Volcanic Explosions
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Learning text on the topic Volcanic Explosions
Volcanic Explosions – Introduction
Why do volcanoes erupt in such dramatic and different ways, and what can these explosive events teach us about the secrets lying beneath the Earth's surface? Today, we're going to learn all about volcano eruptions. Volcanoes might seem scary, but they are fascinating natural wonders that shape our Earth in incredible ways.
Let's get started on our explosive journey!
What is a Volcano Eruption?
A volcano eruption is the Earth's way of letting off steam. It happens when magma from deep inside the Earth forces its way out, resulting in everything from gentle flows of lava to dramatic, sky-high explosions of ash and gas.
Under the Earth, it's really hot, so rocks melt into something called magma. This magma is lighter than solid rocks, so it wants to go up to the surface. But, the Earth is covered in big pieces called tectonic plates. Sometimes, when these plates move, they can let the magma come up.
When magma is under too much pressure underneath these plates, it explodes out of the Earth. This is how we get lava, ash clouds and loud gases.
Volcanoes can make new mountains and change the land because of these tectonic plates moving. They're very powerful and help create new places on Earth.
Now, let's put your volcano knowledge to the test!
How Volcanoes Erupt
1️⃣Step 1: The Magma Chamber
Deep under the ground, there's a special place called the magma chamber; a big underground pool filled with magma, which is really hot melted rock.
2️⃣Step 2: The Journey Upwards
The magma in the magma chamber starts to move up because it's lighter than the solid rock around it.
3️⃣Step 3: Pressure Builds Up
As the magma moves up, it finds it harder to keep going because the space gets narrower, and there's a lot of rock above pushing down.
4️⃣Step 4: The Eruption
When the pressure becomes too much, the magma blasts through the Earth's surface. BOOM! The magma that comes out is called lava.
5️⃣Step 5: Lava Flows and Ash Falls
After the big explosion, the lava flows down the sides of the volcano, slowly cooling and hardening into new rock. The ash that was shot up into the air falls back down like a grey, powdery snow.
Types of Volcanic Eruptions
Volcanoes are like nature's fireworks, and just like fireworks, they can erupt in different ways. Some are slow and oozy, while others are big, loud and full of surprises. Let's explore the different types of volcanic eruptions:
| Eruption Type | Description | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet | Lava flows out gently. | Creates new land as lava cools down. |
| Explosive | Loud and powerful, with ash and rocks. | Can be dangerous and affect weather. |
| Fizzy | Like opening a fizzy drink with lots of gases. | Makes bubbly lava and steam. |
There is a special kind of volcano called a dormant volcano. A dormant volcano is not active. You can think of a dormant volcano as a volcano that is sleeping! It is important to know that dormant volcanoes can become active again one day.
Volcano Experiment
Follow this experiment to create your mini volcano.
How Well Do You Understand Volcanic Explosions?
Volcanic Explosions – Summary
Key Learnings from this Text:
- Volcanic eruptions happen when magma from inside the Earth blasts out.
- There are different types of eruptions, from quiet flows to big explosions.
- Volcanoes can be dormant, resting until they one day erupt again.
- Volcanoes can create new land, change the weather and sometimes be dangerous.
If you enjoy learning about natural disasters, then check out the learning text on earthquakes!
Volcanic Explosions Frequently Asked Questions
Volcanic Explosions exercise
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Which of these pictures shows a volcano?
HintsA volcano can erupt.
Volcanoes can release lava and ash clouds.
SolutionThis is a picture of a volcano.
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The other pictures show fire, mountains and a river.
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What do you know about volcanic eruptions?
HintsIt is very hot deep underground so rocks melt.
Typically, lighter objects rise to the top and heavier objects sink.
After an explosion, lava may be seen flowing down the side of a volcano.
SolutionEarth is covered in large pieces called tectonic plates. Sometimes when these plates move, they can let magma out.
Magma is melted rocks and it is lighter than solid rocks so it wants to come to the surface.
When magma is under too much pressure underneath the tectonic plates, it explodes out resulting in lava, ash clouds and loud gases.
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How does a volcanic eruption happen?
HintsThe magma starts in the magma chamber before rising upwards.
Pressure builds before the explosion.
What happens after the explosion?
Solution- The journey starts deep underground where there is a magma chamber. This is filled with magma which is melted rock.
- The magma from this chamber starts to move upwards as it is lighter than the solid rock around it.
- As the magma moves upwards, the pressure builds as the space it has is getting smaller.
- When the pressure becomes too high, the magma explodes through the earth's surface. The magma that comes out is called lava.
- After the big explosion, the lava continues to flow down the volcano hardening to rock. Ash that shot up into the air falls like powdery, grey snow.
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What are the different types of volcanic eruptions?
HintsA fizzy eruption is a bit like opening up a fizzy drink where gases are released.
Something that is described as being dormant is inactive.
SolutionQuiet eruption: Lava flows out gently and creates new land as it cools down.
Explosive eruption: Lava flows out gently and creates new land as it cools down.
Fizzy eruption: Lots of gases. Makes bubbly lava and steam.
Dormant volcano: Not currently active but may become active in the future.
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What can volcanoes create when they erupt?
HintsThink about the significant changes that occur in the landscape during a volcanic eruption.
Think about how when volcanoes spit out magma, it can make new shapes on the ground, like hills and valleys.
There are 2 correct answers.
SolutionVolcanoes can create new mountains and islands when they erupt.
That's because the hot magma coming out of them cools down and piles up, making big hills or even land in the ocean.
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What do you know about volcanoes.
HintsWhen lava cools down, it becomes hard and create new landforms, such as islands or mountains.
Mars and Venus have volcanoes.
Magma is melted rock.
SolutionTrue:
- Volcanoes can create new land.
- There are volcanoes on other planets.
- There is an area in the Pacific Ocean where there are many volcanic eruptions called the Ring of Fire.
- Magma is solid rock inside a volcano. Magma is liquid rock inside the Earth that comes out as lava during an eruption.
