NewsPoint
Mar 13, 2025
Earth isn't the only place with volcanoes! Mars has Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system, while Venus has hundreds of volcanic structures, some of which may still be active today. Even Jupiter’s moon Io has extreme volcanic activity.
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Over 80% of Earth's volcanic eruptions happen underwater, forming seamounts and islands. These hidden giants create vast oceanic ridges, shaping the seafloor and sometimes causing tsunamis when they erupt violently near coastlines.
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Supervolcano eruptions release vast amounts of ash and gas, blocking sunlight and cooling the planet. The Toba eruption 74,000 years ago may have triggered a volcanic winter, affecting global temperatures and nearly wiping out early human populations.
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When a volcano erupts, its ash cloud can generate lightning due to the intense friction of particles colliding in the air. This eerie phenomenon, known as a dirty thunderstorm, creates dramatic, electrified volcanic plumes.
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While most lava glows red or orange, some volcanic eruptions produce blue flames! This happens when sulphur gases ignite upon exposure to oxygen, creating stunning blue lava flows, as seen in Indonesia’s Kawah Ijen volcano.
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Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions, and the process continues today! Lava flowing into the ocean cools and hardens, expanding the landmass and even giving birth to new islands over thousands of years.
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The 1883 Krakatoa eruption was so loud that it was heard over 3,000 miles away. The explosion sent shockwaves around the globe multiple times and caused massive tsunamis, proving how powerful volcanic eruptions can be.
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While some volcanoes erupt briefly, others remain active for centuries. Stromboli in Italy has been erupting for over 2,000 years, earning the nickname 'Lighthouse of the Mediterranean' due to its continuous glowing eruptions.
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Lahars are fast-moving volcanic mudflows caused by melting ice, heavy rain, or eruptions. These destructive torrents of ash, rock, and water can bury entire towns in minutes, as seen in the devastating 1985 Nevado del Ruiz disaster in Colombia.
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Scientists believe volcanic activity played a key role in the origin of life on Earth. Volcanic heat and mineral-rich environments may have provided the perfect conditions for the formation of complex organic molecules billions of years ago.
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