A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s surface.
火山是地球表面上的一个开口。
Inside the Earth, there is very hot, melted rock called magma.
在地球内部，有一种非常炽热的熔化岩石，叫做岩浆。
When a volcano erupts, magma comes out.
当火山喷发时，岩浆会从火山口喷出。
Once magma reaches the surface, it is called lava.
当岩浆到达地表后，就被称为熔岩。
Lava is extremely hot and can burn everything in its path.
熔岩温度极高，会烧毁沿途的一切。
Along with lava, volcanoes release ash and gases.
除了熔岩，火山还会喷出火山灰和气体。
Volcanic ash can spread far in the air and cover large areas.
火山灰会在空气中扩散，覆盖大片区域。
Volcanoes can be very dangerous.
火山喷发可能非常危险。
They can destroy homes, forests, and roads.
它们可以摧毁房屋、森林和道路。
But volcanoes also have some benefits.
但火山也有一些好处。
When lava cools down, it hardens into new land.
当熔岩冷却后，它会变硬，形成新的陆地。
Some islands, like Hawaii, were formed by volcanic eruptions.
一些岛屿，比如夏威夷，就是由火山喷发形成的。
Volcanic soil is very rich and helps plants grow.
火山土壤非常肥沃，有助于植物生长。
Not all volcanoes erupt often.
并不是所有火山都会经常喷发。
Some volcanoes are active, meaning they can erupt at any time.
有些是活火山，意味着它们随时可能喷发。
Some are dormant, meaning they have not erupted for a long time.
有些是休眠火山，已经很久没有喷发了。
Others are extinct, meaning they will never erupt again.
还有一些是死火山，永远不会再喷发。
Scientists study volcanoes to predict eruptions.
科学家研究火山，以预测火山喷发。
People living near volcanoes must be prepared for eruptions.
住在火山附近的人们必须做好喷发应对准备。
Now you know that volcanoes can be dangerous, but they also help shape the Earth!
现在你知道火山虽然危险，但它们也能塑造地球了！
