Science Common Sense
19 - Why do volcanoes erupt?
A volcano erupts when there's too much pressure inside the Earth. Here's what happens:
- Magma (hot, melted rock) builds up deep inside the Earth.
- The pressure grows as more magma comes in.
- The pressure gets too strong, and the magma bursts out through a weak spot in the Earth's surface (the volcano).
- The sudden release of pressure creates an eruption of lava, ash, and gas.
Think of it like a soda bottle that's been shaken up. When you open it, the pressure inside makes the soda spray out really fast. It's kind of like that with volcanoes!