Volcanoes and Earthquakes

Volcanic eruptions happen when magma rises to the surface of the earth. Scientists who specialize in volcanoes are called volcanologists. They are getting better at predicting when the eruptions are going to happen. Volcanic ash is good for soil, so plants grow stronger and faster after there has been an eruption. One in ten people live within danger range of an active volcano.

Earthquakes are caused by tectonic plates rubbing together, hitting each other or pulling away. Earthquakes can cause volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and even earthquakes on the other side of the world.
The areas in red are where earthquakes have been recorded. The more red there is in an area, the more often the earthquakes happen. Notice that the earthquakes are almost always on the edge of tectonic plates. The west coast of North and South America, Japan and the edge of the Pacific Ocean.