Volcanoes

Question 1

How do volcanoes form?

Answer 1

Rock from the mantle melts, moves to weak spots in the crust…. And then… Pow!

Question 2

What happens when a volcano erupts?

Answer 2

• Lava flows: Can burn buildings and cops. Is slow
• Falling Ash: Gases escape, cool, cover huge areas in ash
• Glowing Avalanche: Pyroclastic flows, (Hot gas + fragments of rock) Is fast
• Mudslides: When eruptions melt ice, causes huge mudslides

Question 3

Can we predict eruptions?

Answer 3

Yes! Well, sort of…

Machines that measure gases released, vibrations, and swelling slopes

Question 4

How can we reduce risks?

Answer 4

• Reinforce structures
• Build protection (walls)
• Choose another location to build
• Evacuation plans for people and animals
• Education about hazards
• Communication between scientists, officials, media, and the general public