Volcano

A volcano is a mountain that opens in the middle to magma. When a volcano erupts, there can be lava flow, flattened land, poisonous gas, and flying rock and ash. Lava destroys everything in its path. Active volcanoes are found in Hawaii, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. The Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanic activity. They can occur with earthquakes, flash floods, landslides, mudflows, and acid rain. It may be possible for scientists to predict when a volcano is going to erupt if scientists have lots of data about the past eruptions of the volcano.

Deadliest in World History:

• Mount Tamboro

• Occurred in 1815 in Indonesia

• 100,000 people died

• More died in the years following due to climate change caused by the volcano

Deadliest in U.S. History:

• Mount St. Helen’s

• Occurred in 1980 in Washington

• Killed 57 people

• Caused damage to homes, bridges, railways, and highways

• Two months of earthquakes led to the eruption

BEFORE A VOLCANIC ERUPTION:

• Make a plan with your family in case there is a volcano

• Listen to the radio, watch the news, or look online for volcano evacuation orders

DURING A VOLCANIC ERUPTION:

• Look out for mudflows

• Stay indoors away from volcanic ash falling

• If outside: seek cover from falling rock

AFTER A VOLCANIC ERUPTION:

• Listen to safety officials about dangerous areas

• Text, don’t call, so emergency lines can stay open

KEYWORDS:

Magma: molten or melted rock

Lava flow: slow moving river of molten (liquid) rock

Source: FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/