Deadly Volcanoes!
By William Harvey 6-13
Introduction
What is a Volcano? A Volcano is a large lump in the earth pushed up by magma. If
you keep reading this text you will find out about how it occurs, where it occurs,
some famous volcanoes, the effects of a volcano and the warning signs of
volcanoes.
How does a volcano occur?
Volcanoes occur when magma pushes into the cells which causes it to reach the
thin layer of rock at the top, it then eventually bursts through the layer of rock and
then makes a volcanic eruption. Once the magma bursts through the surface it is
called lava. Volcanoes don’t just spew out lava they also shoot big ash clouds up
into the sky which can cause plane flights to be cancelled. E.g. the recent Volcano
in Bali caused people stuck on this Indonesian island. Some people loved it how the
volcano erupted because it meant an extra holiday but some people wanted to get
back to work and family.
Volcano Diagram
Where do Volcanoes occur?
Where do Volcanoes form? Volcanoes are usually formed in certain places. If a
tectonic plate runs through a part of your town or near where you live generally
there is a risk of a volcano to form there. Volcanoes that form far from tectonic
plates are called ‘hot spots’. Some people love having a volcano at their door step
especially when they have crops of rice and many others. Even though it is a risk if
it erupts it also produces fresh soil which helps the crops grow.
Famous Volcanoes!
Mt Tambura is a large famous volcano that last erupted on April 10th – 15th in
1816 this volcano stood at 13,000 feet. In 1816 it was called ‘the year without
summer’, this volcano caused 100,000 deaths it was one of the most deadly
volcanoes in the world.
What is the effect of a Volcano?
Positives
Dramatic scenery attracts tourists
Breaks down soil and creates a good
fertile soil.
Generates geothermal energy
Negatives
Lives can be lost
Destroys land and buildings.
Memories can be lost.
What warning signs show that a Volcano is about to hit.
Volcanoes may give a little warning sign for when it is going to erupt. Some
warning signs can be the ground shakes, there can also be big signs that show
colours and if they light up green - the volcano is active, yellow - it has changed
behavior, orange - likely to erupt and red - eruption is in progress. While some
volcanoes never have a warning signs so if you live near a volcano you may not
know when it is about to erupt.
How to stay safe, before, during and after a Volcano.
If you live near a volcano you should always have these items in your house, a
face mask to protect your lungs and bring your pets inside. When a volcano
erupts you should always seek shelter and if you are leaving the area you should
always drive rather than walk. If you do decide to drive you should keep your
windows and doors shut.
Conclusion
A volcano occurs when magma bursts through the surface, this causes heaps of
damage. This was like what happened in Indonesia 1816. Volcanoes mainly occur
near tectonic plates. There are many precautions you can take like staying
indoors. You should always be aware because lots erupt with little warning signs.
Who thought a volcano can be so deadly?
This is a volcano spewing out ash in
Iceland