one in 20 people live in an area at risk of volcanic activity.

6.  Volcanoes are classified as active, dormant or extinct.

This refers to the amount of volcanic activity. “ Active ” means there’s regular activity, “ dormant ” means there’s been recent activity but the volcano is currently quiet, and “ extinct ” means it’s been so long since the last eruption that it’s unlikely to ever erupt again.

7. Volcanoes can be a variety of shapes.

These geographical wonders come in various shapes and sizes, but there are two main types – composite volcanoes , which are cone-shaped with steep slopes, and shield volcanoes , which are wide with gentle slopes.

8.  Magma and lava are two different things!

Magma is the name given to hot liquid rock  inside  a volcano . Once it leaves the volcano, it’s known as lava .

Psst! Make sure you download our awesome  volcano facts infographic  – show your friends, family, or stick it on your wall!

9.  Volcanoes don’t just occur on land.

They can be found on the ocean floor and under ice caps , too!

10.  Lava from a volcano can reach 1,250°C.

If you used a glass thermometer to take the temperature it would melt!

11.  The world’s largest active volcano is Mauna Loa in Hawaii.

Standing a whopping 4,169m tall , this geological giant last erupted in 2022 .

12. Volcanoes exist throughout the solar system!

Other planets and moons have volcanoes, too! The largest volcano in our solar system is Olympus Mons , found on Mars .

13.  In A.D. 79, the Italian town of Pompeii was destroyed and buried by a volcano called Mount Vesuvius.

Incredibly, the ash deposits preserved the town and the remains of the people within it. Today, it’s one of Italy ‘s most popular historical sites!

14.  About 1,900 volcanoes on Earth are considered active, likely to explode again. Yikes! 

Most of the world’s active volcanoes are found on the “ Ring of Fire “, a 40,000 km horseshoe shaped area of the Pacific Ocean .

15.  The loudest sound in recorded history was made by a volcano called Krakatau.

Found in Southeast Asia , when Krakatau erupted in 1883 it released 200 megatrons of energy – that’s the equivalent of 15,000 nuclear bombs . Boom!

16. Volcanoes can produce rich, fertile land.

Over time, lava and ash break down to produce nutrient-rich soil , great for growing crops! That’s why some people like to set up home on the slopes of a volcano.

17.  It’s not just humans that makes use of volcanoes – birds do, too!

Maleo birds bury their eggs in the sand or soil near volcanoes to keep them warm . When the chicks hatch they claw their way up to the surface!

Check out this explosive video, full of exciting facts and information about volcanoes!

Discover other forces of nature with our geography features , including tornado facts , hurricane facts , tsunami facts and more!

What did you think of our volcano facts, gang? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

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What is a bushfire?

10 Facts about Hurricanes!

Structure of the Earth!

Awesome poems about the water cycle!

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• The tallest volcano we know of in the Solar System is on Mars. It is called Olympus Mons and is 17 miles tall.
• A large volcano eruption can destroy an entire forest.
• The largest volcano on earth is Mauna Loa on the Hawaii Big Island. The tallest is Mauna Kea which is right next to it.
• The ash cloud from volcanoes can be dangerous. It can be harmful for people to breathe and difficult for planes to fly through. A large ash cloud from Eyjafjallajokull, a volcano in Iceland, shut down most of the airports in Europe for several days in 2010.
• There are generally around 20 volcanoes erupting in the world at any given time.
• Take a ten question quiz about this page.
• Listen to a recorded reading of this page:

50 Amazing Volcano Facts

Biggest recorded.

The biggest volcanic eruption ever recorded by humans was the explosion of Mount Tambora on Sumbawa Island, Indonesia, in 1815. It ranked a 7 (or "super-colossal") on the Volcanic Explosivity Index, the second-highest rating in the index.

Long-lasting effects

The gas and other particles spewed high into the atmosphere during the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo reduced global temperatures by about 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 degrees Celsius) during the following year.

Lots of ash

The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo ejected more than 1 cubic mile (5 cubic kilometers) of material into the air and created a column of ash that rose 22 miles (35 km) in the atmosphere.

The largest volcanic blast of the 20th century was the eruption of Novarupta one of a chain of volcanoes on the Alaska Peninsula, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire in 1912. It was a 6 (out of a possible 8) on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.

Continuous erupting

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, one of the most active on Earth, has been erupting continuously for more than 29 years, beginning Jan. 3, 1983.

Deadly eruption

Kilauea erupted 200 years ago, sending speeding lava flows down its peaks and killing more than 400 people, including Hawaiian warriors. It was the deadliest volcanic eruption on record in what is now the United States.

Far-reaching effect

Kilauea means "spewing" or "much spreading" in Hawaiian.

New activity

More than 90 percent of Kilauea's surface is covered by lava less than 1,100 years old.

Stratovolcanoes

Stratovolcanoes are tall, steep, conical structures that periodically erupt explosively and are commonly found where one of Earth's plates is subducting below another, producing magma along a particular zone.

Large mountains

The Hawaiian shield volcanoes are the largest mountains on Earth. The total height of Mauna Kea, below and above sea level, is 33,500 feet (10,210 meters), making it taller than even Mount Everest.

Largest volcanoes

The largest volcanoes on Earth are shield volcanoes, which have broad, gentle slopes built by fluid basalt lavas.

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What is a volcano?

A volcano is a very deep hole in the Earth’s top layer that can let out hot gasses, ash and lava. Many volcanoes are also mountains.

Volcanoes have long shafts that go all the way down through the Earth’s first layer, the crust, to magma in between the crust and the mantle (the Earth’s second layer). It’s so hot there that rocks melt into liquid! This is called magma, which travels up through volcanoes and flows out as lava .

Top 10 facts

• Volcanoes are big holes that let out hot gasses , ash and magma from deep inside the Earth.
• Many volcanoes are mountains , made up of layers of lava and ash.
• Many volcanoes have several vents – a main one, and secondary ones that branch off the main vent. The volcano’s main vent goes all the way down to the layer of magma in between the Earth’s crust and mantle.
• The Earth has three layers – the crust at the very top, then the mantle , then the core at the very middle of the planet.
• There are three ways to describe a volcano and explain what it’s doing  – active , erupting , and dormant .
• An extinct volcano is one that hasn’t erupted in at least 10,000 years, and that scientists don’t think will erupt again for a very long time.
• The largest active volcano in the world is Mauna Loa, on the Hawaiian islands.
• When a volcano erupts, magma comes up and out through the vents. Magma is called lava when it’s outside the volcano.
• Depending on how thick the magma is, volcanoes can be different shapes such as shield , composite or dome .
• Ash from volcanoes is very good for growing things. It adds nutrients to the soil.

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Did you know?

