Natural Disaster: Volcanic Eruptions — Passage and Quiz

Volcanoes are mountains that can erupt with hot lava, ash, and gases. They form when hot, melted rock called magma pushes up from deep inside the Earth. When a volcano erupts, it can be both amazing and dangerous. Lava flows can burn everything in their path, while ash clouds can darken the sky and make it hard to breathe.

Some volcanoes erupt often, while others stay quiet for hundreds or thousands of years. Scientists called volcanologists study volcanoes to predict when they might erupt. They use special tools to measure earthquakes, ground movement, and gases coming from the volcano.

Volcanic eruptions can change the land around them. They can create new islands, build up mountains, and even make the soil rich for farming. While eruptions can be destructive, they also help shape our planet and create new landscapes.

People who live near volcanoes need to be prepared. They should have emergency plans and know when to leave if an eruption is likely. Despite the dangers, many people choose to live near volcanoes because the soil is good for growing crops.