What is a Volcano?

Volcanoes form at plate boundaries where magma rises through cracks in the Earth's crust. Eruptions occur when pressure builds and magma explodes, forming lava that cools into rock. Volcanoes have a magma chamber, main vent, and crater. Eruptions can cause destruction but also contribute to Earth's atmosphere and carbon cycle. Volcanoes can be active, dormant, or extinct.

What are the two types of plate boundaries where volcanoes mostly occur?

Describe the process that leads to a volcanic eruption.

What is the significance of lava once it reaches the Earth's surface?

Explain how volcanic eruptions can contribute to the carbon cycle.

What happens to volcanoes over long periods of inactivity?