Why do volcanoes erupt?

Volcanoes erupt due to the buildup of pressure from molten rock, known as magma, beneath the Earth’s crust. This occurs when magma from the mantle rises to the surface due to tectonic plate movements, such as subduction or rifting. The magma finds weak points in the crust, resulting in an eruption when pressure exceeds the strength of the surrounding rock. Volcanic eruptions can release lava, ash, gas, and pyroclastic materials, shaping landscapes and impacting climate.