Volcanoes

Front

What is a volcano?

Back

A volcano is an opening in the Earth's surface where molten rock, ash, and gases can escape from below the Earth's crust.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Front

What causes a volcanic eruption?

Back

A volcanic eruption is caused by the buildup of pressure from magma beneath the Earth's surface, which eventually forces its way out.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is magma?

Back

Magma is molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

What is lava?

Back

Lava is magma that has reached the Earth's surface.

Front

What are seismic tremors?

Back

Seismic tremors are vibrations produced by the movement of magma or other fluids within a volcano.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

The Ring of Fire is a major area in the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is a dormant volcano?

Back

A dormant volcano is one that has not erupted in a long time but could erupt again in the future.

Front

What is an active volcano?

Back

An active volcano is one that is currently erupting or has erupted recently.

Front

What is a shield volcano?

Back

A shield volcano is a broad, gently sloping volcano formed by the eruption of low-viscosity lava.

Front

What is a stratovolcano?

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A stratovolcano is a tall, conical volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava and tephra.