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Volcano | The Dr. Binocs Show | Learn Videos For Kids

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Volcanoes for Kids | A fun and engaging introduction to volcanoes for children

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Explore Volcanoes With Nat Geo Kids! | Nat Geo Kids Volcano Playlist

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Volcano - video for kids || Volcano eruptions

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Volcanoes for Kids | How Volcanoes Work | Earth Science

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Volcano Facts and Causes - Info about Volcanoes for Kids | Types of Volcano for Kids | Volcanos Kids

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Volcanoes
(Volcanoes are not associated with weather, but instead are natural disasters.)

What is a volcano?
A volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a pool of molten rock below the surface of the earth. When pressure builds up, eruptions occur. Gases and rock shoot up through the opening and spill over or fill the air with lava fragments. Eruptions can cause lateral blasts, lava flows, hot ash flows, mudslides, avalanches, falling ash and floods. Volcano eruptions have been known to knock down entire forests. An erupting volcano can trigger tsunamis, flash floods, earthquakes, mudflows and rockfalls.

How are volcanoes formed?
Volcanoes are formed when magma from within the Earth's upper mantle works its way to the surface. At the surface, it erupts to form lava flows and ash deposits. Over time as the volcano continues to erupt, it will get bigger and bigger.

What are the different stages of volcanoes?
Scientists have categorized volcanoes into three main categories: active, dormant, and extinct. An active volcano is one which has recently erupted and there is a possibility that it may erupt soon. A dormant volcano is one which has not erupted in a long time but there is a possibility it can erupt in the future. An extinct volcano is one which has erupted thousands of years ago and there's no possibility of eruption.

Why do volcanoes erupt? The Earth's crust is made up of huge slabs called plates, which fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. These plates sometimes move. The friction causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions near the edges of the plates. The theory that explains this process is called plate tectonics.

The theory of plate tectonics is a interesting story of continents drifting from place to place breaking apart, colliding, and grinding against each other. The plate tectonic theory is supported by a wide range of evidence that considers the earth's crust and upper mantle to be composed of several large, thin, relatively rigid plates that move relative to one another. The plates are all moving in different directions and at different speeds. Sometimes the plates crash together, pull apart or sideswipe each other. When this happens, it commonly results in earthquakes. What are plate tectonics?

Continental Drift: To see this animation again, just refresh this page! This animation shows you what our planet looked like millions of years ago and what it looks like now! (Graphic Credit: Geology Department at University of California, Berkeley)

There are more than 1500 active volcanoes on the Earth. We currently know of 80 or more which are under the oceans. Active volcanoes in the U.S. are found mainly in Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington.
How many volcanoes are there?

What are the different types of volcanoes?
Volcanoes are grouped into four types: cinder cones, composite volcanoes, shield volcanoes and lava volcanoes.

Cinder Cones

Cinder cones are circular or oval cones made up of small fragments of lava from a single vent that have been blown into the air, cooled and fallen around the vent.

Composite Volcanoes

Composite volcanoes are steep-sided volcanoes composed of many layers of volcanic rocks, usually made from high-viscosity lava, ash and rock debris. Mt. Rainier and Mount St. Helens are examples of this type of volcano.

Shield Volcanoes

Shield volcanoes are volcanoes shaped like a bowl or shield in the middle with long gentle slopes made by basaltic lava flows. Basalt lava flows from these volcanoes are called flood basalts. The volcanoes that formed the basalt of the Columbia Plateau were shield volcanoes.

Lava Volcanoes

Lava domes are formed when erupting lava is too thick to flow and makes a steep-sided mound as the lava piles up near the volcanic vent. The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 was caused in part by a lava dome shifting to allow explosive gas and steam to escape from inside the mountain.

Magma is liquid rock inside a volcano. Lava is liquid rock (magma) that flows out of a volcano. Fresh lava glows red hot to white hot as it flows.

What is the difference between lava and magma?

Why does lava take a long time to cool down?
Lava cools slowly because lava is a poor conductor of heat. Lava flows slow down and thicken as they harden.
What is a pyroclastic flow?
A pyroclastic flow is a fluidized mixture of solid to semi-solid fragments and hot, expanding gases that flows down the sides of a volcano. These awesome features are heavier-than-air emulsions that move much like a snow avalanche, except that they are fiercely hot, contain toxic gases, and move at phenomenal, hurricane-force speeds. They are the most deadly of all volcanic phenomena.

