The word "volcano" originates from the name of the Roman god of fire, Vulcan. In ancient times, volcanoes were called the forges of this god. The eruption of the volcano was a sign that the god Vulcan was forging a new weapon.
Today, there are more than 600 active volcanoes - most of them are concentrated in the places where plates join - in Kamchatka, in Central America, Chile.
No matter how eye-catching volcanoes are, you must not forget about the immediate danger posed by them. The settlements located near the volcano are always ready for the fact that the eruption may be too strong, and the consequences are unpredictable.
Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Cotopaxi is a volcano located in the Andes Mountains. This is the highest active volcano in the world (5897 m) and the second highest peak in Ecuador. Cotopaxi is characterized by a riot of greenery at its foothills and graceful craters. It is also considered one of the most dangerous active volcanoes. There have been over 50 eruptions since 1738. Its eruptions have led to destruction neighboring town Lakatunga. The volcano has been relatively inactive since 1904. This is what makes Cotopaxi the most popular among climbers, cyclists and tourists.
Popocatepetl, Mexico
Popocatepetl (also called Popo and Don Goyo) is an active volcano in Mexico. It reaches an altitude of 5426 m and is the second highest summit in the country. Popocatepetl got its name from the Nahuatl word “popōca” (smoke) and tepētl (“mountain”), which means “Smoking Mountain” and fully justifies its name. Until the nineties, Popo was a favorite holiday destination - a snowboard center. In 1947, he began a new cycle of activity with a major eruption. Scientists are currently studying it carefully. Residents of neighboring towns admire the snowy white mountain Popocatepetl for most of the year.
Etna in Sicily
Etna (meaning “mountain fire” in Arabic) is the tallest and most active volcano in Europe (3326 m). More than 200 of its eruptions have been recorded. Interestingly, Etna varies in height from eruption to eruption. For example, it is currently 21.6 m lower than in 1865. Approximately every 150 years, Etna destroys one of the neighboring villages, but despite this, the nearby territories are densely populated. The fact is that volcanic ash makes the soil fertile. According to the latest research, the danger of a massive eruption of Mount Etna is now growing. Etna has been selected as the ‘Volcano of the Decade’ by the UN due to its constant activity.
Fujiyama, Japan
Fujiyama is an active volcano and itself high peak Japan (3776 m). Its last eruption dates from 1707 and 1708. Fujiyama is distinguished by its almost perfectly symmetrical cone, clearly visible from Tokyo in clear weather, which is one of the symbols of Japan.
Llaima, Chile
Llaima is the largest and most active volcano in Chile at 3125 m. The name “Llaima” from the Araucanian language (the language of the Mapuche Indians) means “bloody veins” - they look like streams of incandescent lava flowing from a volcano. The main eruptions date from 1994, 2008 and 2009. Eruptions in 2008 forced the evacuation of people from nearby settlements... The ash column of the eruption came to the east and reached Atlantic Ocean in 4 days.
Gunung Merapi, Indonesia
Gurung Merapi (i.e. Mountain of Fire) is an active conical volcano located on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta province in Indonesia. Its height is 2914 m. Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia with regular large eruptions every 7 years, and minor every 2 years. One of the most destructive eruptions was recorded in 1673, when several cities and many villages at the foot of the volcano were destroyed. In the 19th century, 9 eruptions were recorded, in the first half of the 20th century - 13. Despite the peaceful phases of inactivity, smoke from the top can be observed almost every day. He always reminds residents of the danger.
Piton de la Fournaise, Mascarene Islands in Indian Ocean
Piton de la Fournaise is a shield of an active volcano on the Reunion Islands in the Indian Ocean at 2631 m in height. It is currently known as the most active volcano in the world. Since the 17th century, more than 150 volcanic eruptions have been recorded. One of its last eruptions lasted almost six months from August 2006 to January 2007. The next eruption was observed in February 2007, September 2008, and the most recent from 1 to 12 January 2010. You can get to Piton de la Fournaise by an asphalt road and this makes it popular with tourists.
Redout, Alaska
It is a stratovolcano with a crater located at an altitude of 2700 m. Its most active eruptions in the 20th century date back to 1902, 1966 and 1989. In the last eruption in 2009, 6 explosions were recorded that threw a column of ash more than 9 miles into the air. It was the most big volcano physical release in almost 20 years.