• crust (at the top)
• mantle (in the middle)
• core (in the centre)
• There are 1,500 active volcanoes in the world and about 50 volcanoes erupt every year!
• Most volcanoes can be found in countries that have coastlines on the Pacific Ocean – this is called the Ring of Fire.
• Gas, ash and magma can come out of volcanoes.
• When magma flows out of a volcano, it’s called lava .
• Most of the gas that comes out of volcanoes is poisonous.
• Some volcanoes are underwater!
• There aren’t any volcanoes in the UK. The largest volcano in Europe is Mount Etna in Sicily (Italy).
• The word ‘volcano’ comes from ‘ Vulcan ’, the Roman god of fire

Volcano pictures

Have a look through the images in the gallery and see if you can spot the following:

• The parts of a volcano © Anthony Bennett, Internet Geography
• A volcano in Hawaii
• Molten lava
• A smoking crater in New Zealand
• An eruption at Mount Krakatoa, between the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia
• Flowing lava
• Mount Etna in Sicily in Italy
• A lava cloud in Hawaii

There are lots of different types and sizes of volcanoes , from small cracks in the Earth's surface to huge mountains which have been built up by lots of layers of lava and ash.

Magma is liquid rock in between the crust and the mantle, formed when part of the lower crust or upper mantle melts.

When magma travels up through a volcano’s vent, bubbles of gas also appear. All the gas builds up pressure, which causes the magma to explode out of the volcano. When magma is thin, the gas bubbles can rise and pop easily – volcanoes located over thin magma don’t have very large explosions. When magma is thick, the gas bubbles get trapped and the pressure builds up so much that the explosion shoots high up into the air. If magma cools down as it rushes up the vent, it will come out as rock or ash.

Volcanoes can be very dangerous; some of the worst natural dissters in human history have been caused by erupting volcanoes. Lava flowing out of volcanoes can burn and destroy anything in its path, and ash can be so thick in the air that it’s hard to breathe. Earthquakes can happen when a volcano erupts, causing very large waves called tsunamis . If gases and ash get into the atmosphere, it can even change the weather by causing thunderstorms and cool temperatures.

When volcanoes haven't erupted for many years (perhaps thousands!), people begin to live near them in order to farm the land which is very fertile thanks to the volcanic ash. If the volcano does erupt, there can be huge loss of human life in nearby cities. In the biggest explosion in recorded history, the eruption of Tambora in Indonesia in 1815, an estimated 60,000 people lost their lives and the ash cloud affected farming, causing the worst famine of the century.

Volcanologists (scientists who study volcanoes) can sometimes tell if a volcano is going to erupt by keeping track of earthquakes underneath it. The types of gases coming out of the vent can also change close to an eruption. Animals living near a volcano may start to act differently, as if they can sense something is going to happen.

The Earth’s surface is made up of lots of pieces called tectonic plates . These plates can slide against each other, which lets magma from underneath squeeze up through the cracks. When tectonic plates move, it also causes earthquakes. Most volcanoes are located along the edges of tectonic plates, especially around the Pacific Ocean – this is called the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The ancient Romans wrote about a huge volcanic eruption that happened in 79 AD in Pompeii . The ash and rocks that erupted out of Mount Vesuvius buried nearby towns and killed more than 2,000 people. Mount Vesuvius is dormant today.

Other famous volcanic eruptions in history are:

• Mount Tambora (Indonesia) in 1815
• Krakatoa (Indonesia) in 1883
• Mount Pelée (Martinique) in 1902
• Mount St Helens (Washington, USA) in 1980
• Mount Pinatubo (Philippines) in 1991
• Eyjafjallajokul l (Iceland) in 2010

Words to know

• Active volcano – a volcano that erupts regularly
• Crater – the bowl-shaped area at the top of a volcano’s vent
• Dormant volcano – a volcano that has not erupted in a very long time, but could again
• Extinct volcano – a volcano that has not erupted in thousands of years, and doesn’t look like it will erupt again
• Magma chamber – the pool of magma located underneath the volcano’s vent
• Supervolcano – a volcano that has an eruption where the amount of stuff that comes out is more than 1,000 cubic kilometres
• Vent – the main part of a volcano where magma and gasses come through from deep inside the Earth
• Volcanologist – a scientist who studies volcanoes

Related Videos

Just for fun...

• Play Volcano Island : decide when you think a volcano is going to erupt and when people should evacuate. Will you make an accurate prediction?
• Try some volcano experiments and activities
• Volcano information posters, factsheets, quizzes, wordsearches and crosswords to download and print
• Download, print and make a volcano model
• Make your own volcano at home
• Try a lava flow experiment
• Print out your own volcano mini book to colour in
• Take a tricky volcanoes quiz
• Try some volcano activity sheets or make your own 3D volcano model with a template
• Can you place volcanoes in the correct place on an interactive map ?

Children's books about volcanoes

See for yourself

• Visit the Natural History Museum  in London: their brand-new gallery about volcanoes and earthquakes features an earthquake simulator where you can feel the groud shake underneath your feet, as well as a heat suit worn by volcanologists.
• Watch an animation of a volcano erupting from the safety of your own home!
• Listen to a volcano erupt
• Look through some awe-inspiring volcano pictures

Find out more

• CBBC: volcanoes
• See a detailed diagram of what the inside of a volcano looks like
• Download some volcano diagrams
• Look at a volcano facts infographic
• BBC Bitesize: volcanoes
• Watch a video about the Yellowstone supervolcano , one of our planet's restless giants
• Find out how the shape of a volcano reflects its "personality"
• Find out more about plate tectonics  with your very own Plate Tectonics Passport
• Explosive volcano facts from National Geographic Kids
• Animated guide to volcanoes
• Slideshows and interactive guides to all aspects of volcanoes
• Download a factsheet about volcanoes and try an online interactive resource to help you understand plate tectonics
• An interactive map which tracks every recorded volcanic eruption, earthquake and major sulfur dioxide emission since 1960
• See how deadly volcanic eruptions have been in the past with an infographic

Give your child a headstart

• FREE articles & expert information
• FREE resources & activities
• FREE homework help

Lava is liquid rock (magma) that flows out of a volcano. Fresh lava ranges from 1,300° to 2,200° F (700° to 1,200° C) in temperature and glows red hot to white hot as it flows.

There are around 1,510 active volcanoes in the world.

We currently know of 80 or more which are under the oceans.

• Crust The crust is the outer layer of Earth. It is about 18 miles thick. It is the part we live on.
• Mantle The second layer is called the mantle. It is about 1,800 miles thick.
• Core The inner layer is called the core.

The Earth's crust is made up of huge slabs called plates , which fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. These plates sometimes move.

Between the Earth's crust and the mantle is a substance called magma which is made of rock and gases.

When two plates collide, one section slides on top of the other, the one beneath is pushed down.  Magma is squeezed up between two plates.

When magma erupts through the earth's surface it is called lava

Over half of the world’s volcanoes arise in a belt around the Pacific Ocean called the Ring of Fire.

Largest active volcano

Volcanoes around the World Each triangle on the map represents a volcano.

Volcano FAQ's -- Learn About Volcanoes What is a volcano? ... Why do volcanoes erupt? ... Where do volcanoes erupt? ... How hot is a volcano?

