Particle Data Platform

When did volcanoes start existing?

9/19/202526 min

Volcanoes have been erupting on Earth for BILLIONS of years, and they’re still creating new landscapes today! Volcanoes can seem mysterious and scary, but people all over the world have learned to live in close proximity to active volcanoes. Today we answer questions you’ve sent us about how they form, how they erupt, what magma/lava is, and how volcanologists work to predict when they might erupt. Our guest is Freysteinn Sigmundsson, a volcanologist and professor at the University of Iceland. 

Download our learning guides and transcript: PDF | Google Slide  | Transcript

Clips

Transcript preview

First 90 seconds
  1. Speaker 00:00

    Want to help shape future episodes of But Why? Join the But Why Fan Club. Along with other great perks, fan club members now get previews of upcoming episodes and can send questions on the topics we're working on. Beyond the perks, But Why Fan Club members play a big role in supporting our work and help keep this show free for curious kids everywhere. To learn more or join the fan club, head to butwhykids.org/donate. Thanks, and stay curious.

  2. Jane Lindholm· Host0:26

    Before we get started, here's a message for the adults who are listening. Support for But Why comes from Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try it at progressive.com. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states. One thing experts and parents tend to agree on is that learning to swim isn't just about strokes. It's about confidence, safety, and consistency. Goldfish Swim School takes a thoughtful approach to swim lessons, combining research-based teaching with a warm, kid-friendly environment, making swim lessons feel encouraging, not intimidating. They offer year-round swim lessons for children as young as four months up through 12 years old. Safety is never optional at Goldfish. Every lesson includes dedicated, professionally trained lifeguards on deck, all certified through Ellis & Associates,

We value your privacy

We use cookies to understand how you use our platform and to improve your experience. Click "Accept All" to consent, or "Decline non-essential" to opt out of non-essential cookies. Read our Privacy Policy.