Volcanoes are not only a spectacular and dangerous sight. It is thanks to volcanic activity that life arose on planet Earth. The atmosphere and hydrosphere were created by the release of huge amounts of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Today, some fire-breathing mountains are inactive, while others cause trouble and disturbance to humanity.
Volcano Vesuvius. Italy
It is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Europe. It was he who, in August 1979, destroyed several ancient Roman cities, including Pompeii. He wakes up every 20 years or so. Last time- in 1944.
Volcano Yellowstone Caldera. USA
About a third of Yellowstone's territory national park takes an active active volcano... Inside it, a bubble of magma constantly heats thermal springs, which is manifested in the formation of geysers and mud pots. 
Volcano Krakatoa. Indonesia
The last time it erupted in 1883, as a result of which the island on which the volcano is located was destroyed. The process lasted from May to the end of August. The victims of ash and tsunami were 36 thousand people and 259 settlements... Today, the 1.5 km zone around the island is closed to the public.
Volcano Mauna Loa. Hawaii
It is the second largest of the megavolcanoes, the summit of which is covered with snow from January to March. Sometimes he wakes up and pours out lava flows.
Kilimanjaro volcano. Tanzania, Africa
The volcano consists of 3 extinct peaks. However, scientists discovered that only 400 meters below the crater of the mountain is incandescent lava. In addition, the centuries-old ice cap that covered the peak has almost melted.
Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Iceland
Not so long ago, the volcano paralyzed the work of several European airports. The eruption was rated at 4 points on the VEI scale. Some researchers believe that the awakening of Eyjafjallajokull may be the trigger for the eruption of Katla.
Volcano Cotopaxi. Ecuador
This is the most active volcano. After more than 150 years of silence, Cotopaxi came to life again in 2015. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Volcano Merapi. Java island
One of the most active volcanoes erupts at least twice a year, and there are major eruptions every seven years. Local residents have to evacuate. The top of Merapi is constantly smoking.
Volcano Popocatepetl. Mexico
The most powerful eruption took place in 2000. It was preceded by a 15-year heightened activity of the Fire Mountain. In March 2016, Popocatepetl raised a column of steam, gas and ash to a height of 2 km. The cities of Mexico City and Puebla are at risk.
The volcano is one of the most beautiful, unexpected and terrible mysteries of nature. There are more than two hundred of them on Earth, and each amazes with its height and power. Even volcanoes, which are considered extinct, cannot be trusted, because one day they can "wake up" and start an eruption of lava. Which of all active volcanoes is considered the highest? Where are the most of them? We will talk about this and much more in this article.
The area with the most active volcanoes
A volcano is a crack in the earth's crust, through which ash, steam, fiery lava, gases are thrown out. The appearance of the volcano resembles a mountain. Why are volcanoes divided into active and extinct?
If in the history of mankind the slightest activity of a giant mountain was recorded, then the volcano is considered active. It doesn't have to erupt. By activity is meant even if it simply emits steam and ash once every hundred years.
Many active volcanoes are located in the Malay Archipelago, which is geographically adjacent to Asia and Australia. There is also a dangerous zone of active volcanoes on the territory of Russia. It is located in Kamchatka with the capture Kuril Islands... According to scientists, at least 60 volcanoes show signs of activity there every year.
The largest volcano in the world
Mauna Loa is the name of the giant, which surpassed all other volcanoes in the world in size. It is located in Hawaii. Translated from the local language, the volcano is called "Long Mountain".
For the first time, the giant's activity was recorded in 1843.Since that moment, it has erupted 33 times, which makes it perhaps the most active volcano on the planet. The last eruption happened in 1984. Then lava covered 30 thousand acres of land. After the eruption, the territory of Hawaii increased by almost 200 hectares.
Above sea level, Mauna Lao has a height of 4,169 m, and if we count the height from the very center, it will turn out to be almost 9 thousand m. This is even higher than the high mountain world - Everest.
