What causes volcanoes to erupt?
Very hot temperatures deep beneath the Earth's surface cause rocks to melt and form magma. Magma is called lava when it reaches the Earth's surface through cracks and holes. A volcano is a mountain with a hole at the top through which lava comes out when there are volcanic eruptions.
Some volcanic eruptions are explosive, while others are not. The composition of magma affects the explosiveness of an eruption. Gases can easily escape when magma is thin and fluid. This causes a non-explosive eruption and magma to flow from the volcano.
Gases cannot easily escape when magma is thick and sticky. So, pressure builds up until the gases explode. Volcanic eruptions are spectacular but can be dangerous and cause harm. Recently, a volcanic eruption happened in Russia.
What is the name of the volcano that has erupted in Russia?
On 11th April 2023, the Shiveluch volcano, one of Russia's most active volcanoes, erupted in the Kamchatka peninsula. The eruption released grey volcanic ash that covered towns like a dark snowfall.
The volcano's lava melted snow, creating a mudslide on a neighbouring highway. The ash cloud (a big cloud of smoke and ash) reached a height of 20 kilometres, causing ash to fall on nearby settlements.
Researchers say the volcano has been ready to erupt for at least a year. They believe the process is still happening but at a slower speed.
What is the present condition over there?

An earthquake happened around 24 hours after the volcano began erupting. Russian geologists think this earthquake was an aftershock of another earthquake that happened a few days ago. The Kamchatka peninsula has a population of roughly 3,00,000 people. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) has warned that volcanic activity could affect international and low-flying flights. Several schools in that area have been closed, and residents have been warned to remain indoors.
At least the power lines have been repaired, and drinking water is being provided.
What do we know about the Shiveluch volcano?
Shiveluch is one of the world's most active volcanoes. It has erupted many times since 1999, though not as strong as this week's explosion. Also, the Russian Kamchatka Peninsula is one of the world's most heavily populated volcanic zones. The region contains 160 volcanoes, 29 of which are active.
Let us hope the volcanic eruption does not cause much damage to the people living in the area.