Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 12/27/2008 - 08:13

Dear Mr.Wood,

Thank you very, very much!! How does the magma chamber in a volcano empty to form a crater? What kind of gas comes out of the side vent in Mt. Erebus? Can't wait for you to come back in 2009 and tell us all about your adventures in Antarctica.Reply soon!! Bye!

Your 2nd period student,

JenniferInnocent 

John Wood

Hello Jennifer,
Good questions.  The pressure in the magma chamber builds up from the heat and the gases.  This forces the magma up in to the crater.  A lot of the gas that comes from the crater has sulfur in it.  It stinks pretty bad!!  
Hope to see you all soon!  Enjoy your New Year!
Mr. Wood