Introduction
How long a volcano is alive can span a time up to 10 million years. Volcanoes that last During this time, scientists have created names to classify different stages of activity.
Active
Active is the term used to describe a volcano that will and can still erupt. Volcanoes with an active status are ones that have erupted in the last 10,000 years, since the most recent ice age. It also represents volcanoes that are erupting currently. When described as active, scientists predict that an eruption will occur soon.
Dormant
The term dormant is used to describe volcanoes that are are not currently erupting, but may possibly erupt still. The time between eruptions for a dormant volcano could span thousands of years. According to Oregon Space Grant Consortium's Volcano World, A dormant volcano is one that has not erupted in the past 10,000 years, but will erupt in the future.
Extinct
Volcanoes that are extinct are likely to never erupt ever again. They are considered extinct after a volcano have not erupted recently. Although determined inactive, some extinct volcanoes have shown signs that they might erupt again or have erupted again.
How long a volcano is alive can span a time up to 10 million years. Volcanoes that last During this time, scientists have created names to classify different stages of activity.
Active
Active is the term used to describe a volcano that will and can still erupt. Volcanoes with an active status are ones that have erupted in the last 10,000 years, since the most recent ice age. It also represents volcanoes that are erupting currently. When described as active, scientists predict that an eruption will occur soon.
Dormant
The term dormant is used to describe volcanoes that are are not currently erupting, but may possibly erupt still. The time between eruptions for a dormant volcano could span thousands of years. According to Oregon Space Grant Consortium's Volcano World, A dormant volcano is one that has not erupted in the past 10,000 years, but will erupt in the future.
Extinct
Volcanoes that are extinct are likely to never erupt ever again. They are considered extinct after a volcano have not erupted recently. Although determined inactive, some extinct volcanoes have shown signs that they might erupt again or have erupted again.