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
Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts, spewing lava 330 feet into the sky
As Kilauea erupts a 330-foot-tall fountain of lava, officials warn of hazards from volcanic gas that may affect nearby communities.
Earthquakes at massive Alaska volcano Mount Spurr ramp up again — and there's now a 50-50 chance of an eruption
Ten months of unrest at Mount Spurr could be a sign of an upcoming eruption from a side vent or, less likely, from the main crater.
The heart-shaped 'Spirit Lake' sculpted by Mount St. Helens' epic eruption
Earth from space This 2023 satellite photo shows the heart-shaped Spirit Lake, which was transformed by the cataclysmic eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980.
Scientists find giant magma reservoirs hidden beneath dormant volcanoes in the Cascades
The magma system beneath volcanoes may persist even after recent eruptions, a new study finds.
Italy's 'ticking time bomb' plays peek-a-boo through a mysterious hole in the clouds
Earth from space This 2022 satellite photo shows the summit of "one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes," Mount Vesuvius, peering up through a strange gap in the clouds.
Massive field of ancient lava casts an eerie, gold-specked shadow in the Sahara
Earth from space A stunning composite image, made up of three years' worth of satellite photos, shows the ancient lava of Libya's Haruj volcanic field interspersed with patches of golden sand.
Kilauea volcano enters fourth eruption phase: Watch LIVE
Kilauea volcano in Hawaii is erupting with fountains of lava. Check out a USGS livestream from within the Halema'uma'u crater.
One of Iceland's largest volcanoes sees swarm of 130 earthquakes — could it be about to blow?
The Bárðarbunga volcano system was responsible for Iceland's largest eruption for 300 years back in 2014. After a recent increase in seismic activity, could it be about to erupt again?
