VOLCANOES

What Are Volcanoes?

Different Types of Volcanoes

Active Volcanoes in the United States

How to Become a Volcanologist

What Are Volcanoes?

Volcanoes are basically vents in the earth's surface through which hot gases and molten rock flow from the earth's interior. The extrusions may be quiet or explosive. Quiet eruptions are frequently characterized by truly enormous outpourings of low-viscosity lava. The Hawaiian volcanoes are examples of quiet eruptions.Explosive eruptions are caused by the sudden release of molten rock driven upward by large pockets of compressed gases. Such explosions can literally blow the volcanic cone to bits.

Photos of Different Types of Volcanoes