Ruapehu, New Zealand
Ruapehu is an active volcano in New Zealand, at an altitude of 2797 m. It is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the largest active volcano in New Zealand. Ruapehu derives its name from the Maori language, in which the word means “explosion abyss”. The last eruption is dated September 25, 2007. Despite the fact that the eruption began, like all previous ones, suddenly, it is often visited by tourists.
Semeru, Java island
Semeru is the highest mountain on the island of Java and the most active. The height of Semeru is 3676 m. There is a lava lake in the crater of the volcano. Since 1818, there have been about 55 eruptions (10 of which have resulted in loss of life). Since 1967, the volcano has been constantly active, it spews out clouds of smoke, ash and pyroclastic material at intervals of 30-50 minutes. Semeru eruptions are currently taking place mainly in the southern crater of the volcano.
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Volcanic eruptions are dangerous primarily for their direct impact - the release of tons of burning lava, under which entire cities can perish. But, in addition to this, such side factors as the suffocating effect of volcanic gases, the threat of a tsunami, isolation from sunlight, distortion of the terrain and local climatic changes are also dangerous.
Merapi, Indonesia
Merapi is one of the largest volcanoes on the islands of Indonesia. It is also one of the most active: large eruptions occur once every seven to eight years, and small ones - once every two years. At the same time, smoke from the top of the volcano appears almost daily, preventing local residents from forgetting about the threat. Merapi is also famous for the fact that in 1006 the whole medieval Javanese-Indian state of Mataram was seriously damaged by his activities. The volcano is especially dangerous because it is located near the large Indonesian city of Yogyakarta, which is home to about 400 thousand people.
Sakurajima, Japan
Sakurajima is in constant volcanic activity since 1955, and the last eruption took place in early 2009. Until 1914, the volcano was located on a separate island of the same name, but frozen lava flows connected the island with the Osumi Peninsula. The residents of the city of Kagoshima are already accustomed to the volcano's hectic behavior and are constantly ready to take refuge in shelters.
Aso volcano, Japan
Last time the volcanic activity of the volcano was registered quite recently, in 2011. Then the ash cloud spread over an area of more than 100 km. From that time to the present, about 2500 tremors have been recorded, which indicates the activity of the volcano and its readiness to erupt. Despite the direct danger, about 50 thousand people live in its immediate vicinity, and the crater is a popular tourist attraction for daredevils. In winter, the slopes are covered with snow and in the valley there is skiing and sledding.
Popocatepetl, Mexico
One of the largest volcanoes in Mexico is literally fifty kilometers away. It is a city with a population of 20 million people who are in constant readiness for evacuation. In addition to Mexico City, large cities such as Puebla and Tlaxcala de Jikotencatl are located nearby. Popocatepetl also gives them a reason to get nervous: emissions of gas, sulfur, dust and stones occur literally every month. Over the past decades, the volcano has erupted in 2000, 2005 and 2012. Many climbers strive to climb its summit. Popocatepetl is famous for the fact that in 1955 he was conquered by Ernesto Che Guevara.
Etna, Italy
This Sicilian volcano is interesting in that it has not only one main wide crater, but also many small craters on the slopes. Etna is in constant activity, and small eruptions occur at intervals of several months. This does not prevent the Sicilians from densely populating the slopes of the volcano, since the presence of minerals and trace elements makes the soil very fertile. The last major eruption was in May 2011, and small emissions of ash and dust - in April 2013. By the way, Etna is the largest volcano in: it is two and a half times larger than Vesuvius.
Vesuvius, Italy
Vesuvius is one of the three active volcanoes in Italy, along with Etna and Stromboli. They are even jokingly called "hot Italian family". In 79, the eruption of Vesuvius destroyed the city of Pompeii with all the inhabitants who were buried under layers of lava, pumice and mud. In one of the last violent eruptions, which occurred in 1944, about 60 people died and the nearby cities of San Sebastiano and Massa were almost completely destroyed. According to scientists, Vesuvius destroyed nearby cities about 80 times! By the way, this volcano has set many records. Firstly, it is the only active volcano in the mainland, secondly, it is the most studied and predictable, thirdly, the territory of the volcano is a nature reserve and a national park where excursions are held. You can climb only on foot, as the lift and funicular have not yet been restored.
