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Major Parts of a Volcano

Most people envision giant, mountainous formations when they hear the world "volcano." While this familiar formation is a common example of a volcano, it is by no means the only type in the world. In actuality, any opening in the earth's surface that allows for the expulsion of molten rock, ash and gases qualifies as a volcano. As different as the types may be, they do share a few essential similarities.

Magma Chamber
- Beneath the surface of the earth, under the crust, are where magma chambers can be found. Geothermal activity takes place beneath the surface. As tectonic plates shift around, temperatures rise, creating reservoirs of molten rock. These magma chambers are the underground bases of volcanoes.
Vent
- The vent is the go-between that separates the magma chamber from the surface of the earth. It is the point where the magma begins to escape through the cracks and flaws in the cone of the volcano, seeking its way toward the top. A volcano can have a single vent, or it can have several. In addition to magma, volcanic gases seek escape through these vents.
Crater
- A volcanic crater is the point on the volcano where the magma reaches the surface of the crust. Craters are typically characterized by a circular depression. Underneath these areas are where the volcanic vents are situated.
Lava
- Once magma breaks through to the surface of the earth, it is known as lava. Depending on the force behind the eruption, lava can either gradually flow down the sides of the cone or explode with great force. As it first emerges, lava can be over 1292 degrees Fahrenheit. As the lava cools, it begins to harden and cause changes to the landscape.

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