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
Yellowstone volcano super-eruptions appear to involve multiple explosive events
The last caldera-forming eruption at Yellowstone "was much more complex than previously thought," according to the annual report about activity at the supervolcano.
Scientists discover giant crater from ice age explosion that has methane-spewing mud volcano inside it
The Borealis Mud Volcano is only the second found in Norwegian waters and releases a continuous stream of methane-rich, muddy liquid from deep below Earth's crust.
Massive, volcano-like eruption may explain dead star's mysterious slowdown
A volcano-like eruption on the surface of a dead neutron star could explain its sudden slowdown and the slew of fast radio bursts that followed
Tonga's massive volcanic eruption wiped out unique, never-before-seen life-forms
The island was destroyed by the same volcano that formed it seven years before.
Is the Yellowstone supervolcano really 'due' for an eruption?
Yellowstone's supervolcano last erupted 70,000 years ago. Will it erupt again anytime soon?
Never-before-seen volcanic magma chamber discovered deep under Mediterranean, near Santorini
Using a technique to study seismic waves, researchers revealed a previously unknown magma chamber underneath a the Kolumbo submarine volcano.
Massive ancient lava flow seen from space looks like a giant black scar on the New Mexico desert
A new astronaut photo shows the Carrizozo Malpaís lava flow in New Mexico in stunning detail.
Tonga's eruption injected so much water into Earth’s atmosphere that it could weaken the ozone layer
The atmospheric water vapor could also contribute to global warming.
