Volcano Diagram
Free printable volcano diagram — a labeled cross-section showing the magma chamber, vent, crater, lava, ash cloud and more. Download a high-resolution PDF or PNG for Letter paper.
The parts of a volcano
A volcano is an opening in the Earth's surface where magma, ash and gases escape. Here is what happens at each labeled part of the diagram:
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Ash cloud | A cloud of ash, gas and rock blasted into the air during an eruption. |
| Crater | The bowl-shaped opening at the top of the volcano. |
| Vent | The central pipe that carries magma up to the surface. |
| Lava | Magma that has reached the surface and flows out. |
| Side vent | A smaller opening on the side of the volcano. |
| Layers of lava and ash | Built up over many eruptions to form the volcano's cone. |
| Magma chamber | The pool of molten rock deep underground. |
Companion worksheet
A free fill-in worksheet with an answer key, built from the labels above — students match each part to its description, then answer a couple of short questions. Great for a quick check after using the diagram.
How to print
Choose Download PDF for a ready-to-print file that fits US Letter paper (8.5 × 11") in landscape, or Download PNG for the high-resolution image.
Frequently asked questions
What are the parts of a volcano?
The main parts are the magma chamber, the vent, the crater, the lava, the side vent, the layers of lava and ash, and the ash cloud.
What is the difference between magma and lava?
It is the same molten rock — it is called magma while underground and lava once it reaches the surface.
What paper size should I print this on?
The diagram is sized for standard US Letter paper (8.5 × 11") in landscape orientation. Use "Download PDF" for a print-ready file that fits the page automatically.