Earth Hazards: Volcanoes
Volcanoes | Earthquakes | Floods | Landslides
- Text adapted from "Volcanoes" by Robert I. Tilling
Volcanoes destroy and volcanoes create. The catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980, made clear the awesome destructive power of a volcano. Yet, over a time span longer than human memory and record, volcanoes have played a key role in forming and modifying the planet upon which we live. More than 80 percent of the Earth's surface--above and below sea level--is of volcanic origin. Gaseous emissions from volcanic vents over hundreds of millions of years formed the Earth's earliest oceans and atmosphere, which supplied the ingredients vital to evolve and sustain life. Over geologic eons, countless volcanic eruptions have produced mountains, plateaus, and plains, which subsequent erosion and weathering have sculpted into majestic landscapes and formed fertile soils.
Ironically, these volcanic soils and inviting terranes have attracted, and continue to attract, people to live on the flanks of volcanoes. Thus, as population density increases in regions of active or potentially active volcanoes, mankind must become increasingly aware of the hazards and learn not to "crowd" the volcanoes. People living in the shadow of volcanoes must live in harmony with them and expect, and should plan for, periodic violent unleashings of pent-up volcanic energy.
Read more about volcanoes from Learning Web's teaching packet, "Volcanoes!"
 Links with the square icon connects to USGS sites.
 Links with the globe icon connects to non-USGS sites. We are happy to provide this link for your convenience. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of non-USGS sites.
Featured Sites
Volcanoes
This 45-page booklet presents a summary of the nature of the earth processes that create common types of volcanoes around the world, along with an introduction to the techniques of volcano monitoring research.
USGS Volcano Hazards Program
Contains background information on volcanoes, history, real-time reports, and education page.
Cascades Volcano Observatory
Enriched with background information, photo archives, glossary, fun activities, and real-time video cams.
Books & Other Publications
These pages contain listings of online USGS books, reports, and pamphlets. Geologic Information
Geologic and mineral resource surveys and mapping for the Department of the Interior. USGS Geology in Parks
Learn geology basics from touring the national parks. Media for Science
Photo collections of maps, natural disasters, and activities at the USGS. Eruptions of Hawaiian Volcanoes: Past, Present, and Future
The volcanic history of the Hawaiian Islands with dramatic, color photographs and diagrams and informative text on Hawaiis active shield volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Volcanic and Seismic Hazards on the Island of Hawaii
This booklet provides information for the residents of Hawaii so they may effectively deal with the special geologic hazards of the island. Man Against Volcano: The Eruption on Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
This 28-page booklet discusses the impact of the 1973 volcanic eruption of Eldfell on the island of Heimaey. (In PDF format.) Monitoring Active Volcanos
How scientists track volcanic movements. Volcanoes of the United States
This 44-page booklet describes the principal volcanoes in Hawaii, Alaska, and the Cascades Mountain Range that have erupted during the last few hundred years. Also summarizes recent events at active calderas in California and Wyoming. Fire and Mud: Eruptions and Lahars of Mount Pinatubo, Philippines
Know all about the eruption history, impacts of the eruption, rocks, and lahars of Mount Pinatubo, Philippines. Eruptions of Mount St. Helens: Past, Present, and Future
Highlights the eruptive history of this composite volcano, reviews its activity since its awakening in 1980, and speculates about its behavior in the future. Eruptions of Mount St. Helens: Past, Present, & Future
Highlights the eruptive history of this Mount St. Helens. USGS Volcano Hazards Program
A comprehensive overview of the U.S. Geological Photo Glossary of Volcano Terms
A picture speaks a thousand words. Learn volcano terms with images and photos. Cascades Volcano Observatory
Focuses on hazards, activity, history, and monitoring of volcanoes, with emphasis on volcanoes of the Western United States. Volcano and Hydrologic Hazards, Features, and Terminology
Contains detailed background info and photos of volcanic features and terms. Current Volcanic Activity
Contains a list of sites with real-time volcano monitoring. Photo Archives of Volcanoes
Numerous photos of various volcanoes, live images, eruption features, volcanic monitoring equipments, and more... VolcanoCams Around the World
"Live" views of volcanoes from around the world, including Europe and Japan. Hazards Fact Sheets
Documentations and reports of natural disasters. What Are Volcano Hazards?
Understand how volcanoes endanger us. Earthquakes and Other Natural Hazards
Learn about earthquakes and other hazards and find out how to prepare for these hazards. Science Challenge Questions and Answers
A collection of 196 questions and answers addressing earth and planetary science topics. Animated Map
This map shows the combined effect of all six hazards--earthquake, volcanic, landslides, flooding, hurricane, and tornado. Watch as the distribution of each is added to the previous hazards. Geographic Distribution of Major Hazards in the US
Six theme maps showing high risk or relatively frequent actual occurrences of hazards (floods, earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes, tornadoes, and volcanic eruptions.) Hazards
Links to various hazards reports, including earthquake, volcanoes, flood, landslides, wildfire, wildlife diseases, geomagnetism, and coastal storms and tsunamis. Windows to the Universe
Fun and intriguing site about the earth and space sciences. Park Geology Teacher's Features
Teaching geology with national park examples. Park Geology Tour of National Parks
Learn geology through online tour of national parks. Geologic animations
Animations include plate tectonics, gas, oil, and more. Earth Science Classroom Activities
Classroom activities on geology-related subjects for grades k-3. The EarthPulse Center
Interactive learning tool for earthquake location, magnitude, distribution and forecasting. Geo Mysteries with Rex, the Dino Detective
Fun and interactive geologic site for kids. Earthforce
Informative site about forces that cause eruptions, quakes, and floods. Photo Gallery of Mount St. Helens
View over 190 photos of Mount St. Helens' landscape and wildlife before and after eruption. E-cards of Natural Disasters
Send e-cards on images of volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides. American Geological Insititute Education
Produce innovative inquiry-based curriculum for K-12 earth science education. Athena, Earth and Space Science
K-12 education page for teachers and students. A Teacher's Guide to the Geology of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Contains information and classroom activities about plate tectonics, volcanoes, hot spots, mantles, lava, and more.
Volcanoes | Earthquakes | Floods | Landslides
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