Book 12, Question 24
Why Do Volcanic Bombs Exist?
A volcanic bomb is a blob of melted lava thrown out of a volcano. It cools and hardens as it flies through the air, so the outside is solid when it lands, even if the inside is still soft! Falling bombs are dangerous, so people stay far away from erupting volcanoes.
More fun facts
- Lava bombs form when globs of lava shoot out of a volcano and start hardening before they land.
- They are one kind of debris thrown out by explosive eruptions.
- Lava bombs can soar through the air for up to 10 seconds.
- Most bombs harden in flight, but some are still soft when they land.
- Researchers estimate lava bombs are the most dangerous volcanic threat to people.
- A bomb's shape depends on how runny the lava is, how far it flies and how fast it cools.
Sources: Science News Explores, National Park Service
Questions kids ask
Are lava bombs real bombs?
No. They are blobs of lava thrown into the air that harden as they fly.