Ima

A volcano eruption happens when hot melted rock called magma rises from deep inside the Earth and comes out through an opening in the ground.

How a volcano erupts

1. Deep inside Earth, rocks melt and form magma.

2. Magma collects in a magma chamber.

3. Pressure builds up.

4. The magma pushes upward through cracks.

5. The volcano erupts, releasing:

   • Lava (magma on the surface)

   • Ash

   • Gases

   • Rocks

Why do volcanoes erupt?

Volcanoes erupt because gases trapped in magma create pressure. When the pressure becomes too great, the magma is forced out.

What comes out during an eruption?

• Lava

• Ash

• Gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur gases)

• Rock fragments

Fun Fact

The hottest lava can be over 1,000°C—hot enough to melt many materials!