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A 'dormant volcano' is a volcano which is not currently active (that is, not erupting or showing signs of unrest), but is believed to still be capable of erupting in the future. This contrasts with an extinct volcano, where it is believed that no future eruptions will ever occur. The term is also used to refer to dormant volcanic fields such as the Auckland volcanic field.
In practice, it is often not possible to distinguish between a dormant and an extinct volcano and several volcanoes thought to be extinct have subsequently re-erupted. Volcanoes can be dormant for hundreds or thousands of years and are usually eroded and worn down, due to the lack of eruptions. The eruptions from a dormant volcano are usually very violent, because the plug inside the volcano stops the lava from coming out of the vent for a very long time and builds pressure. Then the volcano will erupt again, and then the volcano will be classified as an active volcano. The volcano can be referred to as "asleep", since it is not expected to erupt anytime in the near future. It is quite possible, however, that the volcano will eventually be active again. Dormant volcanoes sometimes have hot springs and fumarolic activity, which is when steam and hot volcanic gases, such as sulfur dioxide are emitted.

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See also

See also

★ Extinct volcano

★ Active volcano