Volcanoes Facts for Kids
Explosive facts about volcanoes and geology
A volcanic winter happens when a massive eruption sends so much ash and gas into the stratosphere that it blocks sunlight, dropping global temperatures for months or even years.
Some volcanoes, called monogenetic volcanoes, erupt only once and never erupt again. They are still found all over the world.
Scientists use satellites to monitor volcanoes from space. They can detect tiny changes in the shape of a volcano's surface, rising temperatures, and gas emissions before an eruption.
You can tell how hot lava is by its colour: dark red lava is about 600 degrees Celsius, orange is around 900, and bright yellow means over 1,000 degrees.
There are far more volcanoes under the ocean than on land. Scientists estimate there could be over one million submarine volcanoes on the sea floor.
Large volcanic eruptions can create their own weather. The ash and heat can generate thunderstorms, lightning, and even small tornadoes directly above the eruption.
Jupiter's moon Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system. It has over 400 active volcanoes, powered by intense tidal forces from Jupiter's gravity.
The eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 was so massive that it caused the 'Year Without a Summer' in 1816. Crops failed across Europe and North America because of the cooled climate.
Some of the world's best coffee is grown in volcanic soil. The rich minerals from ancient eruptions make the earth around volcanoes incredibly fertile.
The colour of lava tells you its temperature. Bright yellow lava is the hottest (around 1,200 degrees Celsius), while dark red lava has cooled to about 700 degrees.