How does a volcano change the landscape after an eruption?

When a volcano erupts, lava, ash, and rock fragments can cover large areas and create new surfaces as they cool. Over time, repeated eruptions can build mountains, cones, lava plateaus, or even new islands. Ash deposits may initially destroy vegetation, but they can later break down into nutrient-rich soil. Large explosive eruptions can also trigger landslides, lahars, and long-term changes to rivers and habitats. Historic examples include Surtsey in Iceland, which emerged from the sea in 1963 and became a natural laboratory for studying ecological succession.