Which term describes a volcano that is currently erupting or showing signs of eruption?

• A. Active
• B. Dormant
• C. Extinct
• D. Shield Volcano

Answer: (A)

Active describes a volcano that is currently erupting or showing signs of eruption. This status captures any ongoing activity, such as eruptive episodes, ash plumes, lava flows, or unrest signals like earthquakes and ground deformation. Other terms describe different ideas: dormant means not erupting now but capable of eruption in the future, extinct means it is not expected to erupt again, and shield volcano refers to a broad, gentle-sloped shape rather than the current activity itself. So, active is the term that best fits a volcano that is erupting now or showing imminent signs of eruption.