Explore the explosive world of volcanoes and volcanism in this 41-minute lecture by Professor Agust Gudmundsson from the Department of Earth Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London. Delve into the classification of volcanoes, their internal structures, and the formation of magma chambers. Discover how scientists monitor volcanic activity using satellite measurements and field observations. Examine the mechanics of magma movement, including dike paths and propagation directions. Learn about eruption sizes, from typical Icelandic events to the largest known volcanic eruptions in history. Gain insights into forecasting dike paths and understanding the factors that influence eruption volumes. Conclude with an overview of elastic and strain energy in volcanic systems, providing a comprehensive understanding of these powerful geological phenomena.