When volcanologists need to figure out things like how fast a lava flow moves, why adding water can cause an explosion, or even how volcanoes work on other planets, sampling lava is the key. But a volcano isn't the only place you can get some. | Insider Science

Since January 1, 2025, 70 volcanic eruptions have been recorded worldwide — from explosive ash columns to relentless lava flows, both on land and beneath the oceans. Tracked by the Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program, this level of activity is above average, with many eruptions concentrated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, but also appearing in Iceland, the Mediterranean, Africa, and remote island chains. Some eruptions made headlines. Many didn’t. All of them are part of Earth relea