Mount Pinatubo

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/mount-pinatubo

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the volcano type?Active stratovolcano
2. What is the location?Zambales Mountains, Luzon, Philippines
3. Why did the eruption of Mount Pinatubo cool the planet?The eruption released sulfur dioxide that turned into sulfuric acid clouds in the sky. These clouds reflected sunlight back into space, making the Earth a little cooler.
4. How did scientists help people stay safe during the eruption?Scientists watched the volcano closely and predicted when it would erupt. They warned people to leave the area before the eruption, saving many lives.

Stratovolcano: A tall, conical volcano characterized by steep slopes and built from alternating layers of lava flows, ash, and volcanic debris.
VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index): A logarithmic scale used to measure the relative size or magnitude of explosive volcanic eruptions.
Pyroclastic Surges: Fast-moving, ground-hugging currents of hot gas, ash, and rock fragments that flow rapidly down the flanks of a volcano during an explosive eruption.
Lahars: A destructive mudflow or debris flow composed of volcanic material, rock, and water that flows rapidly down volcanic slopes and river valleys.