Information on Volcanoes including volcanoes and climate

©Copyright Mandy Barrow 2013 primaryhomeworkhelp.com

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Volcanoes – Why They Erupt

Please enable JavaScript

Your chances of being involved in a volcanic eruption are pretty low compared to other natural disasters, such as flooding or earthquakes . Still, it’s good to know what to watch for and what to do. Volcanoes are like giant vents for the Earth.

Imagine a pot of chili bubbling on the stove. If it has a lid on it, steam can’t escape. The chili might just bubble up and erupt over the sides of the pan. Take the lid off, though, and the heat can escape.

Deep under the earth’s crust is magma – rock that is so hot that it is a liquid. Along with this rock are explosive gases. The earth’s crust is not one solid piece, but many pieces that fit together like a puzzle.

When these pieces rub up against each other, they create pressure. Magma and gases build up. Finally, they explode through holes or vents in the earth’s surface. As the magma, or lava, cools and hardens, it forms mountains over millions of years. These mountains are known as volcanoes.

Volcanoes are fascinating and terrifying. They spew lava, rock, poisonous gases and ash with great power. Lava is much, much hotter than any oven –over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. As it pours out of the Earth , it can burn anything in its path. Poisonous gases and ash can cause serious illness or death.

Volcanoes F acts for Kids

• There are about 1,900 active volcanoes on the earth. This means they have erupted recently or they might erupt. Some volcanoes are extinct. Over 80 volcanoes have been found in the ocean .
• Most volcanoes happen on fault lines, or cracks in the Earth’s surface.
• There are three different types of volcanoes – Strato (Composite), Shield (these are the largest volcanoes) and Dome.
• A volcano has three categories to fall under: Extinct (was a volcano but will never erupt again or is not expected), Dormant (has not erupted in thousands of years but is likely to erupt again), Active (has the potential to erupt at any stage or has erupted since the last ice age ).
• Most of the earth’s volcanoes are in the Pacific Ocean, in an area called the Ring of Fire.
• The word “volcano” comes from Vulcan, the Roman god of fire.
• Lava from volcanoes can reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Volcanoes spew out ash and toxic gases, as well as lava and lava boulders.
• Pompeii was an ancient city that was completely buried in ash and lava.
• Mauna Loa in Hawaii ( Pacific Ocean ) is the world’s largest active shield volcano standing at 4,170 m high. Mauna Kea also in Hawaii is a taller volcano with a height of 4,207 m but currently is dormant. Mauna has not erupted since 2460 BC.
• Mount Etna in Sicily (Italy) is Europe’s largest active volcano at 3,329 m high.
• Mount Damavand a stratovolcano in Iran is the largest volcano in Asia standing at 5,610 m.
• Mount Erebus is the largest active volcano in Antarctica with its peak reaching 3,794.
• Indonesia has the most active volcanoes in the world and remains one of the most dangerous areas.
• 10% of the earth’s active volcanoes can be found in Japan .
• Over 20% of the earth’s active volcanoes are underwater.
• The volcanic pumice rock is the only known rock that can float in water.

Volcano Vocabulary

• Magma : liquid rock inside the earth
• Lava : the name for magma that has spewed from a volcano
• Ash : dust made of bits of burnt rock
• Poisonous : toxic; can hurt or kill you
• Erupt : explode
• Vent : opening to allow air, heat or steam to escape
• Escape : flee, get out
• Liquid : not a solid or gas; like water or juice
• Spew : hurl, throw
• Toxic : poisonous

Cool Video for Kids on Volcanoes

Watch this Science Video to Learn More All About Volcanoes:

This is a video explaining about volcanic eruptions.

Volcano Q&A

Question : Are there any benefits to volcanoes?

Answer : Volcanoes relieve pressure inside the earth, similar to when you lift the lid on a pot of simmering food . Soils around old lava fields are often fertile and grow good crops.

———————————–

Question : Are all volcanoes mountains?

Answer : Sometimes volcanoes can be plateaus or even cracks in the ground.

Question : How serious are volcanoes to people?

Answer : Most volcanoes occur where few people live, but when a volcano actively erupts, it can be very dangerous to anyone living nearby. Over 260,000 people have died in volcanoes in the last 300 years. Many people live in the valley beneath Mt. Rainier , the most dangerous volcano in America . The volcano isn’t likely to erupt, but dangerous mudslides called Iahars roar down its peaks.

Enjoyed the Natural Science for Kids website all about Volcanoes info? Take the FREE & fun all about Volcanoes quiz and download FREE Volcanoes worksheet for kids . For lengthy info click here .

10 Little-Known Facts About Volcanoes

Facts About Volcanoes

When I was a kid, I used to play a game where everything was lava…Except for the couch.

And if you were stuck on the floor, then you’d get burned by lava.

But little did I know: The lava I was referring to came from a volcano, which is a real risk in life.

So even when you were a kid, you knew the stuff that came out of volcanoes can be pretty deadly.

Today, we’re going to look at little-known facts about volcanoes. Enjoy.

1. Ash from volcanoes can spark lightning

Lightning commonly occurs in sync with volcanic eruptions. The intense electrical activity associated with volcanic eruptions can trigger lightning strikes, creating a spectacular and potentially hazardous phenomenon. But how come?

As the ash from a volcano rises, it builds static electricity the same way clouds do. It interacts with the weather system which allows lightning to strike .

2. The Ring of Fire contains 75% of volcanoes

The Pacific Ring of Fire is a string of volcanoes where the Pacific Ocean seafloor is subducting under the continents. It brings water causing volcanic eruptions from stratovolcanoes.

75% of the world’s volcanoes are in the Ring of Fire. This includes the deadliest volcanoes in the United States, Japan, and the Philippines. Indonesia is the most volcanically active country on the Ring of Fire.

3. Lava from volcanoes build new land

Volcanoes are areas inside the planet that make their way to the surface. They create new land like in Hawaii. They are not only creators of land but also powerful forces of geological change, shaping the Earth’s surface over millions of years.

Continents would be smaller if it wasn’t for volcanoes. The majority of Earth’s surface is volcanic rock . All ocean seafloor is created by basalt coming out at mid-ocean ridges.

4. Mauna Loa is taller than Mount Everest

It’s a little-known fact that the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii is taller than Mount Everest. This is because most of the Mauna Loa is below the ocean surface.

From sea level base to its summit, it’s 9,170 meters in height. That’s 300+ meters higher than Mount Everest. Mauna Loa has also been very active erupting 33 times since 1832.

5. Volcanoes released water vapor for us to drink

Volcanoes created much of the water we drink and the air we breathe. Degassing is the process that water existed inside the rocks that made up the Earth itself.

Because Earth’s interior contains minerals with hydrogen and oxygen, volcanoes continually degas releasing H 2 O as water vapor .

6. Olympus Mons is the largest volcano in the solar system

On Mars, the largest volcano is Olympus Mons. But not only on planet Mars , but it’s also the largest in the whole solar system. Olympus Mons formed billions of years ago.

