Volcanology

Volcanology, also spelled vulcanology, discipline of the geologic sciences that is concerned with all aspects of volcanic phenomena. Volcanology deals with the formation, distribution, and classification of volcanoes as well as with their structure and the kinds of materials ejected during an eruption (such as pyroclastic flows, lava, dust, ash, and volcanic gases). It also involves research on the relationships between volcanic eruptions and other large-scale geologic processes such as plate tectonics, mountain building, and earthquakes. One of the chief objectives of this research is determining the nature and causes of volcanic eruptions for the purpose of forecasting their occurrence. Another practical concern of volcanology is securing data that may aid in locating commercially valuable deposits of ores, particularly those of certain sulfide minerals.