Volcanic hazards
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what pyroclastic flows, ash and lahars are and relate this to real life examples.
Key learning points
- Volcanic eruptions can lead to a range of hazards, such as pyroclastic flows, ash and lahars.
- Pyroclastic flows are flows of hot volcanic gases, ash and rock.
- Ash is made up of tiny pieces of volcanic rock and glass, this can damage lungs, machines, crops and buildings.
- Lahars are mudflows caused by volcanic material mixed with water.
- Mount Semeru (Java, Indonesia) erupted in 2021, triggering damaging pyroclastic flows, ashfall and lahars.
Keywords
Pyroclastic flow - a very hot mix of lava, ash, gases and rock that flows rapidly down the side of the volcano
Ash - tiny pieces of volcanic rock and glass
Lahar - a mudflow formed when volcanic ash mixes with water
Infrastructure - all the basic systems in a country, such as transport and power supply
Common misconception
Lava is the only dangerous aspect to a volcanic eruption and you can just run out of the way.
Ash, lahars and pyroclastic flows are all extremely dangerous volcanic hazards. Pyroclastic flows can reach speeds of 435 mph, which is faster than a car.
Teacher tip
Students enjoy imagining themselves experiencing a volcanic eruption. Try to set them up for the misconception above during discussion, this will make the learning more meaningful for them.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a volcano?
Q2.What is molten rock called before it reaches Earth’s surface?
Q3.What is the name for molten rock once it has reached Earth’s surface?
Q4.What is the name of the hole at the top of a volcano where the lava comes out?
Q5.Where are most of the world's volcanoes located?
Q6.What is the name of the volcano that erupted and destroyed the Roman city of Pompeii?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a pyroclastic flow?
Q2.What is ash in a volcanic eruption?
Q3.What is a lahar?
Q4.Is lava the only dangerous aspect of a volcanic eruption, and can you just run away from it?
To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: Volcanic hazards, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: Volcanic hazards, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 geography lessons from the Tectonic hazards: Why is Earth restless? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.