Mars didn’t have plate tectonics. And it didn’t have surface geology like Earth. But it did have a period of active degassing where huge amounts of gases like water and carbon dioxide were ejected out from the interior of Mars.

7. The mysterious case of Paricutin

A cinder cone volcano “Paricutin” appeared out of nowhere in a cornfield in Mexico. It baffled scientists and became a popular tourist destination for volcanologists to study.

During 9 years of volcanic activity, it left a 420-meter tall cone without erupting ever again. It’s now become one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.

8. Kilauea in Hawaii poses the highest threat in the United States

The United States has a large geographic footprint of volcanoes with >10% of active volcanoes. The extensive presence of active volcanoes in the United States highlights the dynamic geological processes shaping the country’s landscapes.

According to the USGS National Volcanic Threat Assessment , Kilauea in Hawaii poses the highest threat in the United States because developed areas still exist on the flanks. Next on the list are Mount St. Helens and Rainier as the most deadly.

9. Mudflows (Lahars) are deadly hazards at volcanoes

Lahars are deadly mudflows resulting from volcanoes. They are capable of sweeping people to death and tearing down infrastructure. According to USGS, lahars caused the deaths of more than 44,000 worldwide between 1600-2010.

Lahars are among the most serious ground-based hazards at volcanoes. The destructive power of lahars underscores the importance of early warning systems and preparedness measures in volcanic regions to mitigate their devastating impact on communities.

10. Temperatures can reach up to 1200+°C at volcanoes

When volcanoes erupt, lava, pyroclastics, and volcanic smog (VOG) are among the most dangerous:

• Lava is molten hot rock. Temperatures reach up to 1200+°C.
• Then, pyroclastics are deadly because they’re fast, hot, and poisonous. This type of flow can travel at speeds up to 700 mph.
• Finally, VOG is a form of air pollution mixing sulfur dioxide and other particles from volcanic eruptions.

11. Yellowstone’s super-eruption

The largest eruption from Yellowstone occurred 2.1 million years ago, depositing the Huckleberry ash bed. Yellowstone flung 2,200 km 3 of material from Wyoming to Idaho. Since then, super-eruptions also occurred 640,000 and 1.3 million years ago.

These colossal super-eruptions from Yellowstone serve as a stark reminder of the immense volcanic forces that shape our planet’s landscape and the need for ongoing monitoring and research to better understand their behavior.

Little-Known Facts About Volcanoes

While volcanoes often capture our attention with their spectacular eruptions and fiery displays, they are also shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

These 10 little-known facts about volcanoes have peeled back some of the layers of their complexity, revealing the vital role they play in shaping our planet’s geology, climate, and even the origins of life itself.

Now, it’s time to go back to you. What did we miss for volcano facts? Please let us know with a comment below.

Divergent Plate Tectonics: Boundaries that Pull Apart

What Is Pangaea? Piecing Together the Supercontinent Jigsaw Puzzle

Pangea Ultima: Meet Earth’s Next Supercontinent

Mantle Convection: Earth’s Plate Tectonic Conveyor Belt

Chemical Weathering: Hydrolysis, Oxidation and Acidic Reactions

3 Types of Volcanoes: Stratovolcano, Shield and Cinder Cone

Hadean Eon: The Formation of Earth (4.6 to 4.0 billion years ago)

How Volcanoes Form Igneous Rocks

Biological Weathering: How Living Things Break Down Rocks

4 Types of Fossils

The Mesozoic Era: The Age of Reptiles, Dinosaurs and Conifers

Plate Tectonic Types: Divergent, Convergent and Transform Plates

Great Oxygenation Event: How Oxygen Filled the Atmosphere

The History of Oxygen in Earth’s Atmosphere

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Volcano facts for kids

A volcano is a mountain that has  lava (hot, liquid rock) coming out from a magma chamber under the ground, or did have in the past. Volcanoes are formed by the movement of tectonic plates .

The Earth's crust has 17 major, rigid tectonic plates . These float on a hotter, softer layer in its mantle . Volcanoes are often found where tectonic plates are moving apart or coming together . Volcanoes can also form where there is stretching and thinning of the crust's plates, e.g., in the East African Rift . Volcanoes are usually not found where two tectonic plates slide past one another.

Volcanism away from plate boundaries is caused by mantle plumes . These so-called " hotspots ", for example Hawaii , are thought to arise from upwelling magma from the core–mantle boundary , 3,000 km deep in the Earth.

Most volcanoes have a volcanic crater at the top. When a volcano is active , materials come out of it. The materials include lava, steam , gaseous sulfur compounds , ash and broken rock pieces.

When there is enough pressure, the volcano erupts. Some volcanic eruptions blow off the top of the volcano. Sometimes, the magma comes out quickly and sometimes it comes slowly. Some eruptions come out at a side instead of the top.

Volcanoes are found on planets other than Earth . An example is Olympus Mons on Mars .

Volcanologists are scientists who study volcanoes using methods from geology, chemistry, geography, mineralogy, physics and sociology.

The world's biggest volcano is named Mauna Loa in Hawaii. Mauna Loa is part of the five volcanoes on Hawaii's 'Big Island'. The most recent time this volcano erupted was in 1984. It erupted 33 times in the last 170 years. Like all the other Hawaiian volcanoes, Mauna Loa was created by the movement of the Pacific tectonic plate which moved over the Hawaii hotspot in the Earth's mantle. Mauna Loa is 4,196 meters tall. It is a shield volcano . The largest recent eruption from Mauna Loa left a lava trail 51 kilometres (32 miles) long.

Shield volcanoes

How volcanoes are formed, dormant (inactive), extinct (dead volcano), some volcanoes, largest volcano on earth, safety considerations, related pages, images for kids, types of volcanoes.

The lava and pyroclastic material (clouds of ash, lava fragments and vapor) that comes out from volcanoes can make many different kinds of land shapes. There are two basic kinds of volcanoes.

These volcanoes are formed by fluid low- silica mafic lava.

Shield volcanoes are built out of layers of lava from continual eruptions (without explosions). Because the lava is so fluid, it spreads out, often over a wide area. Shield volcanoes do not grow to a great height, and the layers of lava spread out to give the volcano gently sloping sides . Shield volcanoes can produce huge areas of basalt , which is usually what lava is when cooled.

The base of the volcano increases in size over successive eruptions where solidified lava spreads out and accumulates. Some of the world's largest volcanoes are shield volcanoes.

Even though their sides are not very steep , shield volcanoes can be huge. Mauna Kea in Hawaii is the biggest mountain on Earth if it is measured from its base on the floor of the sea.

Stratovolcanoes

A stratovolcano , also known as a composite volcano , is a tall, conical volcano. It is built up of many layers of hardened lava , tephra, pumice , and volcanic ash .

Unlike shield volcanoes, stratovolcanoes have a steep profile and periodic eruptions. The lava that flows from stratovolcanoes cools and hardens before spreading far. It is sticky, that is, it has high viscosity . The magma forming this lava is often felsic , with high-to-intermediate levels of silica , and less mafic magma. Big felsic lava flows are uncommon, but have travelled as far as 15 km (9.3 mi).

