A volcano is a special type of mountain. The mountain opens at the top. Beneath it is a pool of melted rock, or magma, below the surface of the Earth. When certain kinds of changes happen, volcanoes can erupt. This means that the gases and melted rock below shoot up through the opening and spill over as lava. Eruptions can lead to lava flows, falling ash, mudslides, and much more.
How do volcanoes form?
Volcanoes form when magma deep within the Earth makes its way to the surface. When the volcano erupts, lava spills over and ash rains down. Each time the lava and ash deposits cool, they create a bigger and bigger volcano.
When do volcanoes erupt?
The outer shell of the Earth is made of large plates that fit together like a puzzle. When …show more content…
There are three different types of volcanoes: active, dormant, and extinct. Active volcanoes are likely to erupt any time. Dormant volcanoes haven't erupted in a long time, but could become active again. Extinct volcanoes are formerly active volcanoes that aren't likely to erupt again.
There are also four different shapes of volcanoes. Cinder cone volcanoes are circular cones made up of cooled lava that has shot into the air and fallen as cinders around a single opening. Composite volcanoes are steep-sided and are made up of many layers of cooled lava, rock, and ash. Shield volcanoes are shaped like a bowl and have a gentle slope. These occur when there isn't an explosion and lava flows easily out of the mountain and down the sides. Lava dome volcanoes are domes formed when erupting lava is too thick and piles up near the opening creating a large mound.
How do you prepare for a volcanic emergency?
As with any type of disaster, it is important to have a plan. It is useful to prepare a disaster kit for your home if you are at risk from a nearby active volcano. The kit should include a first aid kit, canned food, bottled water, a battery operated radio, and a flashlight. It is also important to have easy access to protective clothing, dust masks, and goggles. These are important for after an eruption. Volcanic ash can irritate your skin, lungs, and eyes. Make sure to know the best evacuation routes in the event you need to escape the
How do volcanoes form?
Volcanoes form when magma deep within the Earth makes its way to the surface. When the volcano erupts, lava spills over and ash rains down. Each time the lava and ash deposits cool, they create a bigger and bigger volcano.
When do volcanoes erupt?
The outer shell of the Earth is made of large plates that fit together like a puzzle. When …show more content…
There are three different types of volcanoes: active, dormant, and extinct. Active volcanoes are likely to erupt any time. Dormant volcanoes haven't erupted in a long time, but could become active again. Extinct volcanoes are formerly active volcanoes that aren't likely to erupt again.
There are also four different shapes of volcanoes. Cinder cone volcanoes are circular cones made up of cooled lava that has shot into the air and fallen as cinders around a single opening. Composite volcanoes are steep-sided and are made up of many layers of cooled lava, rock, and ash. Shield volcanoes are shaped like a bowl and have a gentle slope. These occur when there isn't an explosion and lava flows easily out of the mountain and down the sides. Lava dome volcanoes are domes formed when erupting lava is too thick and piles up near the opening creating a large mound.
How do you prepare for a volcanic emergency?
As with any type of disaster, it is important to have a plan. It is useful to prepare a disaster kit for your home if you are at risk from a nearby active volcano. The kit should include a first aid kit, canned food, bottled water, a battery operated radio, and a flashlight. It is also important to have easy access to protective clothing, dust masks, and goggles. These are important for after an eruption. Volcanic ash can irritate your skin, lungs, and eyes. Make sure to know the best evacuation routes in the event you need to escape the