Volcanoes

Volcanoes are geological formations that occur when magma from within the Earth’s mantle rises to the surface, resulting in the eruption of molten rock, volcanic ash, and gases. This process can create various types of landforms, including mountains or hills, depending on the eruption’s intensity and the composition of the erupted materials. Volcanoes can be classified as active, dormant, or extinct based on their eruption history. Active volcanoes are currently erupting or have erupted recently, dormant volcanoes have not erupted in a long time but may do so in the future, while extinct volcanoes are unlikely to erupt again. Volcanic activity can significantly impact the environment, including changes to landscapes, climate effects from ash clouds, and the creation of new land through lava flows. They can also pose risks to human life and infrastructure through explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and volcanic gases.