Two famous stratovolcanoes are Japan 's Mount Fuji , and Vesuvius . Both have big bases and steep sides that get steeper and steeper as it goes near the top. Vesuvius is famous for its destruction of the towns Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD, killing thousands.

A caldera is a basin-like feature formed by collapse of land after a volcanic eruption. This happens after a huge stratovolcano blows its top off. The base of the crater then sinks, leaving a caldera where the top of the volcano was before. Krakatoa , best known for its catastrophic eruption in 1883, is much smaller now.

There are two main processes.

Volcanoes are made when two tectonic plates come together. When these two plates meet, one of them (usually the oceanic plate) goes under the continental plate. This is the process of subduction . Afterwards, it melts and makes magma (inside the magma chamber), and the pressure builds up until the magma bursts through the Earth's crust .

The second way is when a tectonic plate moves over a hot spot in the Earth's crust. The hot spot works its way through the crust until it breaks through. The caldera of Yellowstone Park was formed in that way; so were the Hawaiian Islands .

Classification

A traditional way to classify or identify volcanoes is by its pattern of eruptions . Those volcanoes which may erupt again at any time are called active . Those that are now quiet are called dormant (inactive). Those volcanoes which have not erupted in historical times are called extinct .

An active volcano is currently erupting, or it has erupted in the last 10,000 years. An example of an active volcano is Mount St. Helens in the United States (US).

A dormant volcano is "sleeping," but it could awaken in the future. Mount Rainier in the United States is considered dormant.

An extinct volcano has not erupted in the past 10,000 years. Edinburgh Castle in Scotland sits on top of an extinct volcano.

• Kilauea ( Hawaii , USA )
• Krakatoa ( Rakata , Indonesia )
• Mauna Loa ( Hawaii , USA )
• Mauna Kea ( Hawaii , USA )
• Mount Ashitaka ( Japan )
• Mount Baker ( Washington , USA )
• Mount Edziza ( British Columbia , Canada )
• Mount Etna ( Sicily , Italy )
• Mount Erebus ( Ross Island , Antarctica )
• Mount Hood ( Oregon , USA )
• Mount Fuji ( Honshu , Japan )
• Mount Rainier ( Washington , USA )
• Mount Ruapehu ( North Island , New Zealand )
• Mount Shasta ( California , USA )
• Mount St. Helens ( Washington , USA )
• Novarupta ( Alaska , USA )
• Olympus Mons ( Mars (planet) )
• Popocatépetl ( Mexico - Puebla state line, Mexico )
• Surtsey (Surtsey island, Iceland )
• Santorini (Santorini island, Greece )
• Tambora ( Sumbawa , Indonesia )
• Teide ( Tenerife , Canary Islands , Spain )
• Vesuvius ( Gulf of Naples , Italy )
• Yellowstone Caldera ( Wyoming , USA )

The Earth's largest volcano has been discovered. It is 2 km below the sea on an underwater plateau known as the Shatsky Rise . This is about 1,600 km east of Japan . The previous record-holder, Mauna Loa in Hawaii , is still the largest volcano on land.

The 310,000 km 2 (119,000 sq mi) volcano, Tamu Massif, is comparable in size to Mars ' vast Olympus Mons volcano, which is the largest known volcano in the Solar System . It was formed about 145 million years ago when massive lava flows erupted from the centre of the volcano to form a broad, shield-like feature. That suggests the volcano produced a flood basalt eruption.

The Tamu Massif extends some 30 km (18 miles) into the Earth's crust . The researchers doubted the submerged volcano's peak ever rose above sea level during its lifetime and say it is unlikely to erupt again.

Volcanic eruptions pose a hazard to humans.

Volcanic gases can reach the stratosphere, where they form sulfuric acid aerosols that can reflect solar radiation and lower surface temperatures significantly. Sulfur dioxide from the eruption of Huaynaputina may have caused the Russian famine of 1601–1603. Chemical reactions of sulfate aerosols in the stratosphere can also damage the ozone layer , and acids such as hydrogen chloride (HCl) and hydrogen fluoride (HF) can fall to the ground as acid rain .

Ash thrown into the air by eruptions can present a hazard to aircraft, especially jet aircraft where the particles can be melted by the high operating temperature; the melted particles then adhere to the turbine blades and alter their shape, disrupting the operation of the turbine. This can cause major disruptions to air travel.

A volcanic winter is thought to have taken place around 70,000 years ago after the supereruption of Lake Toba on Sumatra island in Indonesia. This may have created a population bottleneck that affected the genetic inheritance of all humans today. Volcanic eruptions may have contributed to major extinction events, such as the End-Ordovician, Permian-Triassic , and Late Devonian mass extinctions .

The 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora created global climate anomalies that became known as the "Year Without a Summer" because of the effect on North American and European weather. The freezing winter of 1740–41, which led to widespread famine in northern Europe, may also owe its origins to a volcanic eruption.

Although volcanic eruptions pose considerable hazards to humans, past volcanic activity has created important economic resources. Tuff formed from volcanic ash is a relatively soft rock, and it has been used for construction since ancient times. The Romans often used tuff, which is abundant in Italy, for construction. The Rapa Nui people used tuff to make most of the moai statues in Easter Island .

Volcanic ash and weathered basalt produce some of the most fertile soil in the world, rich in nutrients such as iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Volcanic activity is responsible for emplacing valuable mineral resources, such as metal ores. It is accompanied by high rates of heat flow from Earth's interior. These can be tapped as geothermal power .

Tourism associated with volcanoes is also a worldwide industry.

Many volcanoes near human settlements are heavily monitored with the aim of providing adequate advance warnings of imminent eruptions to nearby populations.

Thus in many cases, while volcanic eruptions may still cause major property destruction, the periodic large-scale loss of human life that was once associated with many volcanic eruptions, has recently been significantly reduced in areas where volcanoes are adequately monitored.

This life-saving ability is derived via volcanic-activity monitoring programs, through the greater abilities of local officials to facilitate timely evacuations, and upon improved communications technologies such as cell phones.

Citizens who may be concerned about their own exposure to risk from nearby volcanic activity should familiarize themselves with the types of, and quality of, volcano monitoring and public notification procedures being employed by governmental authorities in their areas.

• List of volcanoes
• Volcanic eruption
• 2019 Whakaari/White Island eruption
• Volcanic hazards
• Prediction of volcanic activity

Cleveland Volcano in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska photographed from the International Space Station , May 2006

A 2007 eruptive column at Mount Etna producing volcanic ash, pumice and lava bombs

Ubinas Volcano

Aerial view of the Barren Island, Andaman Islands , India , during an eruption in 1995. It is the only active volcano in South Asia.

Mount Shasta

Santa Ana Volcano , El Salvador . A close-up aerial view of the nested summit calderas and craters, along with the crater lake.

