A volcano is a vent or fissure in the crust of a planetary-mass object, such as Earth, that allows hot lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape from a magma chamber below the surface. [1]

Jan 8, 2026 · Strictly speaking, the term volcano means the vent from which magma and other substances erupt to the surface, but it can also refer to the landform created by the accumulation of …

Volcanoes are openings, or vents where lava, tephra (small rocks), and steam erupt onto the Earth's surface. Volcanic eruptions can last days, months, or even years.

A volcanic eruption is the expulsion of gases, rock fragments, and/or molten lava from within the Earth through a vent onto the Earth’s surface or into the atmosphere.

Articles, facts, information and photos for volcanoes and volcanic activity. | Geology.com

Jul 10, 2025 · Volcanoes are Earth’s geologic architects. They’ve created more than 80 percent of our planet’s surface, laying the foundation that has allowed life to thrive. Their explosive force crafts...

Mar 3, 2022 · Volcanic "bombs" are chunks of semimolten lava that fly out of a volcano and solidify as they land. They're often flung miles from the volcanic crater.

Some volcanic eruptions are much more powerful than the largest nuclear explosion. Volcanoes have killed thousands of people and caused some of the most frightening events in human history. This …

The Global Volcanism Program documents, disseminates, and archives eruption information to better understand worldwide volcanic activity. Reports are produced on daily, weekly, and multi-month …

6 days ago · Volcano Observatory staff monitor, research, and issue formal notices of activity for volcanoes in assigned geographic areas. Scientists also assess volcano hazards and work with …