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Volcanic mountains and rock

Volcanic mountains are formed when lava erupts on to the Earth's surface then cools and solidifies.

In this article you can learn about:

  • How a volcanic mountain is formed
  • What causes a volcanic eruption
  • Different rock types

This resource is suitable for Landscapes topics for primary school learners.

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Video - Volcanic mountains

Join Isla and Connor as they explore volcanic mountains and different types of rock in Edinburgh.

Watch this short video to find out how a volcano is formed.

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How volcanoes form

  • A volcano is formed when hot rock escapes from an opening in the . This opening is called a .
  • When molten rock is underneath or within the Earth's crust, it is known as magma. When it erupts above the surface, it is known as lava.
  • After a volcanic eruption, lava cools down and . This becomes hard .
  • As this happens over and over again, the rock builds up in layers to create the cone shape of a volcano.
Labelled volcano showing lava, vent, crust, magma chamber and layers of cooled rock.

Volcanoes in Scotland

There are no in Scotland today but many features in Scotland's landscape were formed by volcanoes millions of years ago.

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 5, View towards Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh , Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh is a volcanic mountain and a popular destination for hill walkers. (John Peter Photography / Alamy Stock Photo)
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What are the three types of rocks?

The Canongate Wall at the Scottish Parliament showcasing different types of rock
Image caption,
The Canongate Wall at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh shows different rocks of geological and historical importance. (Konrad Weiss / Alamy Stock Photo)
  • When erupts on to the Earth's surface and cools down, it solidifies to form .
  • Castle Rock in Edinburgh and Castle Rock in Stirling are both made of a type of igneous rock called dolerite.

The other main rock types are:

The Canongate Wall at the Scottish Parliament showcasing different types of rock
Image caption,
The Canongate Wall at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh shows different rocks of geological and historical importance. (Konrad Weiss / Alamy Stock Photo)
The three main rock types: sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic

Learn more about different types of rock with Isla and Connor: Rock types

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Key words sticker

Key words about volcanic mountains and rock

  • crust - The outer layer of the Earth. The crust is the solid rock layer upon which we live.
  • tectonic plates - Large slabs that fit together to make up the Earth's crust.
  • magma - Extremely hot liquid rock below or within the Earth's crust.
  • lava - Hot liquid rock when it is above the Earth's surface.
  • volcano - An opening in the Earth's crust through which lava, volcanic ash, and gases can escape.
  • volcanic eruption - When lava and gas shoot up through a volcanic vent.
  • super volcano - A massive volcano that has huge explosive force.
  • active volcano - A volcano with a recent history of eruptions that is likely to erupt again.
  • extinct volcano - A volcano that is not expected to erupt in the future.
  • igneous rock - A very hard rock type that is difficult to erode. It is formed when magma cools under the surface or lava cools above the surface after an eruption.
  • sedimentary rock - A soft rock type that erodes easily.
  • metamorphic rock - A rock that started out as some other type of rock, but has changed from its original form. For example, it can change because of high heat or high pressure.
  • sandstone - A type of sedimentary rock that wears away fairly easily but is easy to carve. This means it is good for building with.
  • erosion - Wearing away of materials.
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Test your knowledge

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Challenge

Challenge

Design your own castle.

Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle were both built on top of ancient volcanoes. The steep cliffs and high rocks of a volcanic mountain made it difficult for enemies to attack and helped the defenders inside look out for attackers.

Research castles to find out what other defensive features castles often had then design your own castle! You could draw, paint or build it.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Building up high
  • Tall towers
  • Battlements
  • Arrow slits
  • Drawbridges

The steep cliffs on volcanic rock, like Castle Rock in Edinburgh, were used by castle builders to keep people safe from attack.

Castle attack and defence
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