How are volcanoes formed?

Plate Tectonics Questions



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How are volcanoes formed?

Volcanoes are formed when molten rock, called magma, rises to the surface of the Earth. This magma is generated by the melting of the Earth's mantle, which occurs due to the intense heat and pressure within the Earth's interior. As the magma rises, it finds a weak spot or a crack in the Earth's crust, known as a vent or a fissure. Through this opening, the magma erupts onto the surface, forming a volcano.