Volcanic activity is the most powerful force in nature. Some volcanic eruptions are much more powerful than the largest nuclear explosion. Volcanoes have kil led thousands of people and have created some of the most frightening events in human history.

Volcanoes have been the basis for myths and legends the world over.

Volcanoes are also responsible for much of the land we live on, 90% of all the continents and ocean basins are the product of volcanism. The air we breathe, and the water we drink have been produced by millions of years of eruptions of steam and other gases.

The volcanic mountain to your left is Mount Adams which is located in the Cascade Range of Washington.

Click on the "Next" button to see the island that gave volcanoes their name!!