Volcanoes

A volcano—an opening in Earth's surface through which molten rock, hot gases, and rocks are ejected—is capable of generating new land and islands as well as producing economically important mineral deposits, fertile soils, and beautiful landscapes. However, volcanoes can destroy lives and property, constituting significant geologic hazards throughout the world. To assist in determining the hazards that volcanoes present, scientists classify volcanoes in three categories: 1) active volcanoes, or those that have erupted within recorded history, 2) dormant volcanoes, or those that have not erupted during recorded history but are susceptible to erupting again, and 3) extinct volcanoes, or those considered unlikely to erupt in the future.

Stories of volcanic destruction have informed social studies and science classes for centuries....