Dangerous volcanoes in the world. The tallest active and extinct volcanoes in the world

10 largest and most dangerous volcanoes on Earth.

A volcano is a geological formation that arose due to the movement of tectonic plates, their collision and the formation of faults. As a result of collisions of tectonic plates, faults are formed, and magma is released to the surface of the Earth. As a rule, volcanoes are a mountain, at the end of which there is a crater, which is the place where lava emerges.

Volcanoes are divided into:

- active;
- sleeping;
- extinct;

Active volcanoes include those that erupted in the near historical perspective (approximately in a period of 12,000 years)
Dormant volcanoes are volcanoes that have not erupted in the near historical perspective, but their eruption is practically possible.
Extinct volcanoes include those that did not erupt in the near historical perspective, but the top has the shape of a crater, but such volcanoes are unlikely to erupt.

List of 10 most dangerous volcanoes on the planet:

1. (Hawaiian Islands, USA)

2. Taal Volcano (Philippines)

3. Volcano Merapi (Java island)

4. Volcano Santa Maria (Guatemala)

This is one of the most active volcanoes of the 20th century.
It is located at a distance of 130 kilometers from the city of Guatemala, and is located in the Pacific so-called. Ring of Fire. The crater in Santa Maria was formed after its eruption in 1902. Then about 6,000 people died. The last eruption took place in March 2011.

5. Ulavun volcano (Papua - New Guinea)

Volcano Ulawun, located in the New Guinea region, began to erupt in the early 18th century. Since then, eruptions have been recorded 22 times.
In 1980, the largest volcanic eruption occurred. The ejected ash covered an area of ​​more than 20 square kilometers.
Now this volcano is the highest peak in the region.
The last volcanic eruption occurred in the year 2010.

6. Volcano Galeras (Colombia)

7. Sakurajima Volcano (Japan)

8. Nyiragongo (DR Congo)

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. It 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 highest 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 recent studies, the danger of a massive eruption of Mount Etna is now growing. Etna has been chosen as the ‘Volcano of the Decade’ by the UN because of its constant activity.

Fujiyama, Japan

Fujiyama is an active volcano and itself high peak Japan (3776 m). His last eruption dated back to 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 largest volcanic outburst in nearly 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 volcano in the world and the largest active volcano in New Zealand. Ruapehu got its name from the Maori language, in which the word means “the abyss of the explosion”. 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

The seven most high 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 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.

Interesting on the net

Volcanoes are an amazing creation of nature, posing a serious danger to humans. That is why for many centuries people have been trying to unravel the mystery of these beautiful mountains with craters, but, despite many scientific advances, scientists have not yet learned how to predict when the eruption will begin. There are many volcanoes in the world that are dormant, but can wake up at any moment and cause a lot of problems. Let's take a look at the top ten volcanoes that are rightfully called the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.

1 Vesuvius (Italy)

We can say with complete confidence that Vesuvius is the most dangerous volcano in the world. Surely, with the mere use of the word volcano, this name comes to mind. It was Vesuvius in 79 that destroyed the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, burying its inhabitants under a huge amount of lava and ash. The volcano periodically wakes up and it is known that it has erupted strongly at least 80 times. In the last century, with his eruptions, he destroyed the cities of Massa and San Sabestiano.

The height of this volcano is 1,281 m. It is formed by three cones, as if inserted into each other. The Vesuvius crater is about 750 m in diameter. This volcano, located in southern Italy, is the only volcano in continental Europe that does not sleep, but constantly makes itself felt.

2 Nyiragongo (Africa)

It is another of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, accounting for more than 50 percent of eruptions in Africa. He has extraordinary activity and special chemical composition lava. Its main danger is the non-cooling lava lake - it has a constant temperature of 982 degrees. The tremors occurring cause hot lava to flow downward, and its speed can be up to 100 km / h. The volcano has erupted 34 times since 1882. There were periods when he had a constant volcanic activity for several years. In 2002 alone, he killed 147 people. At the same time, he left thousands of local residents without a roof over their heads. The activity of the volcano is constantly being monitored, but it is not yet possible to predict the time of the next eruption.

