By: Sarah Phelps and Margaret Searle Volcanoes By: Sarah Phelps and Margaret Searle

What is a volcano? A volcano is a weak spot in the crust where magma has come to the surface.

Magma Magma is a molten mixture of rock forming substance, gases, and water vapor from the mantle. Magma comes from hot rock that slowly melts and becomes a thick flowing substance

Lava Lava is molten rock released by a volcano during an eruption. When Magma has hit the surface it is called lava. After lava cools it becomes solid rock.

The Mantle The mantle is the layer above the outer core of the earth.

Magma Chambers A magma chamber is a large underground pool of molten rock lying under the surface of the earth's crust. The molten rock in a chamber is under great pressure after enough time the pressure can break the rock creating a hole, where magma can escape and hit on the earth’s surface.

Ash Cloud Volcanic ash consists of small tephra, which are bits of pulverized rock and glass created by volcanic eruptions.

Volcanic Rocks. Volcanic rocks are extrusive rock solidified near or on the surface of the Earth.

People that help with volcanoes. Someone who studies volcanoes are called volcanologist. People that respond to a volcanic eruption are firefighters, paramedics, military forces.

How does a volcano occur? A volcano occurs because magma is lighter than the solid rock around it, it rises. When magma rises it collects in the magma chambers. Eventually it pushes through vents and fissures in the Earth’s surface.

What do volcanoes release? Volcanoes don’t only let off ash but gasses too. The gases can be very harmful. The gases that are let out are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulfur oxide.

What is the largest Volcano? The largest volcano is called Mauna Loa it has rose about 4 k above sea level.

Erupting Volcanoes There are about 1,500 volcanoes in the world that are found on land. A volcano is called active when it is not erupting because it still has the potential to erupt in later times.

When will a volcano erupt? A volcano will erupt when a crack has been created in the molten rock and lava will carry through the cracks to the surface.

This is a map of active volcanoes. Volcanoes mostly occur in Hawaii, and Alaska, California and Oregon. The most active volcanoes are Etna, Stromboli, Yasur and Kilauea.

Diagrams of a volcano.

A historical volcano Kilauea is the most active volcano on earth. It is located in Pele, Hawaii. Since 1952 there has been 34 eruptions. It has been erupting continuously since 1983. Since 1983 eruptive activity has been continuous along the rift zone. There have been 61historical eruptions not including the continuous one. Kilauea's is a Hawaiian name meaning “spewing” or “much spreading.”

Ten Facts about Kilauea It is located in Pele, Hawaii. It has been erupting since 1983. Kilauea has erupted from 3 parts the two rift zones, and it’s summit. It is one of the most active volcanoes on earth. Kilauea has produced 1.9 km3 of lava. It has covered 102 km2 of land . It’s lava flow has destroyed 181 houses, a National Park, and a 700 year old temple. It stands about 4220 ft tall at it’s highest point. It usually just releases lava in a stream downward, occasionally it will have explosive eruptions too. It is not known exactly but they say Kilauea is about 300,000 to 600,000 years old.

Pictures of Kilauea

Volcanic Eruptions that have happened recently. Some volcanoes that have erupted recently are Garbunna, Dukono, Vanunato, Kilauea and Taal.

How dangerous are volcanoes? Volcanoes are very dangerous because they release hot lava and falling ash. Volcanic eruptions can also create a Tsunami, landslides and earthquakes.

What do volcanic eruptions do to the places it hits? Volcanic eruptions can change the weather, people can loose possessions, we can loose houses, roads and other objects.

Precautions to do before a volcanic eruption. Add a pair of goggles and disposal breathing masks for each member of the family to your disaster supply kit. Stay away from active volcano sites. If you live near a known volcano active or dormant, be ready to evacuate at a moments notice.

What to do during a volcano eruption. Follow the evacuation orders. Be aware of mudflows. Avoid river valleys and low lying areas. Remember to help who may require special assistance. For Falling Ash Listen to a radio for warnings. Wear long sleeve shirts and pants. Close doors and windows. Don’t run vehicles

What to do after a volcanic eruption. Find family members. Get food and water. Find a place to stay. Apply for assistance. Clean up the damage. Cope with stress.