A dormant volcano is a volcano that has not erupted in the recent past but is still considered likely to erupt again in the future.
Based on the provided reference, a dormant volcano is:
one that has not erupted recently but is expected to do so again.
Understanding Dormant Volcanoes
Volcanoes are classified into different categories based on their eruptive history and potential for future eruptions. The term "dormant" sits between active (currently erupting or showing signs of imminent eruption) and extinct (unlikely to ever erupt again).
Key characteristics of a dormant volcano include:
- Lack of Recent Eruption: There hasn't been an eruption within a certain timeframe, though "recently" can be subjective and vary depending on the volcano and geological context.
- Potential for Future Activity: Despite the current inactivity, there is geological evidence or scientific expectation that the volcano will become active again.
Example of a Dormant Volcano
The reference provides a clear example:
- Prior to its significant eruption in 1980, Mount St. Helens in Washington State, USA, had been classified as dormant. This classification proved accurate when it erupted violently after a long period of quietness.
Dormant vs. Extinct Volcanoes
It is crucial to distinguish dormant volcanoes from extinct ones. The key difference lies in the expectation of future activity as assessed by volcanologists (scientists who study volcanoes).
Here's a simple comparison:
| Characteristic | Dormant Volcano | Extinct Volcano |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Eruption | No | No |
| Expected Future Eruption | Yes | No (Volcanologists do not think it will erupt) |
| Example (from ref.) | Mount St. Helens (before 1980) | Mount Buninyong (Australia) |
The reference states:
An extinct volcano is a volcano that volcanologists do not think will ever erupt again, such as Mount Buninyong in Australia.
This distinction highlights that the classification depends heavily on scientific analysis and the long-term geological context of the volcano. While dormant volcanoes are merely sleeping, extinct ones are considered permanently inactive.
