How many active, dormant and extinct volcanoes are there in the world?
by 
kathy ciaramella
ANSWERS: 2
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It’s impossible to know an exact number. New volcanoes form every century, but usually in the same area as existing volcanoes. In 1943 a volcano growing in the middle of a flat cornfield in Mexico was discovered. Paricutin grew to 1,353 feet and erupted for nine years. Today it is 9,213 feet above sea level. In 1973 a new volcano covered the island of Heimaey in Iceland with ash and lava. Most volcanoes form along the edges of the earth’s plates, where magma comes up where the earth’s crust is broken. Volcanologists have found more than 10,000 volcanoes. They have observed over 500 eruptions. More than half of the world’s 500 active volcanoes are in the Pacific Ocean. They are in a circle of volcanoes called the Pacific Ring of Fire.
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The world's largest, active volcano is Mauna Loa in Hawaii, where famous coffee is grown in the rich volcanic soils. Mauna Loa is 13,677 feet above sea level. From its base below sea level to its summit, Mauna Loa is taller than Mount Everest. Mauna Loa is about 36 m (120 ft) lower than its neighbour, Mauna Kea Did you know? Hawaii was formed by 5 volcanoes. Mauna Loa, and Kilauea are the only active volcanoes.
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