What is a volcano?
A volcano is a conical hill or mountain formed by material from the mantle being forced through an opening or vent in the Earth’s crust. Volcanoes have vents or openings that provide direct access to lava and gases stored below the Earth’s surface and can release these elements into the atmosphere.
There are several different types of volcano such as composite and shield volcanoes. Most volcanoes are formed along the edges of the Earth’s tectonic plates, at constructive and destructive plate margins. However, some are formed at hot spots such as the volcanoes on Hawaii.
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