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Dormant volcano facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Dormant volcanoes are like sleeping giants! They are volcanoes that are quiet right now, but they could erupt again in the future. Think of them as taking a long nap.

Scientists often consider a volcano dormant if it hasn't erupted in the last 10,000 years. However, this isn't a strict rule, and it can be tricky to decide if a volcano is truly dormant or just taking a very long break.

Why It's Hard to Classify Volcanoes

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The "Hōei crater" can be seen on the side of Mount Fuji. It formed during an eruption in 1707.

It can be tough for scientists to tell the difference between a volcano that is just "sleeping" (dormant) and one that is truly "dead" (extinct). Sometimes, a volcano that seems dormant can surprise everyone by erupting!

For example, Mount Fuji in Japan is a famous volcano. It last erupted way back in 1707. For a long time, some people thought it was dormant or even inactive. But today, the Geological Survey of Japan actually considers Mount Fuji an active volcano. This shows how hard it is to be sure!

Surprise Eruptions from "Sleeping" Volcanoes

Some volcanoes can stay quiet for hundreds or even thousands of years. When they finally erupt, it can be a big surprise because people thought they were dormant.

Here are a few examples of volcanoes that were once thought to be dormant but then erupted:

  • Mount Vesuvius in Italy: Before its famous eruption in 79 AD, which buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Vesuvius was considered dormant.
  • Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines: This volcano was thought to be dormant before its huge eruption in 1991.
  • Soufrière Hills volcano on the island of Montserrat: This volcano was also considered dormant before it started erupting in 1995.

These examples show why scientists are always watching volcanoes, even the ones that seem to be sleeping!

Famous Dormant Volcanoes

Many volcanoes around the world are considered dormant. Here are a few well-known ones:

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