What is the focus of the field of volcanology?

The field of volcanology is primarily concerned with the study of volcanoes and their eruptions. This includes understanding the processes that lead to volcanic activity, the materials ejected during eruptions, the impact of these eruptions on the environment and human societies, as well as the monitoring of volcanoes to predict potential eruptions. This focus encompasses a wide range of scientific inquiries, such as the geological formation of volcanoes, the types of eruptions that can occur, and the mechanisms that drive explosive volcanic activity versus effusive lava flows.

In contrast, the other choices represent distinct areas of study. Analysis of soil composition pertains to soil science, which looks into the physical and chemical properties of soil and its contributions to agriculture and ecosystems. Investigation of ancient civilizations relates to archaeology and anthropology, which focus on cultural and historical studies rather than geological phenomena. Research on earthquake prediction is linked to seismology, which examines the causes and effects of earthquakes, a different yet related geological concern, but not specifically tied to volcanoes. Thus, the emphasis of volcanology is clearly defined by its exclusive focus on volcanoes and the phenomena associated with them.