Volcano Vocabulary List & Definitions

disaster A catastrophic event, often resulting in loss of life

and property.

dormant Not active.

erosion The gradual process of being eroded by the forces

of nature.

eruption The process of bursting forth.

lava Molten rock that flows out of a volcano.

ash Fine material thrown out of a volcano when it

erupts.

magma Molten material under the earth's crust where

igneous rock is formed.

pumice A light glass thrown up from volcanoes used for

cleaning, smoothing, or polishing.

summit The topmost part of anything.

vent An opening or way out, an outlet.

crater An opening at the top of a volcano that is shaped

like a bowl.