An active volcano is a volcano that erupts periodically or has erupted recently. It is different from a dormant volcano, which is not currently erupting but has the potential to erupt in the future, and an extinct volcano, which has not erupted for a long time and is not expected to erupt again.
Active volcanoes are constantly monitored by scientists to detect any signs of activity that could indicate an imminent eruption. Some active volcanoes erupt regularly, while others have irregular eruptions. Eruptions can vary in intensity, and some active volcanoes can be very destructive, causing damage to the surrounding area and endangering the lives of people living nearby.