Eruptions: Lava, Ash & Gases

Eruptling — Eruptions: Lava, Ash & Gases Lava Waterfall Gorge

Eruptling here! Welcome to our imaginary Lava Waterfall Gorge station.

I brought eruption records. The Grumblies mixed up their descriptions!

Will you help sort them? We'll study records together.

Real eruptions are observed from safe places by trained scientists.

Lava is melted rock that has reached the surface.

Some eruptions send lava flowing across the ground.

Lava can differ in temperature, composition, and how easily it flows.

Some flows move slowly. Others move much faster.

Our glowing gorge is a story setting, not a safety guide.

Volcanic ash consists of tiny broken rock, mineral, and glass fragments.

The pieces are small, but they are solid material.

Volcanic ash isn't the fluffy ash left by burning wood.

Explosive eruptions can send ash high into the air.

Wind can carry ash far away from the volcano.

Eventually, falling ash can cover ground, roofs, and plants.

Volcanoes release gases, too. Water vapor is a common example.

They can also release carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

Some gases are invisible. A photograph won't reveal every gas.

Gases can be dissolved in magma deep underground.

As magma rises, lower pressure can let gas bubbles grow.

Gas and magma properties help influence how an eruption behaves.

Wow! Eruptions don't all behave like the same movie scene.

Record A shows glowing material moving along the ground.

Record B shows tiny solid fragments falling from a plume.

Both records can show eruption evidence, but different materials.

One eruption may produce lava, ash, and gases together.

Which record shows ash: the flow or the falling fragments?

Look for small solid pieces. Take your time deciding.

Record B! Ash is tiny solid fragments, not flowing melt.

You matched the evidence! Our descriptions are becoming much clearer.

Can one ordinary photograph prove that no gases are present?

No. Some gases are invisible. Scientists use additional measurements.

Lava is melted rock at the surface.

Volcanic ash is tiny rock, mineral, and glass fragments.

Eruptions release gases, and some cannot be seen directly.

Our gorge records are sorted. What a discovery team!

Use these material clues when the Grumblies challenge you.

Train more, start this adventure, or choose another map destination.

Free Eruptions: Lava, Ash & Gases teacher guide and practice (PDF)