Interesting volcano facts

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Geography
Year 4
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Interesting volcano facts
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Focus Education
Focus Education
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Our planet is home to over 1,500 active volcanoes, which are defined by their recent eruptions or potential to erupt in the future. While many volcanoes have ceased activity and are considered extinct, scientists have discovered more than 80 volcanoes beneath the ocean's surface. Volcanic activity is predominantly found along fault lines, which are essentially the Earth's surface fractures. Volcanoes come in three main types: Strato, Shield, and Dome, each with unique characteristics and shapes.

Volcanoes are also categorized based on their activity levels: Extinct volcanoes are those that are not expected to erupt again, Dormant volcanoes have not erupted in thousands of years but could potentially become active, and Active volcanoes are either currently erupting or have erupted since the last ice age. A significant concentration of Earth's volcanoes forms the Ring of Fire around the Pacific Ocean. The term "volcano" itself has its roots in Roman mythology, named after Vulcan, the god of fire. Indonesia holds the record for the highest number of active volcanoes, making it one of the most hazardous regions, while Japan possesses about 10% of the world's active volcanoes, highlighting the global spread and impact of these formidable natural phenomena.