Volcanic eruptions can cause mud flows and earthquakes. Just to confuse matters, earthquakes can also cause volcanic eruptions. When a volcano erupts it can either spew out ash, molten lava or mud. The mud flow is similar to the flow of molten lava. It is hot, destructive and can spread for several kilometers, depending on the force with which the volcano erupts. The temperature of a mud flow is significantly cooler than that of a lava flow. Volcanic eruptions can sometimes cause an earthquake. If the volcano is relatively close to any shifting tectonic plates, the force with which the volcano erupts can cause the plates to move, resulting in an earthquake.
