Volcanic eruptions are natural events where molten rock, gases, and ash are expelled from a volcano. They occur when pressure builds up from magma (molten rock) beneath Earth's crust, forcing it to erupt through the surface. This magma becomes lava as it flows out, releasing intense heat and sometimes travelling many miles from the eruption site. The speed and behavior of lava flows vary depending on its composition; basaltic lava, for example, is typically very fluid, allowing it to flow quickly over long distances, while rhyolitic lava is thicker and moves more slowly. Lava flows can create new landforms and reshape existing landscapes by cooling and solidifying into rock. They also have significant environmental impacts, destroying vegetation, altering ecosystems, and affecting human settlements nearby.
Eruptions release gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and water vapor, affecting air quality. The ash from eruptions can spread over large areas, impacting agriculture, aviation, and water supplies. While volcanic eruptions can be hazardous, they also play a crucial role in Earth's geological processes, contributing to soil fertility and creating new land formations over time.
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