Lakagigar fissure vent in Iceland , source of the major world climate alteration of 1783–84

Skjaldbreiður , a shield volcano whose name means "broad shield"

Izalco (volcano) , located in the Cordillera de Apaneca volcanic range complex in El Salvador. Only a few generations old, Izalco is the youngest and best known cone volcano. Izalco erupted almost continuously from 1770 (when it formed) to 1958, earning it the nickname of "Lighthouse of the Pacific".

Pāhoehoe lava flow on Hawaii . The picture shows overflows of a main lava channel.

The Stromboli stratovolcano off the coast of Sicily has erupted continuously for thousands of years, giving rise to the term strombolian eruption.

San Miguel (volcano) , El Salvador. On December 29, 2013, San Miguel volcano, also known as "Chaparrastique", erupted at 10:30 local time, spewing a large column of ash and smoke into the sky; the eruption, the first in 11 years, was seen from space and prompted the evacuation of thousands of people living in a 3 km radius around the volcano.

Ash plume from San Miguel (volcano) "Chaparrastique", seen from a satellite, as it heads towards the Pacific Ocean from the El Salvador Central America coast, December 29, 2013

Fresco with Mount Vesuvius behind Bacchus and Agathodaemon, as seen in Pompeii 's House of the Centenary

Fourpeaked volcano , Alaska , in September 2006 after being thought extinct for over 10,000 years

Mount Rinjani eruption in 1994, in Lombok , Indonesia

Narcondam Island, India, is classified as a dormant volcano by the Geological Survey of India

Koryaksky volcano towering over Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on Kamchatka Peninsula , Far Eastern Russia

Solar radiation graph 1958–2008, showing how the radiation is reduced after major volcanic eruptions

Sulfur dioxide concentration over the Sierra Negra Volcano, Galapagos Islands , during an eruption in October 2005

The Tvashtar volcano erupts a plume 330 km (205 mi) above the surface of Jupiter 's moon Io .

Olympus Mons ( Latin , "Mount Olympus"), located on the planet Mars , is the tallest known mountain in the Solar System .

Kīlauea lava entering the sea.

Lava flows at Holuhraun, Iceland , September 2014

Ash plume rising from Eyjafjallajökull on April 17, 2010

• This page was last modified on 13 December 2023, at 10:03. Suggest an edit .

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20 Fascinating & Fun Science Facts: Volcanoes

How much do you know about volcanoes? Test your knowledge with these fascinating facts.

• A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s surface from which magma, gas, and ash can erupt and escape.
• The word volcano originates from the name of the Roman god of fire, ‘vulcan’.
• Volcanoes are most commonly found on tectonic plate boundaries. Tectonic plates are pieces of the Earth’s surface that fit together like a jigsaw.
• Volcanoes are also found over mantle plumes which are very hot areas of rock inside the Earth.
• Volcanoes are not just found on the Earth’s surface. There are many more volcanoes on the ocean floor than on land, in fact, ¾ of all volcanoes are underwater. There are even volcanoes under ice caps as can be found in Iceland.
• The Ring of Fire is a 40,000km horseshoe-shaped area in the Pacific Ocean and is home to 90% of all volcanoes on Earth.
• Volcanoes form on either destructive plate boundaries or constructive plate boundaries. On a constructive plate boundary, also called a divergent plate margin, plates move apart. A volcano is formed as magma wells up to fill the gap and forms a new crust.
• On destructive plate boundaries, also called convergent, an oceanic and continental plate move together. The denser oceanic plate is forced under the lighter continental plate and this friction causes the oceanic plate to melt. Magma rises up through the cracks and erupts onto the surface.
• Volcanoes are classified as active, dormant, or extinct. Active volcanoes experience regular activity, dormant means there hasn’t been recent activity but it may still erupt, and extinct indicates that the volcano is inactive and it is highly unlikely to ever erupt again.
• Volcanoes can be a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the type, amount, and thickness of lava that erupts and the way it erupts. Shield volcanoes are flat and large, composite volcanoes are tall and steep, cinder cones are oval-shaped with a deep mound, and calderas are big and round like a cauldron.
• Magma is hot liquid rock inside a volcano. Once magma leaves the volcano and erupts to the surface it is called lava.
• Lava can reach temperatures as hot as 1,250℃. Lava may spurt up if there is pressure or simply flow out of the vent. The hotter and thinner the lava, the farther it will flow. When it stops flowing it hardens into rock called igneous rock.
• Approximately 1,900 volcanoes on Earth are active and likely to erupt.
• 350 million people in the world live within the danger range of an active volcano.
• Soil near volcanoes is rich and fertile due to the volcanic ash that settles there. Because of this, many choose to farm on the land on and near volcanoes.
• At 4,169m tall, the world’s largest active volcano is Mauna Loa in Hawaii.
• In 79 A.D, Mount Vesuvius erupted and devastated the town on Pompeii in Italy. The ash preserved the town and the remains of the people in it.
• In 1883, Krakatoa in Southeast Asia erupted. It released 200 megatons of energy, which is equivalent to 15,000 nuclear bombs. It is the loudest sound ever reported in history.
• Large eruptions can block the sun’s radiation and drop temperatures on Earth. In 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines ejected sulphur dioxide which formed a haze of sulphuric acid. This prevented the normal amount of sunlight from reaching Earth and lowered global temperatures by 0.5℃.
• Volcanoes can trigger tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, pyroclastic flow, mudflows, lava flows, ash, avalanches, and poisonous gas. They can cause a lot of damage and destroy buildings, kill and injure people, destroy forests, ruin crops, cause illness, and poison lakes and rivers.

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15 Explosive Facts About Volcanoes

Isn’t the natural world fascinating? Volcanoes are some of the deadliest, most imposing yet most intriguing parts of our planet. They are enthralling to watch from afar, but when it comes to being within a safe range of a volcano, you’re going to need to be a few miles back!

In this fact file, we’ll take a look at some interesting bits and pieces about these natural formations, and why we are all still so intrigued by them. Here are some fun facts about volcanoes!

1. There are three types of volcano.

These are the cinder cone volcano , the stratovolcano , and the shield volcano . The cinder cone tends to be the least vicious, with the stratovolcano being the most deadly.

2. Volcanoes can be good for the landscape!

Believe it or not, a volcanic eruption can help to enrich nearby land. That’s because, when they erupt, they can disperse deposits of phosphorous, calcium, iron and more.

3. Vesuvius is probably the world’s most famous volcano.

Or is that infamous? Mount Vesuvius has erupted around 36 times, and is responsible for having buried the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy. It’s not erupted for a long time – but it’s certainly not dormant.

Mount Vesuvius, Italy

4. Mauna Loa is one of the most imposing volcanoes.

Vesuvius aside, one of the biggest and most fearsome volcanoes on the planet is Mauna Loa, in Hawaii . It is an active volcano that stretches for miles beneath sea level, and is around 2.5 miles above the water at its peak.

5. Ever visited a volcano observatory?

There are volcano observatories all over the world – around a hundred, in fact. These stations, as you might imagine, help to monitor activity and the potential for eruption. With more than 1,500 volcanoes worldwide, it makes sense to keep track of them.