3 Yellowstone (USA)

In terms of strength and power, this dormant volcano is simply not equal. According to the landscape of the area, scientists have suggested that the volcano has erupted incredibly violently more than once. Around this volcano, which is 3142 m in height, there are hot geysers, which became even hotter in 2002. In 2006, scientists noticed a rise in the soil up to 6 cm per year and the appearance of some kind of relief cone at the bottom of Yellowstone Lake. Scientists have calculated the period when the eruptions of the supervolcano are repeated - this happens in 600,000 years. And about 640,000 years have passed since the last splash of hot lava.

4 Popocatepetl (Mexico)

For a long time, this one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world was considered dormant, but at the end of the 20th century it woke up and now constantly proves that it is not going to weaken its activity. Eruptions are constant and have been occurring every 4 years since 2002. Ash and sulfur are thrown into the air every month. Popocatepetl is considered the second highest volcano in Mexico - its height is 5,452 m. The volcano has a conical shape, a deep oval-shaped crater and steep walls. It has erupted 36 times already. If the volcanic eruption is very strong, then hundreds of thousands of people will suffer, who today continue to build their homes near the volcano.

5 Sakurajima (Japan)

The middle of the list of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world is occupied by this active volcano of the island of Kyushu. It is constantly operating - over its crater you can regularly see smoke, which periodically turns into eruptions. Because of violent eruption in 1914, the island of Kyushu ceased to be such, because the poured lava connected it to the mainland. On this moment along the formed isthmus, a path has even been created along which tourists can go to the volcano. And it's worth noting that this route is very popular despite Sakurajima's turbulence.

6 Merapi (Indonesia)

This volcano, with a height of 2,914 m, is the largest on the island of Java. Its major eruptions occur seven years later. Small eruptions are observed twice a year, and smoke over the crater can be seen almost daily. In 1672, the most destructive eruption of Merapi occurred - then the volcano destroyed dozens of settlements, completely changed the existing landscape and the channels of nine rivers. In the 19th century, 9 major eruptions were recorded, and in the 20th century, there were 13 of them. And each time during the strongest eruptions, thousands of people died, many were left homeless, since settlements simply disappeared from the face of the Earth. The last eruption of Merapi happened in 2010 - then the death toll was about 90 people.

7 Etna (Italy)

Another Italian volcano that is considered very dangerous is Etna. The top point of this volcano is constantly changing as a result of eruptions, so it is impossible to say with accuracy about the height of the volcano. Etna consists of 400 craters and is located on an area of ​​1250 km2. Small eruptions of this volcano occur about once every three months. The most dangerous situation is when several craters will spew lava and ash at the same time.

8 Galeras (South America)

This Colombian volcano is quite powerful and high in height (it is equal to 4,276 m). At the base, the diameter of the volcano is approximately 20 km. Researchers have found that over the past seven thousand years, this volcano has erupted violently at least 6 times. There were also many small eruptions. At the foot of Galeras, there is a small town, whose inhabitants had to be evacuated in 2010 due to a violent volcanic eruption. In the city of Pasto, shelters have even been prepared to receive evacuees.

9 Mauna Loa (USA)

Hawaiian volcano national park recognized as the largest in volume and one of the most dangerous on Earth. Its height is 4,169 m, the circumference of the crater is almost 6.5 km. Last time the volcano erupted violently in 1950 - a lake of lava was formed, which flowed down the slopes. Today on this volcano there is a volcanological station, where the activity of Mauna Loa is constantly monitored. Solar and atmospheric observatories are also built on this volcano.

10 Colima (Mexico)

Today, this active volcano poses a serious danger to residents of nearby settlements and even all of Mexico. It reaches a height of 3846 m. ​​Due to the high power of the volcano, it was even nicknamed the Mexican Vesuvius. The last time the volcano erupted strongly was in 2005 - people from nearby settlements were evacuated. Since 1576, there have been more than 40 violent eruptions in Colima.

All tourists and travelers are interested in learning about the largest volcano in the world. A volcano is a formation on the surface of the Earth, from which magma comes out, forming lava, rocks and volcanic gases. There are a huge number of such formations on our planet. Some of them are considered active, as they were active during the historical period.

