• Question: What causes volcanoes to errupt?

    Asked by spongeyyy to Adam, Kate, Maria on 9 May 2012.
    • Photo: Adam Bibbey

      Adam Bibbey answered on 9 May 2012:

      Hi spongeyyy,

      The Earth’s outer layer (crust) is made up of huge tectonic plates (large slabs of Earth) which move at about the rate at which you finger nails grow. When two plates collide the magma (rock and gas) just under the Earth’s surface is pushed up, causing the volcanic eruption we see on the surface.
      The collision of these tectonic plates also cause Earth quakes and tsunamis.

      Hope that helps, if you are still unsure or if there are any more questions please feel free to ask

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