Volcanoes
![The 2009 eruption of Alaska's Redoubt volcano.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FZojTuLD2EXNrDzPDApmL5-320-80.jpg)
The U.S. Geological Survey defines a volcano as a vent in Earth's surface, either on land or on the seafloor, from which molten rock called magma, as well as ash and gases, can erupt or ooze. Different types of volcanoes erupt in different ways, with some erupting spectacularly and others, most notably Hawaii's shield volcanoes, steadily oozing lava. There are different types of volcanoes, including stratovolcanoes, shield volcanoes and cinder cones, and different types of lava and other volcanic flows. Volcanoes can be active, dormant or extinct. Most of Earth's volcanoes are located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where many of Earth's tectonic plates subduct beneath another plate. Currently volcanic eruptions cannot be predicted, though most of the big, active volcanoes are routinely monitored and authorizes warn when they think an eruption is likely. Read below for the latest news on volcano monitoring and research, current volcanic eruptions and to see amazing pictures of volcanoes.
Latest about Volcanos
![An aerial view of islands along the Aegean sea](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/abauJtStRob3BfjkXLR6VY-320-80.jpg)
An undersea eruption rocked the Aegean 520,000 years ago
By Molly Colleen McCanta published
Scientists discovered an unknown volcanic eruption that rocked the seafloor in the Aegean more than 500,000 years ago.
![A view of the Solfatara crater in Italy's Campi Flegrei volcano caldera with the Mediterranean Sea in the background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hySFq3xhWTis9YCMi7pwJa-320-80.jpg)
Italy's Campi Flegrei volcano hit by 150 earthquakes in just 5 hours
By Sascha Pare published
Europe's awakening Campi Flegrei volcano experienced its biggest seismic swarm in 40 years, with 150 earthquakes rocking the region in southern Italy in the evening of May 20.
![An aerial picture of a volcanic fissure spewing lava in Iceland.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QSyEsJZF9uaNXZ3F8EpnZn-320-80.jpg)
Iceland volcano eruption throws spectacular 160-foot-high wall of lava toward Grindavík
By Sascha Pare published
Icelandic authorities said residents and emergency responders should be ready to evacuate Grindavík at short notice after a new and ongoing eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
![Satellite photo of a sow covered volcano with a larger crater filled with a lake and lava flows that make it look like a yin-yang symbol](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Ldg6RsAJyacgEhbbAV2fUh-320-80.jpg)
Earth from space: Majestic 'yin-yang' crater sits atop a dormant volcano in Turkey
By Harry Baker published
The massive caldera of Turkey's Mount Nemrut volcano is split in half, with one side made of solidified lava flows and the other half a deep crater lake. Covered in snow, the summit scene looks like the yin-yang symbol when viewed from above.
![The GOES-17 satellite captured images of an umbrella cloud generated by the underwater eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano on Jan. 15, 2022. Crescent-shaped bow shock waves and numerous lighting strikes are also visible.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kdaPKh4NsxkdjHhAPWhgTC-320-80.gif)
Record-shattering Tonga volcanic eruption wasn't triggered by what we thought, new study suggests
By Sascha Pare published
Scientists think Tonga's record-breaking 2022 eruption was triggered by gas building up to a "critical point" rather than by a reaction between magma and seawater as previously assumed.
![A satellite photo of a volcano with a crater lake and lava bleeeding down the side of its tree-covered slopes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BuaGRTgirKeJkJtmZKshoW-320-80.jpg)
Earth from space: Lava bleeds down iguana-infested volcano as it spits out toxic gas
By Harry Baker published
A satellite image of the Galápagos Islands' La Cumbre volcano shows lava seeping from the iguana-covered mountain days into an ongoing, months-long eruption.
![aerial view of a volcano](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PsghW9czawxE5jE6p7rgqa-320-80.jpg)
Antarctica is covered in volcanoes, could they erupt?
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Antarctica's western ice sheet alone contains 138 volcanos.
![View over Santorini at sunset with the caldera in the background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/C9S9zjNNUKS8KRZFbxPGmB-320-80.jpg)
The sea 'began to boil': Freak volcanic eruption of Santorini 1,300 years ago indicates huge blasts can occur during time of quiet
By Sascha Pare published
A giant layer of pumice and ash found buried underwater in the Santorini caldera indicates an eruption in A.D. 726 was much bigger than previously thought.
![Silhuoettes of people standing infront of the bright orange sky that has volcanic gas clouds in the air.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tZc3WXqqRDS3obAcfvV46J-320-80.jpg)
Iceland volcano: Gigantic plume of toxic gas from latest eruption is moving across Europe, satellite data shows
By Harry Baker published
A massive column of sulfur dioxide that was pumped out by the erupting volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula is currently traveling across northern Europe. Scientists are concerned it could impact the ozone layer.
![A volcanic eruption at night with a coastal town in the foreground](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fViDS44DjsG6uw6975V2jY-320-80.jpg)
Iceland volcano: 'Most powerful' eruption yet narrowly misses Grindavik but could still trigger life-threatening toxic gas plume
By Harry Baker published
The submerged volcano in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula has erupted for the fourth time in four months. The resulting lava flow narrowly missed Grindavík but could still reach the sea and potentially unleash a toxic gas plume.
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