6. A volcano caused mass disruption over Iceland.

In 2010, the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull caused a huge disruption to air flight thanks to its eruption and pillars of smoke! It’s thought almost one billion EUR was lost in travel revenue.

7. Most of the Earth is volcanic.

While there aren’t volcanoes in our back gardens, around 80% of the planet is actually made up of volcanic rock! That accounts for much of the sea floor as well as mountain ranges.

8. What sounds do volcanoes make?

The answer is it varies! Some volcanoes create earth-shattering, booming sounds – whereas others will hiss and crackle. In fact, it’s loud noises that actually do a lot of damage to the ground around and near a volcano.

9. There are hundreds of active volcanoes.

If there is one thing in the world that is constant, it’s the presence of a volcano! There are said to be more than 500 active volcanoes worldwide. Many are in the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific.

10. Volcanoes Are known to shoot up!

Believe it or not, some volcanoes grew very quickly indeed. While many take millennia to appear, there are some that only take weeks or months to grow to full height!

11. Where is the tallest volcano ever?

Astonishingly, it’s not on Earth! The biggest volcano in the solar system is on Mars. The shield volcano on the red planet known as Olympus Mons is around 27km tall!

12. There are a handful of volcanoes erupting at this very second.

Sources and analyses predict that there may be around 20 volcanoes erupting at any one time. That’s especially fascinating, given that it’s assumed more than 1,300 have erupted at all in the past 10,000 years!

Mount St Helens

13. Volcanoes can set off all kinds of chain reactions.

A volcano can be the trigger point for various geological or natural disasters. For example, an erupting volcano can theoretically start an earthquake, a flood, or even a tsunami.

14. Stand well back from a volcano!

If you thought it was safe to stand a few feet away from a volcano, think again. A volcano likely to erupt, or in the process of erupting, will have a huge danger radius. This can extend to 20 miles long!

15. There’s a rare phenomenon called volcanic lightning.

It’s as spectacular as it sounds! As ash gradually pushes up towards the surface of a volcano, the friction creates a lightning effect. It’s only ever been seen a few hundred times.

FAQs about Volcanoes

What is the most dangerous volcano on the planet.

Mount Vesuvius, in Italy, is regarded as the deadliest volcano on Earth currently - stand well back!

Would we all die if Yellowstone erupts?

The volcano sitting below Yellowstone Park in the US could, theoretically, kill billions - five out of eight people on the whole planet could die in its wake! Not a happy thought!

Is Mount Everest a volcano?

Despite some claims stating otherwise, no - Mount Everest is not a volcano!

Do you know any fun facts about volcanoes? Share them in the comments below!

Want to learn more about the most intriguing parts of our planet? Check out these hot facts about The Ring of Fire !

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Top 10 Facts About Volcanoes!

Do you want to learn about volcanoes? Well you've come to the right place! Check out these 10 facts about volcanoes...

Volcanoes are one of nature’s most powerful and awe-inspiring phenomena. Volcanic eruptions can cause immense destruction and devastation, yet at the same time, they are essential for the long-term health of our planet. Volcanoes occur when molten rock (magma) erupts from within the Earth, sometimes explosively and sometimes more gently. They can spew out lava, rocks, ash, and other materials, and some even produce stunningly beautiful lava fountains and glowing hot clouds. On land, volcanoes are often found along the edges of tectonic plates, and beneath the ocean, they form underwater mountain ranges. Volcanoes have shaped the Earth’s surface and climate for millions of years, and they continue to affect us today.

1. Volcanoes are openings of the Earth’s surface.

Volcanoes are openings of the Earth’s surface.

When a volcano erupts lava, ash and gas is expelled from it.

The hole at the top is known as the volcanic crater.

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2. The word volcano comes from the word ‘vulcan’.

Have you ever wondered where the word volcano comes from?

It comes from the world ‘vulcan’ who was the Roman God of fire!

3. Volcanoes can be active, dormant or extinct.

An active volcano is one that has erupted within the last 10,000 years or it has some type of activity going on.

This activity could be anything from gases being released or even earthquakes around it.

A dormant volcano is one that hasn’t erupted in the last 10,000 years, however there is a chance it will erupt at some point.

An extinct volcano is one that hasn’t erupted in the last 10,000 years and is unlikely to erupt in the future.

4. The liquid inside the volcano is called magma.

Volcanoes hold very hot liquid called magma.

Magma is rock that is so hot, it has turned into a liquid.

It glows bright orange and is held in a chamber within the volcano.

5. Lava is the liquid that is expelled from the volcano.

Once a volcano erupts, the magma will come out of the top of the volcano.

After it has left the volcano, it is called lava.

Once the lava has cooled down it will turn into solid rock.

Click here for Top 10 Facts About Rocks!

6. Lava is very, very hot!

That’s right, lava is very hot!

It can get up to 1,250° Celsius.

This makes volcanoes very dangerous and it is why they should be avoided.

Each volcano has a different level of risk which should always be researched before visiting.

7. There are volcanoes on other planets too!

The largest volcano in our solar system isn’t on planet Earth.

It’s on Mars!

The volcano is called Olympus Mons.

8. There are around 1,500 active volcanoes in the world.

There are lots of volcanoes, in fact, there are around 1,500 which are active.

Most volcanoes are found in countries that have coastlines on the Pacific Ocean.

Luckily in the UK we have no active volcanoes.

Find out how to make your own volcano here!

9. The largest volcano on Earth is Mauna Loa in Hawaii.

The largest volcano on Earth is in Hawaii. It’s called the Mauna Loa.

From sea level it is 4,169 metres high. However, under the sea it also goes down another 5,000 metres.

This would make it higher than Mount Everest!

Since 1843, it has erupted 33 times.

10. Volcanoes are usually where tectonic plates meet.

Volcanoes often occur where tectonic plates meet.

Tectonic plates are like puzzle pieces that cover the Earth.

They are underneath the ground.

The plates always move very slowly but when the plates move suddenly they often cause an earthquake.

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Building a Homemade Volcano for Explosive Fun

Here’s how to build a homemade volcano for explosive fun. Whether you’re a curious kid or an adult looking for a hands-on science project, this step-by-step guide will take you through the process of creating your very own volcanic eruption.

The Different Types of Volcanoes

Safety equipment needed.

• Mixing the 'Lava' Solution

Cleanup and Reuse of Your Volcano

Understanding the science behind volcanoes.

Before we dive into the construction of our homemade volcano, let’s take a moment to understand the science behind these fascinating natural phenomena. Volcanoes are essentially openings in the Earth’s crust that allow molten rock, known as magma, and gases to escape from deep within the planet’s core.

But what exactly happens beneath the Earth’s surface to create these fiery spectacles? It all begins with the formation of magma. Intense heat and pressure cause rocks to melt deep underground, forming a molten rock substance. This magma is incredibly hot, reaching temperatures of up to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit (1,200 degrees Celsius).

The Role of Magma and Gas

As this molten rock rises to the surface, it carries with it a multitude of gases. These gases, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, become trapped within the magma as it makes its way towards the volcano’s opening. The pressure within the magma chamber increases as more gas gets trapped, creating a volatile environment.