What is lahar?
A lahar is a type of mudflow or debris flow composed of pyroclastic material, rocky debris, and water. The material flows down from a volcano, typically along a river valley. It is very dangerous because it's consistency and the way it acts is very much like cement. It is liquid when it's moving, but when it stops, it solidifies. This can cause just as much devastation as lava itself.
What is pumice?
Pumice is a light, porous volcanic rock that forms during explosive eruptions. It resembles a sponge because it consists of a network of gas bubbles frozen amidst fragile volcanic glass and minerals. All types of magma (basalt, andesite, dacite, and rhyolite) will form pumice.

What is the largest active volcano?
The world's largest, active volcano is Mauna Loa in Hawaii, where famous coffee is grown in the rich volcanic soils. Mauna Loa is 13,677 feet above sea level. From its base below sea level to its summit, Mauna Loa is taller than Mount Everest.

What is the Ring of Fire?

The Pacific Ring of Fire is an area of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions encircling the basin of the Pacific Ocean. The Ring of Fire has 452 volcanoes and is home to over 50% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes. Ninety percent of the world's earthquakes and 81% of the world's largest earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire.

When did Mount St. Helens erupt?
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted. It's located in southwestern Washington State in the Cascade Range. The blast was heard as far away as Montana, Idaho, Canada and California. Fifty-seven people died and the eruption caused $1.2 billion in damage.

What are some other notable volcano eruptions?
Krakatoa was a dormant volcano in Indonesia, which awakened and produced one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in 1883. So massive was the eruption that the sound of it was heard as far away as Australia. It's widely reported as the loudest sound heard in recorded history. The Krakatoa eruption created a huge amount of ash cloud which covered the Earth and reduced global temperatures for 5 years! A total of 40,000 people died in that explosion and an entire chain of the volcanic island was destroyed. For more info: Click Here!

Mount Pelee was a dormant volcano situated in the Caribbean island of Martinique. In 1902, it erupted in a massive horizontal explosion sending huge clouds of ash released towards the nearby town of Saint-Pierre. The side of the volcano exploded and lava flowed straight into the town, killing 30,000 people in a matter of minutes. It is regarded as one of the biggest and most devastating volcanic eruptions of the 20th century, a benchmark for future eruptions.

Mount Fujiyama, also popularly known as Mount Fuji, is an active volcano which last erupted in 1708. It is incidentally the tallest mountain in Japan. If you are visiting Tokyo, the capital of Japan, look in the west on a clear day and you will be able to see Mount Fuji. It is an iconic volcano. Mount Fuji is 3,776 meters high and it is snow clad throughout the year, with five lakes surrounding it. Currently in a state of dormancy, there has not been any eruption reported for more than 300 years. The last known eruption lasted for about 3 weeks during which it covered the surrounding villages with ash and cinders. Mount Fuji is now a popular tourist location with a large number of climbers actively scaling the mountain top.

What is a tsunami?
A tsunami is a large ocean wave usually caused by an underwater earthquake or a volcanic explosion. Tsunamis are NOT tidal waves. Tidal waves are caused by the forces of the moon, sun, and planets upon the tides, as well as the wind as it moves over the water. With typical waves, water flows in circles, but with a tsunami, water flows straight. This is why tsunamis cause so much damage!

Know the Lingo
MAGMA - Magma is the liquid rock inside a volcano.

LAVA - Lava is the liquid rock (magma) that flows out of a volcano. Lava glows red hot to white hot as it flows.

