What is the term for a bowl-shaped opening at the top of a volcano?

The term for a bowl-shaped opening at the top of a volcano is "crater." A crater forms when the explosive forces of a volcanic eruption blast out the summit of a volcano, creating a depression. The size and shape of a crater can vary, but it is typically circular or oval in form. In many cases, craters are filled with water after eruptions, creating small lakes.

In contrast, other terms like "caldera" refer to larger depressions formed by the collapse of a volcano after an eruption, while "summit" refers to the highest point of the volcano, and "crest" generally describes the top edge or ridge of a structure but is not specific to volcanic formations. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the physical features of volcanoes and their formations.