The definition of a volcano is a mountain or hill where magma escapes. However, digging deeper than this, there is a lot of science and many interesting facts. To understand volcanoes, you have to look at the very start and then how they eventually erupt hot lava.
Our planet, Earth, is made of four layers: the crust, which is what we stand on; the inner and outer mantle, which are a mix of lava and rock; and finally the core, which is the hottest central part of the planet. On Earth’s crust, there are tectonic plates - like pieces of a jigsaw - that move around. When they shift, they can create gaps for lava to escape.
Once the hot lava escapes, it is at an extremely high temperature. However, like anything else, it cools down after some time. The cooled lava then hardens into rock and ash, which forms the volcano over time.
It is also important to know that there are three different types of volcanoes. The first is active, which means it could erupt at any time. Next is a dormant volcano, which can still erupt but not for a considerable amount of time. Finally, there is an extinct volcano, which can never erupt again but has erupted before.
Like many other natural formations, volcanoes have taken a lot of time and research to understand the facts we know today, but it is worth it. Now we can plan for upcoming eruptions and not have to worry about threats that won’t come.
Thank you for reading!