Colima, Mexico
The volcanic mountain consists of two peaks: the already extinct Nevado de Colima, which is covered with snow most of the time, and the active volcano Colima. Colima is particularly active: since 1576, it has erupted more than 40 times. A violent eruption happened in the summer of 2005, when the authorities had to evacuate people from nearby villages. Then the column of ash was thrown to a height of about 5 km, spreading a cloud of smoke and dust. Now the volcano is fraught with danger not only for local residents, but for the whole country.
Mauna Loa, Hawaii, USA
Scientists have been observing the volcano since 1912 - a volcanological station is located on its slopes, as well as a solar and atmospheric observatory. The height of the volcano reaches 4169 m. The last violent eruption of Mauna Loa destroyed several villages in 1950. Until 2002, the seismic activity of the volcano was low, until its increase was recorded, which indicates the possibility of eruptions in the near future.
Galeras, Colombia
The Galeras volcano is very powerful: its diameter at the base exceeds 20 km, and the crater width is about 320 m. The volcano is very dangerous - every few years, due to its activity, the population of the nearby town of Pasto has to be evacuated. The last such evacuation took place in 2010, when about 9 thousand people were in the shelters due to the threat of a strong eruption. Thus, the restless Galeras keeps the locals in constant tension.
Nyiragongo, Republic of the Congo
The Nyiragongo volcano is considered the most dangerous in the whole: it accounts for about half of all cases of volcanic activity recorded on the continent. Since 1882, 34 eruptions have occurred. Lava Nyiragongo has a special chemical composition therefore it is unusually liquid and fluid. The speed of the erupted lava can reach 100 km / h. In the main crater of the volcano there is a lava lake, the temperature of which heats up to 982 Cº, and the bursts reach heights from 7 to 30 m. The last largest eruption occurred in 2002, then 147 people died, 14 thousand buildings were destroyed, and 350 thousand people left homeless.
It is worth noting that scientists have been studying the activity of volcanoes for many years and modern technology recognizes the onset of their seismic activity. Many volcanoes have webcams that can be used to monitor what is happening in real time. People living nearby are already accustomed to this behavior of volcanoes and know what to do when an eruption begins, and services emergencies have the means to evacuate local residents. So every year the likelihood of casualties from volcanic eruptions becomes less and less.
A volcano is a geological formation located on cracks in the earth's crust. Through it, volcanic rocks, lava, ash, steam and poisonous gases come to the surface. Scientists are confident that 3 new volcanoes appear on our planet every year. Their total number is enormous. More than 600 of them are active active volcanoes. They are located in different parts of the world and pose a serious danger to all living things.
Active volcanoes in Russia
Not all fire-breathing mountains are located on land. They are often located under water. This does not prevent their eruption at all. Fortunately, the most dangerous volcanoes are far beyond the borders of our country, however, we also have such dangerous hills. In this article, we will introduce you to the lava-erupting mountains located in our country and abroad, which can be dangerous to human life.
Klyuchevsky volcano
It is located by the Bering Sea. This is the largest volcano in Russia. This is a whole complex of 12 cones. The height of the volcano is 4750 meters. It has a crater over half a kilometer in diameter. The mountain is perfectly cone-shaped. Active volcanoes constantly emit acrid smoke, which can be seen above the Klyuchevsky crater. Sometimes lava bursts can be observed. Volcanologists believe that it appeared more than 5,000 years ago. Over the past three centuries, it has come to life more than 50 times. The most powerful eruptions date back to the 19th century.
Volcano Tolbachik
The Klyuchevskaya group includes several volcanoes. One of them is Tolbachik. Its height is 3682 meters. Experts attribute it to the Hawaiian type of volcano. It has two cones - Sharp and Flat. Its diameter is about 2 kilometers. The last eruption was in 1976. It is considered the highest in Eurasia.
Ichinskaya Sopka
There are also active volcanoes in Russia in Kamchatka. Ichinskaya Sopka is located in the center of the peninsula. This volcano has three cones, they are covered with glaciers, except for one, which is active. Its height reaches 3621 meters.
Kronotskaya Sopka
The next mountain spewing lava is located in the east of Kamchatka. Its height is 3528 meters. It is believed that this is one of the most large volcanoes Russia. It erupts quite rarely. At the very top you can see ice, and forests grow at the base. The famous Valley of Geysers and Kronotskoye Lake are located near the volcano.