Mauna Lao is not only the largest, but also the most powerful volcano. 75 thousand cubic km - this is its total volume.
The tallest active volcano in the world
In this respect, even scientists were divided. As for the height above sea level, there is no dispute, the highest volcano is Llullaillaco - 6,723 m. It is located in the Andes between Chile and Argentina. Its last eruption was recorded in 1877.
Another part of scientists gives the laurels of primacy to another volcano located in the Andes, but already on the territory of Ecuador - Cotopaxi. Its height above sea level is slightly lower than the competitor - 5 897 m. However, its last eruption was in 1942 and it was much more powerful than the eruption of Llullaillaco.
All scientists agree on one thing - Cotopaxi is the most beautiful volcano. It has a graceful crater and incredible beauty greenery at the foot. However, such beauty is very deceiving. Over the past 300 years, 10 most powerful eruptions have been recorded. All 10 times the city of Latacunga, which is located near the foot of the giant, was completely destroyed.
The most famous volcanoes in the world
Despite the fact that the previous volcanoes are the largest and most beautiful, few have heard of them. But there are two leaders who are known to everyone from school lessons - Fujiyama, Vesuvius and Kilimanjaro.
Fujiyama is located in Asia, on the island of Honshu, not far from the Japanese capital. From ancient times locals built the volcano into a cult. It rises 3,776 m above sea level and has a beautiful outline. The last powerful eruption was recorded in 1707.
Vesuvius is an active volcano in southern Italy. By the way, this is one of the three active volcanoes in the country. Although Vesuvius is not as high as other volcanoes (only 1,281 m above sea level), it is considered one of the most dangerous. It was he who completely destroyed Pompeii, as well as Herculaneum and Stabiae. Its last eruption took place in 1944. Then the cities of San Sebastiano and Massa were completely destroyed by lava.
Kilimanjaro is not only the highest African volcano, but also the most high point on the continent. Scientists believe that the history of Kilimanjaro goes back two million years. The volcano is located 300 m south of the Equator. Despite this, at its foot has accumulated a large number of glaciers.
The tallest extinct volcano in the world
Highest dormant volcano also located on the territory of two countries - Chile and Argentina. The peak of the volcano Ojos del Salado (translated from Spanish - "Salty Eyes") is located on the Chilean side. The height of the peak is 6,891 m above sea level.
In the entire history of human existence, Ojos del Salado has never erupted. On several occasions, he released water vapor and sulfur. The last time such a case was noticed was in 1993.
This fact made many scientists think about whether to write Ojos del Salado into the ranks of active volcanoes? If this happens, it will become the tallest active volcano in the world.
A volcanic eruption, whether it be a whim of nature or divine providence, poses a huge risk to humans. Swirling streams of lava descending on the nearby plains, toxic volcanic ash that settles on the ground, clouds of smoke hiding the sun - this is not all that awaits the settlements close to the active volcano. The ground under the frozen lava turns into a desolate, lifeless mass, unsuitable for habitation; and destruction brings catastrophic losses.
To prevent possible disasters, the International Association of Volcanology and Earth Chemistry, all dangerous volcanoes in the world have been brought together in a single list, and scientists have established round-the-clock monitoring of them. As soon as the volcano begins to prepare for the awakening, local authorities immediately learn about it and begin to prepare for emergency measures. Below is complete information about the most dangerous and famous volcanoes in the world.
Located on the southern side of the Indonesian island of Java, the famous and fairly young Merapi volcano is also one of the largest and most powerful in the world. Its height is 2914 meters, and he himself became a real curse for the nearby city of Yogyarta. This "mountain of fire" is regularly active. Every 7 years, a large volcanic eruption occurs, and about 1 time in six months one should expect a small one.
Puffs of smoke rise up from the crater every day, as if reminding the residents of the surrounding area about the possible danger. One of the most catastrophic eruptions of Mount Merapi should be dated to 1672 (1673). A powerful eruption wiped out a huge number of settlements on the island of Java, redirected about 10 rivers and led to the death of a significant number of inhabitants.