ACTIVE VOLCANO - An active volcano is one that erupts regularly.
Volcano Safety Tips
PLAN FOR A VOLCANO: First of all, have a disaster plan and know whether or not you are at risk for danger. Be prepared for mudslides, flash floods, earthquakes, ash falling, acid rain and tsunamis. Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing, dust mask, goggles and sturdy shoes. Don't forget, know all of your evacuation routes. DURING A VOLCANO: Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities. Avoid areas downwind and river valleys downstream of the volcano. If your caught indoors, close all windows and doors, put machinery inside a barn, and bring animals inside. If you're trapped outdoors, seek shelter indoors. If you're caught in falling rocks, roll into a ball and protect your head. If you're caught near a stream, be aware of mudflows and move to higher ground. Protect yourself when ash falls by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use goggles to protect your eyes. Wear a dust mask and keep car engines off.
DORMANT VOLCANO - A dormant volcano is one that has not erupted for many years, although there is still some activity deep inside. AFTER A VOLCANO: Cover you mouth and nose. Volcanic ash can irritate your respiratory system. Wear goggles and protect your eyes. Keep your skin covered. Clear roofs of ash, because the ash is very heavy and can cause the building to collapse.
Volcano Activities
Lesson Plan: Here are great lesson plans on learning more about volcanoes. These are great lesson plans for elementary school students.
EXTINCT VOLCANO - An extinct volcano is a volcano that is no longer active.Volcano Experiment: Here is an experiment on how to make a soda bottle volcano with Mentos.
Volcano Experiment: Here is another experiment on how to make a baking soda volcano.
GEYSERS - Geysers are springs that throw boiling water high in the air. They are caused by volcanic heat warming trapped ground water.Science Fair Project Ideas: Here is a complete list of science fair project ideas. Discover the science behind the weather that impacts us every day.

ASH - Ash are very small fragments of lava or rock blasted into the air by volcanic explosions.

PUMICE - It is a light-colored volcanic rock containing lots of bubbles from trapped gases.

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Weather Wiz Kids weather information for kids

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Weather Wiz Kids is a fun and safe website for kids about all the weather info they need to know. It contains tools for weather education, including weather games, activities, experiments, photos, a glossary and educational teaching materials for the classroom.

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Volcano facts | National Geographic Kids

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Check out these fascinating volcano facts with National Geographic Kids! What is a volcano? Why does it erupt? And where can you find the world's biggest?

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What is a Volcano?

A volcano is a landform (usually a mountain) where molten rock erupts through the surface of the planet.

In simple terms a volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a pool of molten rock ( magma) below the surface of the earth. It is a hole in the Earth from which molten rock and gas erupt.

Did you know?

What is the difference between lava and Magma?

Magma is liquid rock inside a volcano.

Lava is liquid rock (magma) that flows out of a volcano. Fresh lava ranges from 1,300° to 2,200° F (700° to 1,200° C) in temperature and glows red hot to white hot as it flows.

How many volcanoes are there in the world?

There are around 1,510 active volcanoes in the world.

We currently know of 80 or more which are under the oceans.

What are the three layers the Earth is made of?

1. Crust
The crust is the outer layer of Earth. It is about 18 miles thick. It is the part we live on.

2. Mantle
The second layer is called the mantle. It is about 1,800 miles thick.

3. Core
The inner layer is called the core.

What causes volcanoes to erupt?

The Earth's crust is made up of huge slabs called plates, which fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. These plates sometimes move.

Between the Earth's crust and the mantle is a substance called magma which is made of rock and gases.

When two plates collide, one section slides on top of the other, the one beneath is pushed down. Magma is squeezed up between two plates.

Did you know?

When magma erupts, what is it called?

When magma erupts through the earth's surface it is called lava

What is the Ring of Fire?

Over half of the world's volcanoes arise in a belt around the Pacific Ocean called the Ring of Fire.

Volcano Eruptions
Largest active volcano Websites
Volcanoes around the World
Each triangle on the map represents a volcano.

Volcano FAQ's -- Learn About Volcanoes
What is a volcano? ... Why do volcanoes erupt? ... Where do volcanoes erupt? ... How hot is a volcano?

Information on Volcanoes including volcanoes and climate

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Facts and information on Mountains for kids, including the five different types of mountains that exist.

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Kids learn about the science of volcanoes including how they form mountains, lava, and magma; types such as cinder cone, composite, and shield; watch a video about volcanoes.

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Volcanoes certainly make our Earth one explosive place to live.

It also shows us the incredible power of nature and what it is capable of.
Read on for some awesome facts!
Fun Volcano Facts for Kids

The word volcano is originally from the Roman name "Vulcan" the Roman god of fire.

1500 potentially active volcanoes in the world.

In the United States there are about 169 active volcanoes.

