Volcanoes

By Victoria and Charlie

The earth is made of layers.

surfacecrust

mantlecore

The crust layer is made of flat plates of rocks. When the plates move, it creates cracks. VOLCANOES are openings in the surface of the earth where gases, ash, and molten rock called magma spew out from the mantle layer.

Mantle

Crust

Surface

Lava is magma that comes out of the opening and pours down the sides of a volcano. Gases explode into a huge cloud of steam and ash thousands of feet high.

Most of the volcanoes in the world occur in the "Ring Of Fire" in and around the Pacific Ocean where plates come together. Volcanoes can also happen in the ocean.

Pacific Ocean

Volcanoes are just a natural way that the earth has of cooling off and releasing pressure.

On May 18, 1980 a volcano took place in the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, in the western part of the U.S.A. Mount St. Helens volcano happened at 8:32 am and 63 people died. The last time a volcano erupted there was in 1857.

It is important to prepare for volcanoes if you live near them. Scientists usually know when a volcano is going to happen. You would need to make a safety plan and know what to do and where to go in case there was a volcano.

To be ready in case there is a volcano you should have these things: first aid kit, canned food, can opener, battery radio, shoes, clothing, goggles, face mask, full tank of gas in your car, candles, water, blankets, and utensils for eating.

If a volcano erupts in your area you need to listen to radio reports and do what they say. You might have to get away as fast as you can or go to a shelter nearby.

After a volcano happens, wait until you hear that it is safe to go home. Then make sure everyone is safe. Check your neighbours and make sue they are safe too.

We hope that you learned a few things about volcanoes. Right now in Hawaii there is a volcano happening that could destroy a village nearby. Watch the news to see what happens.

The End

Credits

Researcher Victoria Harpell

Research Assistant Mrs. Kiegelmann

Special Effects Charlie Roper

App for IPads Book Creator

All Rights Reserved

Copyright @2014

Special thanks to Charlie Roper for the use of his IPad, Mr. Webster for assigning such a 'disastrous' topic, St. Patrick Catholic School for the use of all facilities, and the students of Grade 6, 7, and 8 for their patience during production!

Coming soon!

Watch for upcoming book starring Charlie Roper in "Charlie Makes a Volcano"!