Question 1

What is a volcano?

Accepted Answer

A volcano is a mountain that can explode or erupt. It has a hole at the top called a crater, where lava, gas, and ash come out.

Question 2

Why do volcanoes erupt?

Accepted Answer

Volcanoes erupt because of the hot, melted rock called magma that builds up pressure underground. When the pressure is too high, the magma bursts out as lava.

Question 3

What is lava?

Accepted Answer

Lava is the hot, melted rock that comes out of a volcano. Once it cools down, it hardens into solid rock.

Question 4

What is magma?

Accepted Answer

Magma is the hot, melted rock that's found under the Earth's surface. When it comes out in a volcanic eruption, it's called lava.

Question 5

What are ash clouds?

Accepted Answer

Ash clouds are made of tiny pieces of rock and minerals that are blasted into the air during an eruption. They look like big, gray clouds and can travel far away.

Question 6

What is the crater of a volcano?

Accepted Answer

A crater is the bowl-shaped opening at the top of a volcano. It's where lava, gas, and ash come out during an eruption.

Question 7

What is a vent in a volcano?

Accepted Answer

A vent is like a tunnel inside the volcano where the magma travels to get out. It's part of the path the lava takes to reach the surface.

Question 8

What is the difference between active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes?

Accepted Answer

Active volcanoes can erupt at any time, dormant volcanoes haven't erupted for a while but might again, and extinct volcanoes are not expected to erupt ever again.

Question 9

What happens during a volcanic eruption?

Accepted Answer

During an eruption, lava, ash, and gases come out of the volcano. This can create loud noises, clouds of ash, and rivers of lava that flow down the mountain.

Question 10

Why is lava red or orange?

Accepted Answer

Lava glows red or orange because it's very hot. The heat makes the melted rock glow, just like a candle flame.

Question 11

Are all volcanoes shaped like mountains?

Accepted Answer

Most volcanoes look like mountains, but some are flat with gentle slopes. The shape depends on how the lava flows out and hardens.

Question 12

What is a volcanic island?

Accepted Answer

A volcanic island is land that forms in the ocean from volcanic eruptions. Lava piles up and cools until it rises above the water.

Question 13

How do scientists know when a volcano might erupt?

Accepted Answer

Scientists use special tools to measure things like temperature, gas levels, and ground shaking to predict eruptions. They watch for signs that pressure is building up inside the volcano.

Question 14

What is a pyroclastic flow?

Accepted Answer

A pyroclastic flow is a fast-moving mix of hot gas, ash, and rocks that rushes down the side of a volcano. It can be very dangerous and move very quickly.

Question 15

What animals live around volcanoes?

Accepted Answer

Some animals like birds and small mammals can live near volcanoes, but they have to be ready to move if the volcano erupts. Plants also grow there after the ground cools down.

Question 16

Can volcanoes form underwater?

Accepted Answer

Yes, volcanoes can form under the ocean. When these underwater volcanoes erupt, they can create new islands over time.

Question 17

Why are volcanoes important?

Accepted Answer

Volcanoes can make new land, enrich the soil with minerals, and help scientists learn about the inside of the Earth. They also create beautiful landscapes and hot springs.

Question 18

What's the coolest thing about volcanoes?

Accepted Answer

One cool thing is how they can create new land, like islands, right out of the ocean! Plus, seeing lava flow is an amazing sight because it shows how powerful our planet is.

Question 19

Can people live near a volcano?

Accepted Answer

Some people do live near volcanoes because the soil is really good for farming. But it's important to have safety plans because volcanoes can be dangerous if they erupt.

Question 20

How do volcanoes help the Earth's climate?

Accepted Answer

Volcanoes can release gases that go up into the atmosphere and reflect sunlight, which can cool down the Earth for a little while. They also add important gases to our atmosphere.

The Anatomy of a Volcano - 20 FAQs Explained Simply