What causes the formation of volcanoes?

Volcanoes form when magma from beneath the Earth’s crust escapes to the surface. This occurs when pressure builds up inside the Earth due to the movement of tectonic plates. As the magma rises through cracks in the crust, it can erupt, releasing lava, ash, and gases. Most volcanoes are found along the boundaries of tectonic plates, especially in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where plate movements are most active. Volcanic eruptions can range from explosive to gentle, depending on the type of magma and the amount of gas it contains.