Volcanology (also spelled vulcanology) is the study of volcanoes, lava, magma and related geological phenomena. A volcanologist (also spelled vulcanologist) is a person who studies in this field.

Volcanologists frequently visit volcanoes, especially active ones, to observe volcanic eruptions, collect rock and lava samples. One major focus of enquiry is the prediction of eruptions; there is currently no accurate way to do this, but predicting eruptions, like predicting earthquakes, could save a lot of lives.

Being a volcanologist is one of the most dangerous scientific professions there is, because sudden eruptions can occur during the study of active volcanoes.

Famous volcanologists

• Katia and Maurice Krafft, died at Mt Unzen in Japan

See also

• Important publications in volcanology