GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Overall, 46 volcanoes were in continuing eruption status as of 19 December 2022. An eruption marked as “continuing” does not always mean persistent daily activity, but indicates at least intermittent eruptive events without a break of 3 months or more.

Detailed explanation-2: -There are about 1, 350 potentially active volcanoes worldwide, aside from the continuous belts of volcanoes on the ocean floor at spreading centers like the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. About 500 of those 1, 350 volcanoes have erupted in historical time.

Detailed explanation-3: -A dormant volcano is one that is not currently erupting but has erupted within recordable history and is expected to erupt again in the future.

Detailed explanation-4: -A 2014 study found that changes in the speed of the earth’s rotation, caused by factors including the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon, lead to periods of increased volcanic activity.