Volcanoes of Hawaiʻi National Park
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Imagine a place where the earth is still being made. That place is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park! This special park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
What is Lava?
Volcanoes erupt, and when they do, they send out hot, melted rock called lava. Lava can be thick and slow-moving, or thin and fast-moving. When lava cools, it turns into solid rock. Over many years, layers of lava have built up to create the Hawaiian Islands.
Craters Big and Small
At the top of a volcano, you'll often find a big bowl-shaped hole called a crater. Some craters are small, while others are enormous! Kīlauea’s crater, Halemaʻumaʻu, is so big, it could fit many football fields inside.
Staying Safe
Volcanoes can be dangerous. It's important to stay safe when visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Here are some tips:
- Always follow the instructions of park rangers.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Keep a safe distance from lava flows.
- Be aware of volcanic gases, which can be harmful to breathe.
A Living Land
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a place of amazing beauty and power. It’s a place where you can see the earth changing right before your eyes. Remember to be respectful and stay safe so you can enjoy this incredible natural wonder!
- Lava:
- Hot, melted rock that flows from a volcano.
- Crater:
- A big, bowl-shaped hole at the top of a volcano.
- Volcanic Gases:
- Harmful gases released during a volcanic eruption.
- active:
- Describing a volcano that is currently erupting or is likely to erupt in the near future.
- erupt:
- To suddenly burst open and shoot out lava, ash, and gases.
- enormous:
- Extremely large in size or amount; huge.
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- 1What are the names of the two active volcanoes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
- 2What is lava, and how does it form land?
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About this informational passage for Upper Elementary
“Volcanoes of Hawaiʻi National Park” is a informational reading passage about Volcanoes, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 1 minute to read (222 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.