The great eruption of Merapi also took place in 1906. It was characterized by the destruction of the cone of the volcano itself. The explosion, which violated the integrity of the shell, was heard for hundreds of kilometers. In the 19th century, volcanologists recorded nine major eruptions of the Merapi volcano. In the twentieth century, their number exceeded 15.
One of the last famous eruptions of an active volcano occurred at the end of 2010. Due to the state of emergency, about 80,000 people were evacuated from the nearby territories, but victims still could not be avoided, more than 100 people died.
Sakurajima - Never Sleeping
The active volcano Sakurajima is located on the south side Japanese island Kyushu, near the picturesque city of Kagoshima. The volcano reaches a height of 1118 meters, and its activity has not stopped since 1955: a powerful eruption can occur at any time. One of the strongest was recorded in 1914.
From that moment on, the island of Kyushu became connected to the mainland by igneous rock that poured out from the mouth of Sakurajima. This isthmus has turned into a kind of trail, famous among tourists and volcanologists, who from time to time visit the mouth of the volcano. As for the residents of Kagoshima, they are accustomed to the restless neighborhood with an active volcano, and they conduct regular exercises in case of an urgent evacuation.
Behind the crater itself, continuous video surveillance is installed using high-precision equipment, which sensitively captures all changes in the giant mountain and transmits them to local researchers. In case of any changes, they immediately notify the authorities.
Yellowstone - American Super Volcano
V American state Wyoming, in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, is arguably the most powerful dormant volcano in the world. Its height reaches 3142 meters.
According to volcanologists, the Yellowstone monster has already had 3 of the largest eruptions in its entire existence. The approximate time intervals between them are about 600,000 years.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the activity of the famous American volcano, which is manifested in the overheating of the geysers located on its slopes. Some of them, instead of water, throw up powerful streams of geothermal vapors. Since 2006, there has been a slight rise in the soil at once in several places. This once again confirms the guesses that the volcano is moving into an active state.
Popocatepetl - alluring mystery
One of the most mysterious and unpredictable active volcanoes stretches in the state of Puebla, in the vast Mexican expanses. Its height is 5452 meters, and the name, translated from the original language, means "a hill that smokes." For a long time, this volcano did not pose a great danger to the Latin American country and was considered completely extinct. However, since the end of the twentieth century, he openly announced his imminent awakening.
The ideal shape of a cone, a bottomless elliptical crater, smooth sheer walls - large clouds of smoke periodically appear over all this geometric splendor.
Over the past 600 years, volcanologists have recorded about 25 quite powerful lava emissions from the depths of Popokatepetl. One of the last weak eruptions of an active volcano occurred in June 2011. In the event of a more serious explosion, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Vesuvius is a living legend
The active and unusually powerful volcano Vesuvius is located near the Italian province of Napoli. Its height is 1281 meters. And he himself is considered one of the largest in the Apennine mountain system. Visually, it represents 3 combined cones that can tell a lot about the past of this famous European volcano.
The main cone was created by the mutual layering of tuff and solidified lava. It is located in the middle between the outer arcuate rampart of Monte Somme and the inner temporal cone, which disappears with new powerful eruptions and then reappears. Vesuvius is a volcano that went down in history as the cause of the destruction of Stabia, Herculaneum and Pompey in 79 AD. Over the entire period of its existence, more than 80 powerful eruptions... Last time famous volcano actively operated in 1944, which brought serious destruction to the surrounding territories.
Nyiragongo - great and merciless
The most active, the biggest and dangerous volcano African continent - Nyiragongo. In just 150 years, it has erupted over 30 times. And in some cases volcanic activity lasted several months and even years. In 1977, the famous eruption took place, which claimed the lives of several hundred people. One of the most powerful was the eruption of 2002, when lava, sweeping away everything in its path, destroyed half of the territory of the nearby city of Goma.
