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
'River of fire' flows from Mount Etna during 'crazy' explosive outburst
Earth from space A recent satellite image captured a glowing river of lava flowing down the flank of Europe's largest active volcano as it spectacularly blew its top and unleashed a towering plume of ash, smoke and toxic gases into the skies over Sicily.
Hidden layer beneath Italy's Campi Flegrei caldera may explain why it's so restless
According to new research, the active volcano that sits west of Naples has a "tuff" layer about two miles beneath the surface that traps volcanic gases deep below the caldera's floor.
Mount Etna eruption in images: See Europe's largest active volcano blow from different angles
The latest Mount Etna eruption triggered an avalanche of volcanic material and sent ash miles into the air. Spectacular photos and videos capture the eruption of Europe's largest active volcano.
WATCH Mount Etna erupt: Europe's largest volcano blows as tourists scramble to safety
Italy's Mount Etna has erupted in spectacular fashion, sending ash, gas, and other volcanic material high into the sky above Sicily. Watch footage of the eruption.
The closer a volcano is to erupting, the greener the trees around it look from space
Scientists have found a way to monitor volcanic carbon dioxide levels — one of the first signs a volcano might be about to blow — that doesn't involve trekking up a mountain.
Watch mesmerizing 1,000-foot-tall lava fountains: Kilauea volcano erupting in ways not seen for 40 years
The USGS has announced that Kilauea volcano is ejecting fountains of lava in a manner not seen since the Pu'u'ō'ō eruption in the 1980s. But while the lava is mesmerizing, officials warn that the volcano is also producing toxic gases and other hazards.
Quadruple volcanoes on secret Soviet military base linked to climate-altering eruption 200 years ago
Earth from space A 2024 satellite photo shows four end-to-end volcanoes perfectly spaced out along the Russian island of Simushir. One of these peaks was the site of a surprise eruption that temporarily cooled the Northern Hemisphere in 1831.
'River of fire' unleashes toxic gases as eruption destroys town in La Palma
Earth from space A 2021 satellite image shows destructive lava flows burning through a residential area in the Canary Islands as molten rock spilled into the sea and unleashed surprising levels of volcanic gas.
