Why are volcanic eruptions so different?

We are continuing with our natural hazards theme with 'Bubble-mania; the bubbling clues to magma viscosity and eruptions'.

This ELI is a simple test of the viscosity of two similar-looking liquids, linked to volcanic eruption style.

Many more 'volcanic' ELIs can be found under Volcanoes in our Natural Hazards category.

How can volcanic eruptions be predicted?

Continuing our natural hazards theme, our ELI today is 'When will it blow? – predicting eruptions; how a simple tiltmeter can demonstrate the bulging of a volcano before eruption'.

There is also a teaching video demonstrating this activity. You might enjoy watching another video too!

This activity demonstrates how a simple ‘tiltmeter’ can show the bulging of a volcano before eruption – using trays of water to highlight ‘bulging’ as a bag or balloon is inflated.

Related activities can be found in our Natural Hazards category - Volcanoes.

Why are some lavas more dangerous than others?

The new ELI today is an extension of one we published many years ago, 'See how they run; investigate why some lavas flow further and more quickly than others'.

This activity involves an investigation into some of the factors which can affect the viscosity of lavas. The two activities included involve varying the temperature and composition of the 'lava' using treacle and honey.

Other related activities can be found in our Natural Hazards category - Volcanoes.