Volcanic Eruptions

Definition

A volcanic eruption is the release of stored energy from below the surface of the earth due to tectonic activity. This energy is released as magma (lava), ash, gas and rock fragments.

Analogy

Imagine shaking up a soda bottle then opening it - all that pressure built up inside needs to escape somehow! That's similar to how pressure builds up beneath the earth's crust until it's released through a volcanic eruption.

Related terms

Magma Chamber: The area within the upper mantle and crust of the Earth where magma collects before erupting onto the surface as lava.

Tectonic Plates: Large pieces of Earth's lithosphere that fit together like puzzle pieces to make up Earth’s surface. Their movement can cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Pyroclastic Flow: A fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter (collectively known as tephra) that moves away from a volcano reaching speeds of up to 700 km/h.