The lava of the volcano is quite liquid and extremely fluid, which is due to the lack of quartz in its composition. As a result, it moves at lightning speed, about 100 km / h. According to modern research carried out by seismologists, the largest known eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano is yet to come, and it could occur at any time. The city of Goma will once again be hit by a merciless monster.
Located on the southern side of the Indonesian island of Java, the famous and fairly young Merapi volcano is one of the largest and most powerful in the world. Merapi is the most active active volcano in Indonesia. It is located near the city of Yogyakarta. The height of the volcano is 2914 meters.
The name translates as "mountain of fire". Merapi is the youngest in the group of volcanoes in the south of Java. It is located in a subduction zone where the Australian Plate sinks beneath the Eurasian Plate. It is one of at least 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia, part of the volcano is located in the southeastern Pacific Ring of Fire - on a fault line extending from the Western Hemisphere through Japan and Southeast Asia.
Large eruptions of the Merapi volcano are observed on average every 7 years, small - about twice a year, and the volcano smokes almost every day. In 1006, as a result of the eruption, the Javanese-Indian kingdom of Mataram was destroyed. 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.
The great eruption of Merapi also took place in 1906. It was characterized by the destruction of the cone of the volcano itself. The explosion, which violated the integrity of the shell, was heard for hundreds of kilometers. In 1930, the eruption killed about 1,300 people. During the eruption in 1974, two villages were destroyed, and in 1975 - a large settlement and five bridges, 29 people died.
In 2010, the eruption of Merapi evacuated 350,000 people, but some returned, killing 353 people trapped in the pyroclastic flow.
Volcanoes are some of the most magnificent wonders on earth. Their beauty is truly dangerous, as they can bring death to everything around them. Hot lava and volcanic bombs can easily wipe out everything that comes in their way, including the largest cities, from the face of the earth. For many millennia, mankind has already managed to become convinced of the incredible power of active volcanoes. For example, Vesuvius, which took thousands of human lives and destroyed Largest cities that era (Pompey, Stabia, Herkulan).
The article describes the largest volcanoes in the world... This list includes volcanoes from different parts of the world, regardless of seismological activity. The main criterion for the selection was their height.
10. Mauna Loa
Opens the top 10 most large volcanoes the world of Mauna Loa. This is one of the active megavolcanoes, which is located in the central part of the island of Hawaii. In terms of its volume, it is second only to the Tamu Massif. Its height is over four thousand meters. Scientists suggest that Mauna Loa originated over seven hundred thousand years ago. Today it is considered an active volcano.
Mauna Loa has an irregular thyroid shape with gentle slopes. In the vicinity of the volcano, you can find many species of rare plants and wild animals. The mountain and lands from the southeastern part are included in the reserve.
On the eastern side of the Andes mountain range is one of the most large volcanoes on the planet - the active volcano Sangay. It has a steep conical shape, and at its top you can see numerous layers of lava and tephra. The uniqueness of this volcano lies in the presence of three craters. On the territory of the mountain and its vicinity, a national nature Park, which belongs to the list of protected areas by UNESCO.
Scientists suggest that Sangay volcano was formed about 14 thousand years ago. Its height is over 5 thousand meters. From the 30s of the last century to the present day, Sangay is characterized by very frequent periods of activity. The eruption of the volcano was first documented in 1628.
8. Volcano Huila
The old volcano Huila is the most big volcano in Colombia, whose height is 5365 meters. It has a steep, elongated shape. Huila was thought to be asleep for many years, and after fifty years he began to show signs of activity. In the period from 2007 to the present day, more than 7 thousand small seismic events have occurred. In 2011, the last eruption was recorded. Huila poses a great danger to the inhabitants of the four regions that are in its vicinity.
This volcano and its surrounding areas are home to many species of wild animals. The rich flora and fauna is due to the presence of numerous water sources, which were formed due to the descent of snow from the top of the mountain.
