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
Italy's Campi Flegrei volcano hit by 150 earthquakes in just 5 hours
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.
Iceland volcano eruption throws spectacular 160-foot-high wall of lava toward Grindavík
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.
Earth from space: Majestic 'yin-yang' crater sits atop a dormant volcano in Turkey
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.
Record-shattering Tonga volcanic eruption wasn't triggered by what we thought, new study suggests
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.
Earth from space: Lava bleeds down iguana-infested volcano as it spits out toxic gas
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?
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
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
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
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.
