S1, E1: Awesome manifestations of the fi ery power locked deep within the Earth, Volcanoes are violent ruptures of the Earth's surface, expelling molten lava, rocks, ash and toxic gases into the atmosphere. These flows of molten lava can reach 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,250 degrees Celsius) capable of burning whole towns in their path. Mud fl ows from rapidly melting snow can strip mountains.