7. Popocatepetl
The Mexican Highlands is home to one of the largest active stratovolcanoes in the world, Popocatepetl. Its height is 5426 meters. The name of the volcano comes from the Nahuatl language, which means "Smoking Hill". Near it is Mount Istaxuatl. These two hills got their names thanks to the legend. In it, the Aztecs talked about an unhappy love, where a girl was given in marriage to another. This happened because her parents did not wait until the daughter's beloved returned from the hike. The girl soon committed suicide. After a while, the warrior returned home with a victory, but did not find his beloved alive. The guy could not face the loss and also committed suicide. As a sign of their eternal love, the gods turned the lovers into two mountains.
6. Orizaba
Orizaba - highest peak Mexico and one of the largest volcanoes in the world. Its height above sea level is 5675 meters. Locals call the volcano Sitlaltepetl. This, translated from one of the Aztec languages, means "mountain of the star".
On this moment the volcano is in a state of dormancy, but it is not completely extinguished. About 27 eruptions have been documented, the last of which was observed in 1846.
In 1936, a protected park was created, which included the mountain, the surrounding areas and the settlement. The area of the protected area is almost 20 thousand hectares.
Over thirty years ago, there were about 14 glaciers at the top of the volcano. Due to the problem of global warming, their number has decreased. Today there are 9 of them. The largest of them is Gran Norte with an area of 9 sq. Km.
5. Misty
Misty is the largest active volcano in South America... It is located in the southern part of Peru. Its actual height is 5822 meters above sea level. Not far from the hill is the city of Arekina, which is home to more than 1 million people. Most of buildings of the city was built from pyroclastic deposits of the volcano.
The Misty cone is a stratovolcano. It is characterized by explosive eruptions, which alternate with the outflow of lava. One of the features of the volcano is the presence of three concentric craters. In the 15th century, very strong eruptions were observed. The most recent seismological activity was documented in 1985.
4. Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is the highest African volcano. It is located in northeastern Tanzania. Taking into account the glaciers, its height is 5895 meters. Kilimanjaro, like most of the largest volcanoes in the world, is dormant. At the moment, local residents observe little seismological activity. Kilimanjaro is conical in shape and consists of three craters.
There are many theories that explain the origin of the name in different ways. From the Swahili language, the name of the volcano is translated as "a mountain that sparkles."
Despite the fact that Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano, it is visited by many scientists every year. The top of the volcano is covered with a huge snow cap, which formed there since the Ice Age. Due to global warming, its volume has sharply decreased over the past century.
3. Cotopaxes
In the list of the largest volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi ranks third. The height of the volcano is 5911 meters, it is located in Ecuador on the western side of the Eastern Cordillera ridge. The capital of Ecuador, Quito is located just 50 kilometers from Cotopaxi.
The peak of the volcano's activity fell in the 17th-18th centuries. The last eruption happened quite recently - in 2015.
Cotopaxi in Quechua means "shining or smoking mountain". Sometimes, small clouds of smoke can be seen above its vent, which are formed due to the release of water and sulfur. Since the volcano is dormant, its summit is covered with a thick layer of glaciers and snow.
2. San Pedro
San Pedro, 6145 meters high, is the largest stratovolcano in the Andes mountain system. The volcano's cone is formed by basalt and andesite layers. The last seismic activity was observed in the 60s of the last century. In the summer of 1903, the first documented ascent to the top of the mountain was made.
Not far from San Pedro is the San Pablo volcano. Outwardly, they look like two brothers who are connected with each other using a high saddle.
1. Llullaillaco
Llullallaco is the largest volcano on Earth. Its height is 6739 meters. It is located on the high plateau of Puna de Atacama, between Argentina and Chile.
Today Llullyaco is in a dormant state. The last period of activity was documented in 1877. Now quite often you can see how smoke is released from its vents.
The very first documented ascent to the summit of Llullaco took place in 1952. During the expedition, archaeologists found an ancient sanctuary belonging to the Incas. A closer examination of the slopes of the mountain revealed several mummies, which were most likely sacrificed to the gods.
