Which type of volcano is described as being erupting or showing signs of erupting in the near future?

An active volcano is defined as one that is currently erupting or has erupted recently and is expected to erupt again in the near future. This definition encompasses volcanoes that may not be erupting at the moment but have shown signs of activity, such as seismic activity or gas emissions, indicating a likelihood of future eruptions. Active volcanoes can exhibit a range of behaviors, from occasional eruptions to periods of quiet followed by renewed activity.

In contrast, a dormant volcano is one that has not erupted in a long time but may still potentially erupt in the future, making it less certain than an active volcano. An extinct volcano has not erupted in a very long time and is not expected to erupt again, implying that it is geological inactive. A shield volcano refers specifically to a type of volcano characterized by its broad, gentle slopes and is primarily associated with the kind of lava flows that create such structures, rather than its state of activity.

Recognizing the distinctions among these categories helps clarify why an active volcano is the correct answer to the question regarding volcanoes that are erupting or likely to erupt soon.