Volcanic Eruptions
Definition
Volcanic eruptions are natural events where molten rock, ash, and gases are expelled from a volcano. They can cause significant damage to the surrounding environment and have long-lasting effects on climate.
Analogy
Imagine a giant soda bottle that has been shaken vigorously. When you open the cap, the built-up pressure causes the soda to explode out of the bottle. Similarly, when a volcano erupts, the pressure from beneath the Earth's surface causes magma and gases to burst out violently.
Related terms
Pyroclastic Flow: A fast-moving mixture of hot gas, ash, and volcanic materials that flows down the slopes of a volcano during an eruption.
Lava: Molten rock that flows out of a volcano during an eruption.
Ashfall: The deposition of fine particles of volcanic ash onto surfaces after an eruption.
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