Why Do Volcanoes Erupt?

Answer Key

Multiple Choice
1. a. 2. d. 3. a. 4. c. 5. c. 6. b.

Short Answer

1.
2. The earth’s crust is made up of pieces that are called tectonic plates. Each
plate touches at least 3 others. These plates move due to pressure from
inside the earth and movement of the extremely hot materials under the
crust.

3. Hot molten rock inside the mantle (called magma) can escape from inside the
earth through weak areas in the earth’s crust where two tectonic plates are
moving apart. Volcanoes are found where tectonic plates meet.

4. When someone has the flu pressure from the infection can develop in the
stomach. The body wants to expel the infection and relieve the pressure it is
causing. The contents of the stomach rise up and explosively spew out of a
small opening, the mouth. The pressure is released. The volcano relieves the
pressure inside the earth in a similar fashion.
5. Individual response

Growth of New Volcano in Feet

1 Day

1 Week

1 Year

> 1 Year

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6. Individual response

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