Koryaksky volcano
Its tallest cone reaches 3456 meters. By its type, it belongs to stratovolcanoes. Until now, remains of lava and loose rocks are found in the valley of the Koryakskaya volcano.
Volcano Shiveluch
In the north of Kamchatka there is another volcano known to specialists. It is called Shiveluch. The mountain has two cones - Old Shiveluch and Young Shiveluch. The last one is still active. Its height is 3283 meters. This large volcano erupts quite frequently. The last time it was in 1964. Volcanologists are sure that the age of this mountain is more than 60 thousand years.
Avacha volcano
It is located not far from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Its height is 2741 meters, the diameter of the crater is four hundred meters. The Avacha peak is covered with glaciers; dense forests grow at its base. Its last eruption was recorded in 2001.
Shishel volcano
It is also located in the north of Kamchatka. Shield volcano 2525 meters high. To this day, it is considered active, but the date of the last eruption is not known for certain.
Active volcanoes in the world
These mountains, which spew fire and ash, are dangerous for their direct impact - the release of thousands of tons of burning lava that can destroy entire cities. In addition, asphyxiating volcanic gases, the threat of a tsunami, distortion of the terrain and dramatic climatic changes pose a great danger.
Merali (Indonesia)
Active volcanoes on the islands of Indonesia are very dangerous. One of them is Merapi. It is the most active: powerful eruptions happen here every six to seven years, and small ones happen almost every year. Smoke appears over the crater almost every day, reminding locals of an imminent threat.
Merali is famous for the largest eruption that happened in 1006. The medieval state of Mataram suffered from it. The danger of the volcano lies in the fact that it is located near populous city Yogyakarta.
Sakurajima (Japan)
Often, readers are interested in the most active volcanoes. It would be more correct to call them the most active. These include Sakurajima, which has been active since 1955. The last eruption took place in early 2009. Until last (2014), the volcano was on a separate island of the same name, but lava flows froze and connected it with the Osumi Peninsula. The people living in Kagoshima City are accustomed to Sakurajima's behavior and are always ready to take refuge in a shelter.
Cotopaxi (Ecuador)
The highest active volcanoes are found in America. The record holder in this is Cotopaxi, located 50 km from the city of Quito. Its height is 5897 m, depth is 450 m, a crater is 550x800 m in size. At an altitude of 4700 m, the mountain is covered with eternal snow.
Etna (Italy)
This volcano is well known. It has not one main crater, but many small ones. Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and is in constant activity. Its height is 3380 meters, the area is 1250 square kilometers.
Small eruptions occur several months later. Despite this, the Sicilians densely populate the slopes of the volcano, since these places have very fertile soil (due to the presence of minerals and trace elements). The last eruption took place in May 2011, minor emissions of dust and ash - in April 2013.
Vesuvius (Italy)
Active volcanoes in Italy are two more large mountains, besides Etna. These are Vesuvius and Stromboli.
In 79, the strongest eruption of Vesuvius destroyed the cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabia. Their inhabitants were buried under layers of pumice, lava and mud. The strongest eruption took place in 1944. Then 60 people died, and the cities of Massa and San Sebastiano were completely destroyed. Scientists estimate that Vesuvius destroyed nearby cities 80 times. Many active volcanoes in the world are not as well understood as this one. Thanks to this, researchers consider it to be the most predictable.
The territory of the volcano is a nature reserve. This national park, which tourists from all over the world love to visit.
Colima (Mexico)
The active volcanoes of this country are represented in our article by Nevado de Colima. Most In time the mountain is covered with snow. Colima is very active - since 1576 it has erupted 40 times. The strongest eruption occurred in the summer of 2005.
Residents of nearby villages had to be evacuated. The ash column shot up to a height of 5 km, causing a cloud of dust and smoke.
Earth is a hot planet. Under the thin crust is a core of incandescent magma. In some places, through cracks in the earth's crust, the heat of the earth's core breaks out, carrying lava, gases and ash to the surface. Over time, at the places of such emissions, huge masses of ejected matter accumulate and special geological forms - volcanoes - are formed.