United States ranks number three in the world for active volcanoes behind Indonesia and Japan.

The soil around volcanoes is very fertile and people setup home near them for this very reason.

Lava is Hot! It can reach an amazing 2282 degrees Fahrenheit

The Maleo bird uses the heat from volcanoes to help them hatch their eggs

The majority of volcanoes on earth are in the Pacific Ocean in an area called the Ring of fire.

In 1985 the volcano Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia erupted and unfortunately killed 25,000 people. The majority of the people killed was caused by mudflow.

Volcanoes can spew out toxic gases and ash, and as of course lava.

The ancient city of Pompeii was completely buried when a volcano erupted engulfing the whole city with ash and lava.

Magma is the liquid rock inside a volcano when it leaves the volcano it is then known as lava.

What is a volcano?

A volcano is a mountain that opens downwards to a whole heap of molten rock that lies just below the Earth's surface.

When that pressure builds up and it can't contain it anymore, then you see an eruption of a volcano.

Gases and rock fire up through the vent and spill over or fill the air with lava pieces.

Eruptions can cause sideways blasts, lava flows, hot ash flows, mudslides, avalanches, falling ash and floods.

They can certainly cause a lot! Volcano eruptions have been known to knock down entire forests.

An erupting volcano can start off things like tsunamis, flash floods, earthquakes, mudflows and rock falls.

How are Volcanoes Formed?

Way deep down in the Earth, in the Earth's upper mantle, you'll find magma, debris and gases.

When magma works itself up through the Earth's surface it erupts through a vent to create lava flows and ash deposits.

It is one of nature's unbelievable natural events.

As time goes on, and the volcano keeps erupting, they get bigger and bigger! Best to stay away from those volcanoes then!

Different Stages of Volcanoes

Scientists have actually decided to name volcanoes based on what they do.

Active volcano - This is a volcano that has recently erupted and there is a chance it might soon.

Dormant - A dormant volcano hasn't erupted in a long time, but this doesn't mean that it won't. It could erupt in the future.

Extinct - These volcanoes erupted thousands of years ago and there is no way it's going to erupt again. Next time you go on a trip, make sure you see a volcano in all its might; but choose an extinct one!

Why do Volcanoes Erupt?

The Earth's crust is made up of huge slabs, and these are called plates.
Here they are
Think of them like a massive big jigsaw puzzle where the pieces all fit together.

Sometimes these plates move.

This causes friction.

When there is friction then this causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions of the plates.

This theory is called plate tectonics.

More Awesome Facts about Volcanoes

Can you take a wild guess as to how many active volcanoes there are which are likely to erupt again? Well it's a staggering 1,500! That is a lot of active volcanoes.

Lava can reach 1,250°C! Now that is some hectic heat!

Volcanoes can literally burn everything in their path...keep a lookout!

So, would you set up home on the slope of a volcano? Well, we're not sure that we would, but apparently the soil is so good here, that people call it home and grow great crops. That's brave.

35 million, or 1 in 20 people, live within the danger zone of a volcano. Wow!

This is interesting. Maleo birds use the heat from the volcano to help them hatch their eggs. They bury the eggs in the soil or sand close to a volcano. When the baby chicks hatch, off they go clawing their way to the surface. Cute!

The world's largest active volcano is Mauna Loa in Hawaii. It is a whopping 4,169m tall!

In 79AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted and destroyed the town of Pompeii! The ash deposits preserved the town and its remains. And guess what, you can still see it today. It would be very cool to see that.

The 'Ring of Fire' which is in the Pacific Ocean, is a 40,000km horseshoe shaped area. It is home to 90% of the world's volcanoes. Wow!

Now you can be the volcano king, knowing all there is to know to tell your teachers, your parents or your friends.
You can maybe use these facts for a test too!

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Volcanoes certainly make our Earth one explosive place to live. It also shows us the incredible power of nature and what it is capable of. Read on for some awesome facts! Fun Volcano Facts for Kids The word volcano is originally from the Roman name "Vulcan" the Roman god of fire.

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DK Find Out! | Fun Facts for Kids on Animals, Earth, History and more!

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Visit DK Find Out! to learn about dinosaurs, space, animals, nature & more. Fun learning activities for kids with videos, quizzes & galleries at DKFindOut.com