
Volcano | Definition, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Jan 8, 2026 · Volcano, vent in the crust of Earth or another planet or satellite, from which issue eruptions of molten rock, hot rock fragments, and hot gases. The term volcano can also refer to the landform …
Volcano Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary
VOLCANO meaning: a mountain with a hole in the top or side that sometimes sends out rocks, ash, lava, etc., in a sudden explosion (called an eruption)
volcano - Students | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
A volcano is a vent, or opening, in Earth’s surface through which molten rock, gases, and ash erupt. Volcano also refers to the landform created by the erupted rock and ash.…
volcano - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
During a volcanic eruption, hot melted rock called magma escapes from a vent, or opening, in Earth’s surface, or crust. Magma released from a volcano is known as lava.
Characteristics of volcanoes | Britannica
volcano, Vent in the crust of the Earth from which molten rock, hot rock fragments, ash, gas, and steam issue. Most volcanoes are found on the boundaries of the enormous plates that make up the Earth’s …
Volcanism | Examples, Effects, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 31, 2025 · Volcanism, any of various processes and phenomena associated with the surficial discharge of molten rock, pyroclastic fragments, or hot water and steam, including volcanoes, …
What Causes a Volcano to Erupt? | Britannica
Volcanic eruptions are among the most stunning phenomena in the natural world. Volcanoes erupt because of the way heat moves beneath Earth ’s surface. Heat is conveyed from the planet’s interior …
Cinder cone | volcanic, eruption, lava | Britannica
Volcanic eruptions occur as a result of heat moving under Earth’s surface. They often begin with an accumulation of gas-rich magma (molten underground rock) in reservoirs near Earth’s surface, …
Volcano - Lava Domes, Magma, Eruptions | Britannica
Jan 8, 2026 · Volcano - Lava Domes, Magma, Eruptions: Landforms of this sort consist of steep domal mounds of lava so viscous that the lava piles up over its vent without flowing away.
Hotspot | Volcanic Activity, Plate Tectonics & Magma | Britannica
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 solidified lava and …