The largest volcanoes are those that have formed especially large cones in volume, although not necessarily the tallest, which means they have a particularly large crater or have been active for a very long time. Those who continue to act are dangerous to humans. Fortunately, the largest terrestrial volcano, Tamu Massif, discovered in 2013, has long gone extinct, otherwise its eruption would have been disastrous for all life on our planet.
Volcanoes are considered active if they are known to have erupted over the past 10 thousand years, or have shown signs of volcanic activity, such as emissions of gases and water vapor. The presence of volcanic activity means that this volcano may begin to erupt again, and therefore requires careful observation of volcanologists. There are 627 such volcanoes today.4 out of 5 largest volcanoes planets are located in the area The Pacific(these are parts of the Ring of Fire of Pacific volcanoes and seismic zones), and 1 in Africa.
It is located in the central part of the Kamchatka Peninsula, has a volume of 480 cubic kilometers and is the largest of the active volcanoes in Kamchatka, as well as the second highest ( 3613 m above sea level), after the Klyuchevskaya Sopka. The top of the Ichinskaya volcano is covered with eternal glaciers.
It is the youngest among the largest active volcanoes, its age is estimated at 10-15 thousand years. Its cone has a complex structure: the base is of a shield type, on it is the cone of a younger stratovolcano. The last eruption was recorded in 1740, since then volcanic activity has been weak: there are emissions of small amounts of high-temperature water vapor and volcanic gases.
The Galapagos Islands, like the Hawaiian Islands, have arisen as a result of volcanic activity. The largest volcano is the Sierra Negra ("Black Mountain") at 580 cubic meters. kilometers is located on the island of Isabela. It is a shield volcano, high 1,124 m above sea level, and its crater has a diameter 11 km.
The last eruption of the Sierra Negra occurred in 2005. Then the volcano threw out such a quantity of gases and ash that the volcanic cloud reached a height of 7 kilometers or more.
Volume - more 3 200 cc kilometers... The second largest volcano on the island of Hawaii. Its highest point is 4 205 m above sea level. But if you count from the foot, which is under water, then its height reaches 10 203 m, which makes Mauna Kea the most high mountain on the ground. (For comparison, Everest has a height from its own foot to the top of 4,150 m). Unlike its neighboring Mauna Loa, it is a stratovolcano and its viscous lava has formed steep slopes. The last eruption took place 4,500 years ago, and since then the state of the volcano is considered "normal" on the hazard scale.
Among the natives, "White Mountain" (as the name is translated) was considered sacred. Only the highest leaders had the right to climb to its top. The natives gathered fruits and hunted in the dense forests on the slopes of the mountains, and made tools and weapons from volcanic basalt.
Altitude, dry climate and constant wind force make the summit of Mauna Kea one of the best regions for astronomical observation on Earth. Since 1964, 13 telescopes have been installed here. Observations are made at all frequencies, from visible light to radio waves, and the Mauna Kea Astronomical Park is one of the largest in the world. Nevertheless, protests against its location in a unique ecological zone and in a place sacred to indigenous people do not subside.
Cone volume - 4 800 cubic kilometers... This volcano erupted in thick and viscous lava, resulting in an almost regular steep cone. This type is called a stratovolcano. Highest mountain African continent ( 5895 m above sea level), located in East Africa, between Kenya and northern Tanzania. In Swahili, its name means “ white mountain»: The top of this giant double-headed cone, the only one in the equatorial zone of the Earth, is covered with eternal ice... Many rivers originate from its glaciers, including the Nile - the greatest river in Africa. In recent decades, they have been melting faster and smaller.
Europeans discovered this volcano in 1848, since then no activity has been recorded, but aboriginal legends speak of its eruption about 200 years ago. In 2003, it was discovered that under one of its two peaks is molten lava, and its upper level has risen to a distance of only 400 meters from the surface. Gas emissions, rock falls and rock shifts also occur.
The largest active volcano on Earth is located on the island of Hawaii. This volcano is of a shield type: wide, with gentle slopes. Such volcanoes are formed as a result of prolonged eruption of liquid, flowing lava. The volume of its cone is approximately 75,000 cubic kilometers, of which 84% are under water. Actually, the island itself appeared as a result of the eruptions of this and neighboring volcanoes.
