Why volcanologists not used the term dormant or extinct nowadays?

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2026-07-08 20:35

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Volcanologists have moved away from the terms "dormant" and "extinct" because they can be misleading. A volcano classified as dormant may still have the potential to erupt, while an extinct volcano could unexpectedly reawaken. Instead, they prefer using terms like "active," "potentially active," or "inactive" to better reflect the uncertainty and dynamic nature of volcanic behavior. This approach acknowledges the complexities of volcanic systems and helps improve risk assessments.

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