What do you call a volcano that is not currently erupting but may erupt in the future?

Prepare for the GACE Middle Grades Science Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

A volcano that is not currently erupting but has the potential to erupt in the future is classified as a dormant volcano. This term indicates that while the volcano has shown signs of volcanic activity in the past, it is currently inactive. Dormant volcanoes can remain in this state for lengthy periods—sometimes thousands of years—before potentially awakening and erupting again.

In contrast, an active volcano is one that is currently erupting or has erupted recently, while an extinct volcano is one that is not expected to erupt again due to a lack of magma supply. The term "cinder cone volcano" refers to a specific type of volcano characterized by steep slopes formed from volcanic ash and small fragments of lava. Thus, "dormant" is the correct term for a volcano that is quiet but may become active again in the future.

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