Understanding What a Volcano Is
A volcano is an opening in Earth’s crust where molten rock, ash, and gases escape from deep underground. Volcanoes form mountains and reshape landscapes through eruptions.
How Volcanoes Form
They usually form at tectonic plate boundaries or above hotspots. Heat and pressure melt rock inside the Earth, creating magma that rises toward the surface.
What Happens During an Eruption
When pressure builds up, magma erupts as lava, ash, or gas. Some eruptions are gentle flows, while others can be explosive and powerful.
Types of Volcanoes
Shield volcanoes have gentle slopes and slow lava flows. Stratovolcanoes are steep and explosive. Cinder cones are small volcanoes built from ash and rock fragments.
Why Volcanoes Matter
Volcanoes create new land, release minerals into the environment, and influence climate. They also pose risks such as ash clouds, lava flows, and toxic gases.
Where Volcanoes Are Found
Most volcanoes are located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, but they exist on every continent, including underwater mountain ranges.
The Simple Takeaway
A volcano is a natural opening where molten rock and gases reach Earth’s surface. Eruptions shape the planet and play a major role in geology and climate.