VOLCANO FORMATION (Volcanology) INTRODUCTION Volcanology is the scientific study of volcanoes, lava, magma, and related geological phenomena. A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust through which molten rock (magma), gases, and ash escape from beneath the surface. FORMATION OF VOLCANOES 1. HEAT AND PRESSURE IN THE MANTLE: Deep within the Earth, high temperatures and pressures cause rocks to melt, forming magma in the mantle. 2. MAGMA MOVEMENT: Because magma is less dense than the surroundin