Hot magma boils and escapes the Earth through volcanoes.
Volcanoes are giant pressure cookers. Pressure created by the mixture of water and plate movement underneath the Earth's crust forces magma to the surface. As this pressure increases, magma explodes from the Earth's surface; this is what creates a volcano. Some volcanoes remain active for years, while others go dormant for long stretches of time. Scientists can forecast when a major explosion is about to occur by measuring the mounting pressure below the Earth's surface.
Volcano Models
A miniature scale model of an active volcano will illustrate the effect of pressure on magma. These models can be constructed of any material that will respond to a pressurized environment. A simple volcano can be built out of a pile of mud. The mud is molded into a mountain shape. A hole is made through the center of the mountain, then baking soda, dish soap and red food coloring are added to the hole. Vinegar is the last ingredient added, because it will cause the volcano to bubble and begin its active state. A project using this method is accompanied by an explanation of volcanic pressure.
Volcano Forecasting
Volcano forecasting, just as with weather forecasting, is not an exact science. Scientists track the activity of volcanoes by measuring movement and pressure underneath the Earth's crust, but this movement can be unpredictable. This factor of unpredictability means that a geologist cannot precisely predict when a volcano will erupt. A project detailing the process a geologist uses to track the activity of a volcano will educate a student on an exciting field of science. Using a specific volcano as a model for the project, such as Mount St. Helen's in Washington State, will help focus the project.
Building Pressure
Before a volcano can erupt, pressure must build under specific circumstances. A project detailing the way pressure builds before the eruption of a volcano will enlighten an audience about the life beneath the surface of the Earth. This project is supported by the use of graphs and a presentation guiding your fellow students through the pressure cycle.
Dormant Volcanoes
Dormant volcanoes are currently not active, but they may become active again given the right circumstances. A project studying the pressure inside a dormant volcano and what would happen should the volcano suddenly become active will illustrate how quickly a change in pressure happens. This project also exhibits the movement of pressure systems and may lead to theories on cyclical pressure systems.
Global Warming and Volcanic Pressure
Global warming affects the movement of the tectonic plates. These plates are essential to the buildup of pressure underneath the Earth's surface. As the movement of these plates changes, so does the accumulation of pressure, which in turn affects the activity of volcanoes. A project presenting these changes is a timely investigation into current events in geology.
Tags: volcano will, Earth surface, underneath Earth, activity volcanoes, become active, circumstances project, Earth crust
