How Does Volcanic Activity Shape Earth's Geography?

Volcanoes are like Earth's fireworks show. When they erupt, they can build up land or tear it apart. For example, when lava flows out of a volcano and cools down, it becomes rock that adds to the land, just like building with blocks! Volcanoes also make new islands, such as Hawaii, which started as underwater volcanoes that grew bigger and bigger until they rose above sea level.

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Examples

  1. A volcano erupts, spilling molten rock (lava) onto the ground and forming a new hill.
  2. Lava flows from an underwater volcano, eventually rising above sea level to form a brand-new island.
  3. Volcanic eruptions can split land apart, like how Iceland formed between two tectonic plates.

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