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EARTH EXPEDITIONS / FIELD STATION 03

Volcano Eruption 3D Simulator

Relate magma properties and gas pressure to different eruption behaviors.

YOUR FIELD PASSPORT0 / 12Junior explorer
MAGMA LABPredict. Experiment. Collect evidence.+1 FIELD BADGE
3D field modelREADY TO EXPLORE
Drag to orbit · exaggerated visual scale
Eruption styleReady
Gas-retention index8 / 100
Viscosity1.0e+3 Pa·s
0%
Time and visual scale are accelerated for exploration. Read the model assumptions below.
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Free online volcano eruption simulator

Volcano Eruption 3D Simulator: experiment guide

This browser-based 3d simulation helps you relate magma properties and gas pressure to different eruption behaviors. Designed for Grades 6–10, it turns an abstract idea into a model you can control, measure, reset, and test without signing up.

What you can investigate

Explore Magma pressure, gas, viscosity, eruption style by changing the available controls and comparing the model’s visual and numerical evidence. Try one variable at a time, then combine changes to test a stronger explanation.

Magma pressuregasviscosityeruption style

How to use this simulation

  1. 1Read the mission and make a prediction before moving a control.
  2. 2Change one variable so its effect is easier to identify.
  3. 3Run the model and record a value, pattern, or visible change.
  4. 4Reset, test a different setup, and explain the result from evidence.

For students, teachers, and independent study

A typical investigation takes 7–12 min. Use it as a lesson demonstration, a guided inquiry activity, a homework experiment, or a quick review. The simulation runs in a modern web browser and does not require an account.

Level
Intermediate
Time
7–12 min
Format
3D simulation

Common questions

What does the Volcano Eruption 3D Simulator teach?

Relate magma properties and gas pressure to different eruption behaviors. The main ideas are Magma pressure, gas, viscosity, eruption style.

Is the Volcano Eruption 3D Simulator free to use?

Yes. You can run the simulation online for free without creating an account.

How long does the activity take?

Most learners can complete one investigation in 7–12 min. You can repeat it to compare more variables or improve your explanation.