The Methana Volcano is Still Active

Introduction

Scientists studied the Methana volcano in Greece. It is near Athens. The volcano did not erupt for 100,000 years. But it is not dead. There is still hot rock under the ground.

Main Body

Scientists looked at 1,250 small crystals. These crystals tell the history of the volcano. The scientists found that hot rock, called magma, is always there. There is a lot of water in the magma. This water comes from the ocean floor. The water helps make more magma. The magma turns into hard rock quickly. Because of this, the volcano does not erupt often. But the magma still grows under the ground. This means the volcano is not dead. It is just waiting.

Conclusion

A quiet volcano is not always a dead volcano. It can still be dangerous. Scientists must watch these volcanoes more carefully now.

Vocabulary Learning

crystals
small, hard pieces of a substance with many flat sides晶體
Example:The scientist looked at the crystals under a microscope.
dangerous
able to cause harm or injury危險的
Example:A quiet volcano can still be dangerous.
erupt
when a volcano explodes and sends out lava噴發
Example:The volcano did not erupt for many years.
magma
hot liquid rock under the ground岩漿
Example:The magma under the volcano is very hot.
studied
to learn about something by reading, observing, or doing research研究
Example:She studied English for two hours.