Volcanic Magazine explores the science behind volcanic eruptions and volcano classification, illustrated with a vibrant graphic of an erupting volcano and a world map showing tectonic plates.

- Volcanoes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates on Earth’s surface. When these plates meet, magma from beneath the crust can rise and collect in magma chambers. If pressure builds up enough, the magma erupts through the surface, causing an eruption that releases ash, gas, and lava.

- Volcanoes are classified into three categories: active, dormant, or extinct. An active volcano has erupted in the last 10,000 years. A dormant volcano shows signs of possible future activity (like rumbling or steam) but hasn’t erupted recently. An extinct volcano shows no signs of ever erupting again.

- Most volcanic eruptions occur underwater and can form new islands as lava cools. The largest active volcano on Earth is Mauna Loa in Hawaii.

- Iceland has 130 volcanoes, with about 30 being active. In 2010, one eruption there released a large dust cloud that disrupted air travel across western Europe for up to a week.