1. The study of the causes and phenomena associated with volcanism.
2. That branch of science that deals with the eruption of magma (molten material plus its gaseous content) upon the surface of the earth or its rise into levels near the surface.

Closely related to geology, seismology, geophysics, and geochemistry.

Volcanology has a background of superstition and mythology

In Roman mythology, Vulcan was the god of fire, the blacksmith of the gods.

• Poets identified Vulcan's workshop with various active volcanoes in the belief that the "smoking" mountain was the chimney of Vulcan's forge.
• In ancient mythology, Vulcan's forge was located on the island of Vulcano, one of the Lipari islands off the coast of Sicily.
• Based on this relationship, the name "volcano" was applied to all mountains which give off "smoke and fire".