Build Your Own Volcano - Cross-Section View

🎮 Game Modes

🔬 Free Play

Experiment freely! Adjust the magma type, gas content, and vent structure to see what happens. Perfect for exploring and learning.

🎯 Challenge

Can you create a specific volcano type? You'll be given a goal (like "Create a shield volcano") and need to figure out the right settings. Use hints if you get stuck!

🌋 Match It!

Try to recreate the eruption style of a real volcano like Kīlauea or Mount St. Helens. Study the characteristics and use hints to match the correct settings!

🔬 The Science

Magma Type determines viscosity (thickness):

Basaltic: Runny & fluid, flows easily
Andesitic: Medium thickness
Rhyolitic: Thick & sticky, traps gases

Gas Content affects explosiveness:

More gas = more explosive eruptions
Less gas = gentler lava flows

Vent Structure controls pressure:

Wide Crater: Lava spreads out gently
Narrow Pipe: Pressure builds up for explosive eruptions

💡 Tips

Hover over the i icons for helpful tooltips
Watch the magma chamber - it shows gas bubbles and pressure building!
In the cross-section view, you can see magma rising through the conduit during eruptions
Use the hint button in Challenge and Match It modes if you're stuck
Pay attention to the results after each eruption - they explain the science!
Listen for the rumbling sounds as pressure builds in the magma chamber!

🌋 Real Volcano Types

Shield Volcano: Broad, gentle slopes built from runny lava (like Kīlauea in Hawaii)

Composite Volcano: Steep, tall mountains with explosive eruptions (like Mount St. Helens)

Cinder Cone: Small, steep hills built from lava fountains (like Parícutin in Mexico)

Ready to build? Watch how the magma chamber reacts to your settings, then click Erupt! 🌋

🌋 Volcano Simulator

Mode:

Magma Type i

Gas Content i

Vent Structure i

Eruption Results