Volcano it is a vent or an opening through which the molten magma or lava comes out. Hot gases, superheated steam, pyroclast. Stones are thrown up. Volcanoes ma y be classified on the mode of eruption as (a) Central type, (b) fissure eruption.

Central type forms a conical hill. At the summit there is a depression called the crater. It is acid lava with high vis­cosity.

Fissure type forms a flat pla­teau or a series of steps. The lava spreads over several kilo­meters as the temperature is very high. It is basic lava. The lava flows through a crack or a fissure and flows quietly. E.g., Deccan plateaus.

Volcanoes may be classified on the basis of their activity as – (a) Active volcanoes: these erupt frequently, e.g., Stromboli, Cotapaxi, Mauna Kea.

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(b) Dormant: these erupt after a long period of time say 20 years, 50 years, 100 years or more.

(c) Extinct: they had erupted in the pre-historic times and show no signs of eruption, e.g., Chimbrazo, Mount Kilimanjaro.

Extinct volcanoes must not be ignored as they can erupt suddenly, e.g., Mt. Vesuvius.