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
'Grindavik remains at risk': Attempts to dam the lava from Iceland's erupting volcano could fail, volcanologist warns
Dams built to protect the Icelandic town of Grindavík from rushing lava may not be enough, a volcanologist cautions.
'The area has reactivated': Iceland volcano gears towards another eruption leaving Grindavík in precarious position
Iceland volcano appears to be gearing up for another eruption as more magma accumulates beneath the surface and the land around Svartsengi continues to rise.
Iceland volcano could erupt again 'without warning' as magma still moving beneath Grindavík
Two fissures spewing lava opened up near Grindavík, destroying three houses in the town — and experts have warned new eruptions could take place any time.
Iceland volcano: Situation in Grindavík has 'become very bleak' following new eruption
A volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula erupted on Sunday, cracking open fissures that are extending toward Grindavík and threatening to drown the town in lava flows.
Iceland volcano LIVE: Likelihood of further eruptions diminished, lava flows appear to have ceased
LIVE Latest updates on the volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula, which began erupting on Monday (Dec. 18) north of the small fishing village of Grindavík following weeks of localised earthquakes and sinkholes.
Breathtaking photos show wall of lava erupting from volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula
A huge volcanic fissure appeared in Iceland on Dec. 18, spewing lava up to 100 feet into the air — and the eruption has been captured in incredible pictures.
Tonga volcano eruption was fueled by 2 merging chambers that are still brimming with magma
Researchers have mapped the magma plumbing system beneath Tonga's underwater volcano and discovered three magma chambers, two of which fed the record-shattering 2022 eruption.
Iceland volcano spewing enough lava to fill an Olympic swimming pool in 20 seconds
A volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula that began on Monday (Dec. 18) appears to be slowing down, but only time will tell how long the unrest will last, officials say.
