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"Ahem. There has been a sighting of large lava vents bursting with magma-- oh, oh, OH, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" KABOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A large lava vent has just erupted, quieting a reporter!
"ooh, that lava ought to leave a mark." Assumed a voice.
"don't you just hate volcanoes?" said a voice." oh, no. Here's why…"
What are they?
Volcanoes are some of the most dangerous natural phenomenon. They destroy towns, farms, buildings, and other important structures. Despite that they decimate so much, they actually help the earth by fertilizing the soil with minerals. They help us by pulling valuable materials, such as gold and copper, from the earth and into reachable areas. Finally, they dig out calderas, or lakes out of volcanoes, to collect rainwater for drinking.
Locations
Volcanoes are located all around the world, mostly underwater. The volcanoes are found in lines, (tectonic plate edges) where earthquakes happen often. In the sea, there is a large circular area filled with Volcanoes, dubbed "The Circle of Fire."
Frequency
Volcanic eruptions don't happen all too often. Over fifteen hundred volcanoes have been active in the last 10,000 years! Only 539 of those volcanoes erupted more than once in that period. Most of the time, 50-60 volcanoes are active in any given year! Luckily, really powerful eruptions don't happen all to often!
Causes
Volcanoes erupt pretty noisily, so people will know when one's coming. First, the magma builds and grows warmer. Then, junk shoots out the top. Next, the magma expands. Small chunks of rock fly out the sides as they burst with lava. Finally, the Magma blasts out the top. This may continue for several days. This proves that volcanic eruptions can be epic!
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