Unit 5

The power of nature

volcanoesvolc

an

oes

Magma chamberMagma chamber

lava

crater

eruption

Destruction out of volcanoes

Tianchi (the lake of heaven)

Creation out of volcanoes

Other powerful natural Other powerful natural forces involvedforces involved

• Hurricane/cyclone/typhoon

Other powerful natural Other powerful natural forces involvedforces involved

• Earthquake

Other powerful natural Other powerful natural forces involvedforces involved

• Tsunamis

Other powerful natural Other powerful natural forces involvedforces involved

• Snowstorm

Other powerful natural Other powerful natural forces involvedforces involved

• Wildfire

• Drought

• Landslides

• Lahars

• …

Have you ever thought about finding the mysteries of those natural forces? Firstly, please answer the questions on page 33. If you say “yes” to all these questions, being a volcanologist would be a good career to you.See what a challenging job does a volcanologist do?

1.Why is a volcanologist’s job important?

Volcanologists study volcanoes so that they can warn people when the volcano is going to erupt and so save many lives.2. Where is Mount Kilauea?

In Hawaii.

3. Why is the lava that flows on Mount Kilauea more dangerous than the actual eruption?

The lava flows down the mountain and can cover up or burn villages in its path. The rocks that erupt from the volcano usually don’t damage anything because no one lives near the crater.4. What caused the writer’s bedroom to become as bright as day even though it was night?The light was caused by the red-hot rocks and gas that erupted from the volcano.

5. Why did the scientists have to get close to the volcano after it began erupting?The scientists needed to get samples of the lava so they could study them.

6. Why was it difficult for the writer to walk towards the edge of the crater?

The author was wearing special protective clothing that made it difficult to walk.

7. What does the writer find impressive about volcanoes even after studying them for 20 years?The author is impressed by the beauty of the eruption and also by its potential to cause great destruction.