What Causes Eruptions?

Volcanic eruptions are caused by magma pressure in the magma chamber. When there’s too much pressure for the chamber to hold, it bursts to the surface to cause a volcanic eruption.

What is Magma and Lava?

The words magma and lava are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two different locations of the same molten rock. Lava is the term used when molten rock is on the surface. Magma is the term used when molten rock is still underground. 

What Historical Eruptions Happened in the United States?

Mount Saint Helen’s eruption in 1980 was the most recent eruption in the United States. MSH is located in northern Washington. The eruption swiftly became the deadliest in U.S. history, claiming the lives of 57 people and causing over $1 billion in damage. Another notable eruption in US history was the 1914 eruption of Lassen Peak. Lassen Peak is located in Northern California. On May 22, a powerful eruption unleashed a pyroclastic flow, devastating an area up to 6 kilometers northeast of the summit. Additionally, a mudflow spread over 20 kilometers down Lost Creek, accompanied by floods cascading down Hat Creek

Are There Active Volcanoes Today?

There are many active volcanoes today. Some of these include Merapi, which is located in Central Java, in Indonesia. Krakatoa is located on Rakata island, in Indonesia. Dunkono is located in the northern part of Halmahera island, in Indonesia. Etna is located on the Italian island of Sicily.