What is a Volcano?

A volcano is a landform (usually a mountain) where molten rock erupts through the surface of the planet.

In simple terms a volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a pool of molten rock (magma) below the surface of the earth. It is a hole in the Earth from which molten rock and gas erupt.

What is the difference between lava and Magma?

Magma is liquid rock inside a volcano.

Lava is liquid rock (magma) that flows out of a volcano. Fresh lava ranges from 1,300° to 2,200° F (700° to 1,200° C) in temperature and glows red hot to white hot as it flows.

How many volcanoes are there in the world?

There are around 1,510 active volcanoes in the world.

We currently know of 80 or more which are under the oceans.

What are the three layers the Earth is made of?

1. Crust
   The crust is the outer layer of Earth. It is about 18 miles thick. It is the part we live on.
2. Mantle
   The second layer is called the mantle. It is about 1,800 miles thick.
3. Core
   The inner layer is called the core.
   

What causes volcanoes to erupt?

The Earth's crust is made up of huge slabs called plates, which fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. These plates sometimes move.

Between the Earth's crust and the mantle is a substance called magma which is made of rock and gases.

When two plates collide, one section slides on top of the other, the one beneath is pushed down.  Magma is squeezed up between two plates.

When magma erupts, what is it called?

When magma erupts through the earth's surface it is called lava

What is the Ring of Fire?

Over half of the world’s volcanoes arise in a belt around the Pacific Ocean called the Ring of Fire.

Volcano Eruptions

Largest active volcano

Websites

Volcanoes around the World
Each triangle on the map represents a volcano.

Volcano FAQ's -- Learn About Volcanoes
What is a volcano? ... Why do volcanoes erupt? ... Where do volcanoes erupt? ... How hot is a volcano?

Information on Volcanoes including volcanoes and climate