Examples / Earth science
How does a volcano erupt?
Drawn and explained by Sketchwise from this one question.
The explanation, step by step
1. Magma deep below
Deep beneath a volcano, rock is so hot that it melts into magma. Magma is lighter than the solid rock around it, so it slowly rises.
2. Pressure builds
A volcano is a mountain with a vent leading down to the magma chamber. Gases dissolved in the magma form bubbles, and the pressure keeps building.
3. Eruption
When the pressure becomes too great, the magma bursts out through the top. Once magma reaches the surface we call it lava, and it flows downhill. Hot rock rises, pressure builds, and the volcano releases it in an eruption.
Ask your own question
10 sketches free. No card needed.