ScienceAugust 18, 2026
volcanism
VOL-kuh-niz-uhm
Definition
The geological processes and activity, such as the eruption of molten rock, through which magma and associated gases rise into the crust or onto the surface of a planet.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'Vulcanus', the Roman god of fire, referring to the volcanic islands of the Aeolian Sea. The suffix '-ism' was added to describe the phenomenon or process of volcanic activity.
In the news
The article mentions the lack of volcanism as one of the reasons the surface of Mars has remained largely unchanged for billions of years compared to Earth. This is significant because it explains why ancient geological features remain pristine enough for scientists to study today.
Mars Curiosity Rover Discovers Massive Field of Polygons
Read the full article ↗Universe Today