Volcanoes release energy from deep within the Earth through plate tectonics which causes the build up of magma in magma chambers under the surface. During a volcanic eruption, the magma pushes through vents and fissures in the Earth's crust and is released as either an explosive or nonexplosive eruption, spewing lava on the surface. Some large volcanic eruptions can have global effects like those from Mount St. Helens in 1980 and Mount Pinatubo in 1991.

1. How a volcano erupts ‘ A’ student work Annamarie Moraytis

2. Volcanoes are “ Pressure valves that releases energy from deep within the Earth. Beautiful and powerful, awe-inspiring and deadly, they are spectacular reminders of the dynamic forces that continually shape our planet.” DiscoveryKids website