Imagine a bottle of soda that has been shaken vigorously. The carbon dioxide gas inside the bottle builds up pressure until it forces its way out when the cap is opened. Similarly, the trapped gases within the magma chamber build up pressure until they find a way to escape through the volcano’s opening, resulting in an explosive eruption.

Volcanoes come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own characteristics. Some are shield volcanoes, which have broad, gently sloping sides, and are formed by the accumulation of thin layers of lava flowing from multiple vents. These types of volcanoes are typically found in areas with low viscosity magma, allowing the lava to flow easily.

On the other hand, stratovolcanoes are characterized by steep slopes and explosive eruptions. These volcanoes are formed by alternating layers of lava, ash, and other volcanic materials. The eruptions of stratovolcanoes are often violent and can produce pyroclastic flows, which are fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter.

Understanding these different types of volcanoes is crucial when it comes to designing our homemade volcano. By incorporating the characteristics of the specific volcano we want to replicate, we can create a more accurate and realistic model that showcases the unique features and eruption style of that particular type of volcano.

Gathering Your Materials for the Experiment

Now that we have a basic understanding of volcanoes, let’s gather the materials we’ll need for our DIY project.

But before we dive into the exciting world of volcanic eruptions, let’s take a moment to explore the fascinating history of volcanoes. Did you know that the word “volcano” originates from Vulcan, the Roman god of fire? Volcanoes have been a source of wonder and awe for centuries, captivating the imagination of both scientists and ordinary people alike.

Now, armed with this newfound knowledge, let’s move on to the materials we’ll need to create our very own volcanic masterpiece.

Household Items You Can Use

You don’t need specialized equipment to build your homemade volcano. Simple household items can serve as the building blocks of your eruption masterpiece. An empty plastic soda bottle, newspaper, masking tape, and flour are just a few things you can use to create a fantastic volcano structure.

But why stop at just these items? Let your creativity run wild and explore other materials that could add an extra touch of authenticity to your volcano. Perhaps some colored paints to mimic the fiery lava or small rocks to create a realistic volcanic landscape. The possibilities are endless!

It’s essential to prioritize safety during our experiment. After all, while we want to have fun, we must also ensure that everyone involved remains safe and protected.

To safeguard our eyes from any potential hazards, we’ll need to wear protective goggles. These will shield our eyes from any flying debris or splashes that may occur during the eruption. Additionally, gloves will protect our hands from any chemicals or heat that may be involved in the process.

Lastly, let’s not forget about our attire. While it may be tempting to wear our favorite clothes, it’s best to opt for a smock or old clothes that we don’t mind getting messy. Volcanic eruptions can be messy affairs, and it’s better to be prepared than to ruin our favorite outfit!

Oh, and one more thing! We’ll need a large pan or tray to catch any potential spills during the eruption. This will help contain the excitement within a controlled area, making the cleanup process much easier.

Now that we have our materials and safety equipment ready, we can proceed to the next step of our volcanic adventure. Get ready to witness the power and beauty of a homemade eruption!

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Homemade Volcano

Now that we have all our materials ready, let’s begin constructing our homemade volcano step by step.

Creating the Volcano Structure

Start by placing the empty plastic soda bottle in the center of your workspace. Use crumpled newspaper to form the shape of the volcano around the bottle, securing it with masking tape. Be creative with the contours and slopes of your volcano, mimicking the appearance of real volcanic mountains.

As you mold the newspaper, think about the different types of volcanoes that exist in nature. You can create a stratovolcano, known for its steep sides and explosive eruptions, or a shield volcano, characterized by gentle slopes and slow lava flows. The choice is yours, and this is where your artistic skills can shine!

Mixing the ‘Lava’ Solution

In a separate bowl, mix together two cups of flour, one cup of water, one cup of salt, and a few drops of food coloring to create a thick, lava-like solution. Adjust the consistency by adding more flour or water as needed. This mixture will represent the magma that will flow out of the volcano during the eruption.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the science behind this lava-like solution. The flour acts as the main ingredient, giving the mixture its thick and gooey texture. When combined with water, the flour forms a sticky paste that closely resembles the consistency of real lava. The addition of salt helps to enhance the viscosity, making the lava flow more convincingly. And of course, the food coloring adds a touch of realism, allowing you to choose the color of your volcanic eruption. Will it be a vibrant red, symbolizing a fiery explosion, or a deep black, representing a more ominous and mysterious event?

The Eruption: What to Expect

With our volcano structure and lava solution ready, it’s time for the thrilling moment when we trigger our eruption.

But before we dive into the excitement, let’s take a closer look at the chemical reaction that will make this eruption possible.

The Chemical Reaction Explained

When we add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the bottle’s opening, followed by a cup of vinegar, a fascinating chemical reaction will occur. It’s like witnessing a miniature fireworks display right in your own backyard!

The vinegar, which is an acid, reacts with the baking soda, a base, producing carbon dioxide gas. This reaction is known as an acid-base reaction, and it’s the key to creating the eruption effect. As the carbon dioxide gas rapidly builds up pressure inside the bottle, it creates a sense of anticipation, just like the rumbling of a real volcano.

And then, suddenly, the mixture overflows, mimicking the eruption of our volcano. It’s a sight to behold as the lava-like mixture cascades down the sides of the volcano structure, leaving a trail of excitement in its wake.

After the eruption, it’s essential to clean up any spilled mixture promptly. While the eruption may be over, it’s crucial to maintain a safe and tidy environment for future experiments.

Take a moment to wipe down the volcano structure, removing any residue left behind by the eruption. This not only keeps your volcano looking pristine but also ensures that it’s ready for its next adventure.

Dispose of any used materials properly, following the guidelines for your local waste management. By doing so, you contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

Remember, you can always reuse and remodel your volcano for future experiments! Let your creativity flow as you explore different ways to simulate volcanic eruptions. Whether it’s adjusting the lava solution or experimenting with different eruption triggers, the possibilities are endless.

So, get ready for more thrilling eruptions and scientific discoveries as you continue your journey into the fascinating world of volcanoes!

Additional Fun Science Facts About Volcanoes

Now that we’ve successfully created our homemade volcano, let’s explore some additional fun science facts about these awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Famous Volcanic Eruptions in History

Throughout history, several major volcanic eruptions have left a significant impact. Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in AD 79, which buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, is one of the most famous examples. These eruptions serve as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature.

The Impact of Volcanoes on the Environment

Volcanic eruptions can have both short-term and long-term effects on the environment. They release large amounts of ash and gases into the atmosphere, which can cause temporary climate changes and affect air quality. However, volcanoes also play a vital role in the formation of new land and the recycling of Earth’s elements.

Now armed with knowledge about the science behind volcanoes and armed with the instructions to construct your own homemade volcano, you’re ready for a thrilling DIY science experiment. So gather your materials, put on your safety gear, and get ready to witness an explosive volcanic eruption right in your own home!

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