In the Aboriginal language, its name means “ long mountain". Its mass is so huge that the earth's crust at its location bends inward for several kilometers.
Mauna Loa is one of the most active volcanoes. Its last eruption took place in 1984, and since then it has gradually shown more and more signs of activity, and its new eruption is considered very likely in the foreseeable future.
Cities and even entire states were destroyed. Today the volcanoes of the Earth have not become calmer. Nevertheless, both in the distant past and today they attract thousands of researchers and scientists from all over the world. The desire to find out and understand what happens to the fire-breathing mountain during the eruption, how this process takes place, what precedes it, forces scientists to climb dangerous slopes, approaching craters where the elements are raging.
Today volcanologists have united into an international organization (IAVCEI). She carefully monitors possible eruptions that could pose a threat to human life. Today there is a list where there is the name of the volcanoes, their location and the likelihood of an upcoming eruption. This helps prevent loss of life, evacuate people from the danger zone if necessary, and take emergency measures.
Etna (Italy)
We decided to start our review from this mountain not by chance. The Etna volcano, the photo of which you see below in the article, is active, active, one of the largest and most dangerous on Earth. It is located in the east of Sicily, near Catania and Messina.
Its activity is explained by its location at the junction of the Eurasian and African.On this break there are other active mountains of the country - Vesuvius, Stromboli, Vulcano. Scientists claim that in antiquity (15-35 thousand years ago) Mount Etna, a photo of which is often printed in special editions, was distinguished by explosive eruptions that left vast layers of lava. In the 21st century, Etna eruptions occurred more than 10 times, fortunately, without human casualties.
It is difficult to pinpoint the height of this mountain, since its top point changes due to frequent eruptions. They usually happen after a few months. Etna covers a huge area (1250 sq. Km). After lateral eruptions at Etna, 400 craters appeared. On average, every three to four months the volcano ejects lava. It is potentially dangerous in the event of a powerful eruption. Thanks to the latest scientific developments, scientists hope to detect the increased activity of the mountain in time.
Sakurajima (Japan)
Experts consider the Earth's volcanoes active if they have been active in the last 3000 years. This Japanese volcano has been active all the time since 1955. It belongs to the first category. In other words, the eruption can start at any time. A not very strong lava outburst was noted in February 2009. The residents of the city of Kagoshima are almost constantly accompanied by anxiety. Teachings, equipped shelters have become firmly established in their everyday life.
Researchers have installed webcams over the crater, so Sakurajima is under constant surveillance. I must say that volcanoes on the islands can change the topography of the area. This happened in Japan, when in 1924 there was a violent eruption of Sakurajima. Powerful tremors warned the city of danger, most of the residents managed to leave their homes and evacuate.
After that, the volcano bearing the name Sakurajima (which means "Sakura Island") can no longer be called an island. A huge amount of lava formed an isthmus that connected the mountain with the island of Kyushu. And another year after the eruption, lava slowly flowed out of the crater. The bottom of the bay rose in the center of the Aira caldera, located eight kilometers from Sakurajima.
Aso (Japan)
This popular tourist site for extreme lovers - in fact, a dangerous volcano, which in 2011 threw a large number of lava and ash, which covered an area of 100 kilometers. Since that moment, more than 2500 powerful tremors have been registered. This suggests that at any moment he can destroy the nearby village.
Vesuvius (Italy)
Wherever there are volcanoes - on continents or on islands, they are equally dangerous. Vesuvius is very powerful and therefore very dangerous. He is one of the three active. Scientists have information about 80 large eruptions of this mountain. The worst thing happened in 79. Then the cities of Pompey, Stabia, Herculaneum were completely destroyed.
One of the last powerful eruptions noted in 1944. The height of this mountain is 1281 m, the diameter of the crater is 750 m.
Colima (Mexico)
Many of us remember the names of volcanoes (at least some of them) from the school curriculum, we learn about others from the newspapers, and only specialists are aware of the third ones. Colima is perhaps the most dangerous and powerful in the world. It last erupted in June 2005. Then the column of ash ejected from the crater rose to a great height (more than 5 km). Local authorities had to evacuate residents of nearby villages.
This fire-breathing mountain consists of 2 conical peaks. Nevado de Colima is the highest of them all. Its height is 4,625 m. It is considered extinct, and the other peak is an active volcano. It is called Volcan de Fuego de Colima - "Fiery volcano". Its height is 3,846 m. Locals nicknamed him the Mexican Vesuvius.
