Volcano fact file

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The Tungurahua volcano erupts in the night. Tungurahua, also called the Black Giant, is one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes. Volcanoes are Earth's geologic architects. They've created more than 80 percent of our planet's surface, laying the foundation that has allowed life to thrive. Their explosive force crafts mountains as well as craters.

Volcano fact file

You can do many things to protect yourself and your family from the dangers a volcanic eruption can cause. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to follow the advice of local officials. Volcanoes spew hot, dangerous gases, ash, lava, and rock that are powerfully destructive. People have died from volcanic blasts. Volcanic eruptions can result in additional threats to health, such as floods, mudslides, power outages, drinking water contamination, and wildfires. Health concerns after a volcanic eruption include infectious disease, respiratory illness, burns, injuries from falls, and vehicle accidents related to the slippery, hazy conditions caused by ash. When warnings are heeded, the chances of adverse health effects from a volcanic eruption are very low. Exposure to ash can be harmful. Infants, elderly people, and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and other chronic lung diseases may have problems if they breathe in volcanic ash. Ash is gritty, abrasive, sometimes corrosive, and always unpleasant. Small ash particles can abrade scratch the front of the eye. Ash particles may contain crystalline silica, a material that causes a respiratory disease called silicosis. Most gases from a volcano quickly blow away. However, heavy gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide can collect in low-lying areas. The most common volcanic gas is water vapor, followed by carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

Volcanic eruptions can result in additional threats to health, such as floods, mudslides, power outages, drinking water contamination, and wildfires. Most gases from a volcano quickly blow away.

Volcanic eruptions can cause immense destruction and devastation, yet at the same time, they are essential for the long-term health of our planet. Volcanoes occur when molten rock magma erupts from within the Earth, sometimes explosively and sometimes more gently. They can spew out lava, rocks, ash, and other materials, and some even produce stunningly beautiful lava fountains and glowing hot clouds. On land, volcanoes are often found along the edges of tectonic plates, and beneath the ocean, they form underwater mountain ranges. An active volcano is one that has erupted within the last 10, years or it has some type of activity going on.

Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Geological Survey Fact Sheet , , 4 p. Geological Survey Fact Sheet Geological Survey. California's restless giant: the Long Valley Caldera. Geological Survey Fact Sheet , , 2 p.

Volcano fact file

A volcano is an opening in the Earth's crust that allows magma , hot ash and gases to escape. Composite volcanoes are the most common type of volcano. They can have violent eruptions and can grow bigger as layers of thick lava and ash harden on top of each other.

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Is Iceland's latest eruption the most dangerous yet? United States Change. On land, volcanoes are often found along the edges of tectonic plates, and beneath the ocean, they form underwater mountain ranges. Go Further. When tectonic plates collide, one often plunges deep below the other in what's known as a subduction zone. The ash forms as the gasses within rising magma expand, shattering the cooling rocks as they burst from the volcano's mouth. Top 10 Facts About Leap Years! Animals Why was a grizzly bear hanging out with a wolf pack? The water slightly reduces the melting point of the overlying rock, forming magma that can work its way to the surface—the spark of life to reawaken a slumbering volcano. Most gases from a volcano quickly blow away. Maleo birds bury their eggs in the sand or soil near volcanoes to keep them warm. Great for teachers, homeschoolers and parents alike! Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

These fiery peaks have belched up molten rock, hot ash, and gas since Earth formed billions of years ago. Volcanoes are Earth's geologic architects.

He was the Roman god of fire! However, it's impossible to say exactly when, or even if, any given volcano will erupt. Animals Why was a grizzly bear hanging out with a wolf pack? If you are human, leave this field blank. At least a dozen volcanoes erupt on any given day. Volcanic eruptions pose many dangers aside from lava flows. Top 10 Facts About Japan! How did people survive? However, heavy gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide can collect in low-lying areas. Volcanic eruptions can result in additional threats to health, such as floods, mudslides, power outages, drinking water contamination, and wildfires. Animals Bats can sing—and this species might be crooning love songs.