A volcano is a mountain that can release hot, melted rock called lava, along with ash and gases from deep inside the Earth. Volcanoes form when magma, or molten rock, pushes its way up through cracks in the Earth’s crust. When magma reaches the surface, it’s called lava. Lava can flow down the side of the volcano and harden into rock as it cools.
There are different types of volcanoes, like shield volcanoes, which have gentle, wide slopes, and stratovolcanoes, which are tall and steep. Some volcanoes erupt gently, while others explode with great force, sending ash and gases high into the sky. Volcanoes can be dangerous, especially if people live close to one that might erupt. They can cause landslides, tsunamis, and even change the weather.
Scientists who study volcanoes are called volcanologists. They watch volcanoes carefully to predict eruptions and keep people safe. If a volcano shows signs of erupting, people may need to evacuate to avoid danger. Volcanoes are powerful forces of nature that change the Earth’s surface over time.
Comprehension Questions
- What is a volcano?
- What is magma?
- What is lava?
- How does lava become rock?
- What are two types of volcanoes mentioned?
- How do shield volcanoes differ from stratovolcanoes?
- What can happen if a volcano erupts explosively?
- What natural events can volcanoes cause?
- What is a volcanologist?
- What might people need to do if a volcano is about to erupt?
Notes from a Video
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