If a dormant volcano starts to release gases and small earthquakes are recorded, what could this mean?

It means that its showing some volcanic activity that could lead into an eruption.

Explanation: Dormant volcanoes can show activity/signs that is could erupt. Gases, small earthquakes, loud explosions are signs of an eruption is going to occur. If a dormant volcano hasn't showed any activity for 2,000 years, its considered to be dead or extinct.

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the principles and empirical processes of discovery and demonstration considered characteristic of or necessary for scientific investigation, generally involving the observation of phenomena, the formulation of a hypothesis concerning the phenomena, experimentation to test the hypothesis, and development of a conclusion that confirms, rejects, or modifies the hypothesis.