On Earth, volcanoes are most often found where tectonic plates are diverging or converging, and because most of Earth's plate boundaries are underwater, most volcanoes are found underwater.

Volcanoes are openings, or vents where lava, tephra (small rocks), and steam erupt onto the Earth's surface. Volcanic eruptions can last days, months, or even years.

3 days ago · What's erupting? List & map of currently active volcanoes Updated: Dec 29, 2025 01:37 GMT - 1 day 10 hours ago refresh

Nov 26, 2025 · 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 …

Apr 17, 2023 · Volcanoes both build and destroy landscapes. Eruptions of lava, ash, volcanic bombs, blocks, and cinders form new land on oceanic islands, and build towering and inspiring snow …

Volcanoes are Earth’s geologic architects. They’ve created more than 80 percent of our planet’s surface, laying the foundation that has allowed life to thrive. Their explosive force crafts...

Jul 7, 2018 · Overall, 44 volcanoes were in continuing eruption status as of 19 September 2025. An eruption marked as "continuing" does not always mean persistent daily activity, but indicates at least …

May 21, 2025 · Volcanoes are classified as active, dormant, or extinct. Active volcanoes have a recent history of eruptions; they are likely to erupt again. Dormant volcanoes have not erupted for a very …

Dec 23, 2025 · There are about 170 potentially active volcanoes in the U.S. The mission of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program is to enhance public safety and minimize social and economic disruption …

Dec 19, 2025 · A dormant volcano in Ethiopia erupted after 10,000 years of silence. This event shows how the world's little-known volcanoes pose the greatest threat.