volcano

Everyday

1. A volcano is a mountain or opening in the Earth's surface where hot melted rock (lava), ash and gases come out from deep inside. tree →
2. An active volcano can still erupt; a dormant one is sleeping and might erupt again; an extinct one is not expected to erupt again. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science, volcanoes form where tectonic plates meet or over hot spots; magma underground becomes lava when it comes out; an eruption can cause lava flows, ash clouds and new land. Famous volcanoes include Mount St Helens and Kīlauea in the USA, Mount Etna and Vesuvius in Italy, and Mount Ruapehu in New Zealand; Edinburgh Castle sits on an old volcano. A classic school model uses baking soda and vinegar. Phrases: «active volcano», «dormant volcano», «extinct volcano», «the volcano erupted».

Examples

• A volcano erupted and lava flowed down the mountain. tree →
• Hawaii's islands were made by volcanoes. tree →
• We made a model volcano with baking soda and vinegar. tree →
• Mount Vesuvius buried the town of Pompeii in ash. tree →
• An extinct volcano will not erupt again. tree →
• Scientists watch volcanoes for signs of danger. tree →
• New Zealand has several active volcanoes. tree →
• Ash from the volcano stopped planes from flying. tree →
• Does the crater of the volcano know that the glowing lava is pouring from it? tree →

Note

Plural «volcanoes» (most common) or «volcanos». Magma is melted rock underground; lava is the same rock once it comes out. A baking soda «volcano» is a model, not a real eruption.