VOLCANO FORMATION (Volcanology) INTRODUCTION Volcanology is the scientific study of volcanoes, lava, magma, and related geological phenomena. A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust through which molten rock (magma), gases, and ash escape from beneath the surface. FORMATION OF VOLCANOES 1. HEAT AND PRESSURE IN THE MANTLE: Deep within the Earth, high temperatures and pressures cause rocks to melt, forming magma in the mantle. 2. MAGMA MOVEMENT: Because magma is less dense than the surroundin

Since January 1, 2025, 70 volcanic eruptions have been recorded worldwide — from explosive ash columns to relentless lava flows, both on land and beneath the oceans. Tracked by the Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program, this level of activity is above average, with many eruptions concentrated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, but also appearing in Iceland, the Mediterranean, Africa, and remote island chains. Some eruptions made headlines. Many didn’t. All of them are part of Earth relea