Volcanoes

When the Earth Comes Alive

A volcano is one of nature’s most fascinating features.

It is an opening in Earth’s crust through

which magma,

gases, and ash can escape

from beneath the surface.

Volcanoes can alter the landscapes and form

new land,

and influence the atmosphere.

While a volcanic eruption can be damaging,

volcanoes are also an important part of the natural processes

that have shaped our planet.

Below Earth’s surface, temperatures are very intense.

In some regions, rocks can melt and form magma.

Since magma has a lower density than the

hard rocks, it can gradually move upward toward the surface.

As it moves toward the surface, the gases trapped

within it may expand.

If pressure becomes great enough,

the magma may eventually reach the surface through