Volcanoes
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
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.
Antarctica is covered in volcanoes, could they erupt?
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Antarctica's western ice sheet alone contains 138 volcanos.
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.
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.
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.
Iceland volcano: Grindavík evacuated over eruption threat, residents warned they 'enter the town at their own risk'
By Sascha Pare published
Icelandic authorities have advised residents and employees in Grindavík against staying in the town as the risk of a new eruption and of cracks opening up increases.
Mexico's most dangerous active volcano erupts 13 times in 1 day
By Ben Turner published
The Popocatépetl volcano, just outside Mexico City, has been spewing thick plumes of volcanic ash into the sky, causing flights to be grounded.
Underwater volcano eruption 7,300 years ago is the largest in recorded history
By Sascha Pare published
The Kikai-Akahoya eruption — the largest volcanic explosion in recorded history — ejected more than 80 cubic miles of volcanic rock and ash off the southwestern coast of Japan 7,300 years ago.
'It is not very wise to spend the night in Grindavík': Iceland volcano gears up for another eruption
By Sascha Pare published
Magma accumulating beneath Svartsengi has reached levels recorded on the eve of previous volcanic eruptions and could burst out imminently, according to the Icelandic Met Office.
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