How many times does a volcano erupt before it will not erupt anymore?

Jeremy

Dear Jeremy,

Sorry for the delay in answering your question.

Good question. I do not have a definite answer. I am sure it depends on the type of volcano and its tectonic setting. Etna, in Italy, has erupted at least 190 times in the last 3,500 years. Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth, has erupted 39 times since 1832. For Mauna Loa, a volcano that is 500,000-800,000 years old and above a hot spot, tens of thousands of eruptions probably occurred in the life of the volcano (and the volcano is still active).

Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota

Other Categories        Other Questions
To VolcanoWorld