Question 1

What is a volcano?

Accepted Answer

A volcano is a special mountain that can erupt with fire, hot rocks, and ash. It has an opening that leads down to very hot liquid rock called magma.

Question 2

How does a volcano erupt?

Accepted Answer

A volcano erupts when magma from deep inside the Earth pushes its way through the surface. This is because gases build up pressure that makes the magma explode out like a shaken soda can.

Question 3

What is magma?

Accepted Answer

Magma is melted rock from inside the Earth. When it comes out during an eruption, we call it lava.

Question 4

What happens to the lava after it comes out of the volcano?

Accepted Answer

Lava flows down the sides of the volcano and eventually cools and hardens. When it cools, it turns into solid rock.

Question 5

Are there different types of volcanoes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are different types of volcanoes like shield, stratovolcano, and cinder cone. They are different shapes and sizes based on how they erupt.

Question 6

What is a shield volcano?

Accepted Answer

A shield volcano is wide and looks like a warrior's shield lying on the ground. It has gentle lava flows that spread out a long way.

Question 7

What is a stratovolcano?

Accepted Answer

A stratovolcano is tall and cone-shaped, like a giant triangle. It erupts explosively and has layers of lava and ash built up over time.

Question 8

What is a cinder cone volcano?

Accepted Answer

A cinder cone volcano is small and made from ash and bits of cooled lava that pile up around the opening. They look like small hills and can erupt suddenly.

Question 9

Why do volcanoes have smoke and ash?

Accepted Answer

When a volcano erupts, it can blast out smoke, ash, and tiny bits of rock into the air. This happens because of the hot gas and pressure inside the volcano.

Question 10

Where do volcanoes usually form?

Accepted Answer

Volcanoes often form along the edges of the Earth's tectonic plates. They are common around the Pacific Ocean's 'Ring of Fire'.

Question 11

Can volcanoes be underwater?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are underwater volcanoes. They erupt beneath the ocean and can create new islands over time.

Question 12

What is the largest active volcano?

Accepted Answer

The largest active volcano on Earth is Mauna Loa in Hawaii. It's a shield volcano and is very wide.

Question 13

What can happen during a big volcanic eruption?

Accepted Answer

During a big eruption, ash can spread over large areas, lava can destroy everything in its path, and the air can become hard to breathe. Sometimes eruptions can even change the weather for a while.

Question 14

How do scientists know when a volcano will erupt?

Accepted Answer

Scientists watch out for signs like small earthquakes, rising ground, and gas leaks. These warning signs help them predict eruptions.

Question 15

What is a dormant volcano?

Accepted Answer

A dormant volcano hasn't erupted for a long time, but it could erupt again one day. It's like a volcano that's asleep.

Question 16

What is an extinct volcano?

Accepted Answer

An extinct volcano is one that hasn't erupted in a very long time and is unlikely to ever erupt again. It's like a volcano that's completely shut off.

Question 17

Can animals live near volcanoes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many animals live near volcanoes. They have special ways to survive, like digging burrows to hide from heat and ash.

Question 18

Why is volcanic soil good for plants?

Accepted Answer

Volcanic soil is rich in minerals that help plants grow strong and healthy. This makes areas around volcanoes great for farming once the soil settles.

Question 19

Are there volcanoes on other planets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, other planets like Mars and moons like Jupiter's Io have volcanoes too. They might look different, but they also erupt with lava and gases.

Question 20

What should people do if a volcano erupts near them?

Accepted Answer

If a volcano erupts, people should listen to emergency instructions, stay indoors to avoid ash, and be ready to leave quickly if told to evacuate. It's important to stay safe and follow the rules.

The Science of Volcanoes: Eruptions, Types, and Impact - 20 FAQs Explained Simply