WWK: Mechanics behind Volcanoes

Unit 4

Mechanics Behind Volcanoes

What is a volcano, and how are they formed?A volcano is an opening in the ground that spits out hot gases, rock and lava.A volcano is formed when tectonic plates collide, and one is pushed under the other. The Earth’s temperature begins to increase and rocks melt into magma and gases.

Mechanics Behind Volcanoes

Diagram of how volcanoes are formed:

Mechanics Behind Volcanoes

Where does a volcano erupt? Why?An eruption is something that is erupted or ejected, as molten rock, volcanic ash, or steam.The eruption of a volcano can actually occur up to 100 miles below the Earth’s surface, which is where the magma is stored.

Mechanics Behind Volcanoes

Video Clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hec9yK-QQ4o

Mechanics Behind Volcanoes

Fun Facts about Volcanoes:“The word volcano originally comes from the name of the Roman god of fire, Vulcan.”“Hundreds of years ago, the Aztecs of Mexico and the people of Nicaragua believed gods lived in lava lakes. They would sacrifice beautiful young girls to these powerful gods.”

“Biggest volcano disaster occurred on Mt. Pelee in 1902 on the island of Martinique in the Caribbean which killed 30,121 people.”

KS:What is a Volcano?

Unit 4

Works Citedhttp://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/00795/volcano.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hec9yK-QQ4o

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/eruption?s=t

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/earth/volcano.html

http://facts.randomhistory.com/2009/01/30_volcanoes.html