Since 1576, it has erupted over 40 times. And today it is extremely dangerous not only for residents of nearby cities, but for the whole of Mexico.
Galeras (Colombia)
Often, the name of volcanoes is directly related to the terrain on which the mountain is located. But the name Galeras has nothing to do with the nearby town of Pasto.
It is a huge and powerful volcano. Its height reaches 4276 meters. The diameter of the base is over 20 kilometers, and the diameter of the crater is 320 meters. It is located in Colombia (South America).
At the foot of this giant mountain is the small town of Pasto. In August 2010, its residents had to be urgently evacuated due to a violent eruption. The region has declared an emergency of the highest degree. The authorities sent more than 400 police officers to the area to provide assistance to the townspeople.
Scientists say that over the past 7 thousand years, the volcano has woken up at least 6 times. Moreover, all the eruptions were very powerful. During research work in 1993, six geologists died in the crater. At this time, another eruption began. In 2006, residents of the surrounding villages were evacuated due to the threat of a strong lava outburst.
Volcano Elbrus
On the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria there is highest point Europe and, of course, Russia - Elbrus. WITH northern part The Greater Caucasus is connected by the Lateral Range. Volcano Elbrus consists of two peaks, which have approximately the same height. Its eastern part reaches 5621 m, and its western part - 5642 m.
It is a cone-shaped stratovolcano. Its layers are formed by flows of tuff, lava, ash. Recent eruptions Elbrus recorded 2500 years ago. Over time, it took on its current form. Few volcanoes on Earth can boast of such a beautiful, "classic" cone-shaped shape. Typically, craters are rapidly eroded by erosion. The beauty of Elbrus is protected by its mantle of ice and snow. It does not go down even in summer, for which the volcano was nicknamed Minor Antarctica.
Despite the fact that he reminded of himself for a long time, experts observing his current state and degree of activity do not consider him extinct. They call the mountain "sleeping". The volcano is active (fortunately, not yet destructive). Hot masses are still stored in its depths. They "warm up" well-known sources. Their temperature reaches + 52 ° С and + 60 ° С. They seep through the cracks to the surface
Today Elbrus is a unique natural area, the most valuable scientific base. In Soviet times, scientific research was carried out here, and now there is a geophysical laboratory, the highest in Europe.
Popocatepetl (Mexico)
This is the very country, located 50 kilometers from the capital - Mexico City. The city of twenty million is always prepared for an emergency evacuation. In addition, there are two more major cities- Tlaxcala de Jikotencatl and Puebla. This restless volcano also makes their inhabitants nervous. Sulfur, gas, stones and dust are emitted almost every month. In the last decade alone, the volcano has erupted three times.
Mauna Loa volcano (USA, Hawaii)
It is the largest "fiery mountain" on the Earth in terms of volume. Together with the underwater part, it is 80,000 cubic meters. km! Southeast slope and summit are part of national park"Hawaiian volcanoes".
There is a volcanological station on Mauna Loa. Research and ongoing observations have been carried out since 1912. The solar and atmospheric observatories are also located here.
The last eruption was recorded in 1984. The height of the mountain above sea level is 4,169 meters.
Nyiragongo (Congo)
As already noted, the name of volcanoes may not always be known to ordinary citizens living on another continent. This does not make the mountain less dangerous. Its activities are monitored by specialists and promptly report an increase in activity.
Next on our list is the active volcano Nyiragongo, which is 3469 meters high. It is located in the central part of the African continent, in the Virunga Mountains. The volcano is considered the most dangerous in Africa. In part, it connects with the more ancient mountains Shaheru and Baratu. It is surrounded by hundreds of smoldering small volcanic cones. 40% of all observed eruptions on the continent occur here.
Mount Rainier (USA)
Rounding out our list is a stratovolcano located in Pierce County, Washington, 87 km south of Seattle.
Rainier is part of the Volcanic Arc. Its height is 4 392 meters. Its summit is made up of two volcanic craters.
We have introduced you the most famous volcanoes. Their list is, of course, incomplete, because, according to scientists, there are more than 600 active mountains alone. Moreover, every year 1-2 new volcanoes appear on Earth.