Many of the volcanoes are extinct and dormant. The latter include those whose eruption is already unlikely, while the former have the possibility of manifestation of activity. Some volcanoes reach incredible sizes and are distinguished by their extraordinary power and beauty.

Of course, active volcanoes are of great interest to all travelers. They are extraordinarily beautiful and fascinate with their danger of eruption at any moment. Having seen such a phenomenon once, a person gets a lot of incredible impressions that remain in his memory for a lifetime. The highest active volcano in the world is Llullaillaco. It is located in Argentina in the Peruvian Andes. The height of its summit is 6739 m. The last time an eruption occurred in 1877.

At the top of this volcano there is eternal glaciation. It is shaped like a cone. This natural formation has been considered an archaeological site since 1999, since human mummies were found on its top. These were the children of the Incas. There is a possibility that they were sacrificed about 500 years ago.

Mauna Loa volcano

In terms of volume, Mauna Loa is considered the largest active volcano. The height of its summit is 4169 m, and the volume is estimated at 75,000 km. It is located on the island of Hawaii in the United States. The last time the eruption took place relatively recently - in 1984.

This volcano, more precisely, its summit and southeastern slope, is part of the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park. This park is included in the famous UNESCO World Heritage List. Mauna Loa is home to animals and plants that are called endemic. This means that they have a small habitat. Very often, such animals are considered a rarity, therefore they are listed in the Red Book.

Dangerous volcano Merapi

The most dangerous volcano in the world is Merapi. It is located in Indonesia on the island of Java. There are large eruptions every 7 years. Small eruptions happen 2 times a year. Many settlements were destroyed by this mountain. Back in 1006, he wiped out the Javanese-Indian kingdom from the face of the earth, and in 1673 one of the most destructive eruptions occurred. It destroyed several cities and villages at once, which were located at the foot.

In 1930, the volcano also caused major destruction. This eruption killed 1,300 people. 44 years later, Merapi destroyed 2 villages, and a year later another village, 5 bridges, killing 29 people. Moreover, the eruptions overtook many scientists and tourists. The last action of the Merapi volcano was recorded in 2010. This time, about 350 thousand people were initially evacuated. Some residents did return. Among them, 353 people died, who fell into a stream of volcanic gases, ash and stones.

Volcano with the worst eruption in history

It is an active volcano that erupted the most violently in the 19th century. The volcano is located in Indonesia. Now its height is 813 m. Before its famous eruption in 1883, it was much higher. Moreover, he represented one big Island... During the strongest action of the volcano, the main part of the island was destroyed.

The rumble from the eruption was heard even 5000 km from the volcano itself. The volcanic edifice spread over 500 km. The ash rose 30 km, and the gas-ash column - 70 km. Scientists estimated the force of the explosion at 6 points. This violent eruption resulted in 37,000 deaths and 300 villages destroyed.

There are a lot of different volcanoes in the world, which differ either in their height, or in volume, or in actions. Some of them are the most dangerous or the oldest. Scientists have not yet compiled an accurate list of volcanoes by their size or degree of danger. Each of them is interesting and unique in its own way. There are volcanoes that are known to every traveler and tourist. The most popular of them are Vesuvius, Fujiyama, Etna. These are active volcanoes in the world.

Vesuvius has been attracting tourists for many years. Those who visit Naples usually do not miss the opportunity to admire and even climb this famous volcano. Previously, it was possible to climb the mountain using a funicular, and then a conventional lift. However, the transport was destroyed by the next eruptions. They did not begin to restore it, so at the moment the mountain can only be climbed on foot along the footpath.

Fujiyama volcano located upon Japanese island Honshu. He is popular tourist spot... Residents consider it sacred. The mountain is also a place of religious pilgrimage for Buddhist and Shinto cults. A temple is built on top of it. In addition, there is a weather station and even a post office. Scientists believe that Fuji is a weakly active volcano, since the last eruptions took place at the beginning of the 18th century.

A popular volcano located in Italy is... It has many craters, from time to time at least one of them erupts lava. Sometimes Etna's actions are disastrous in relation to the nearest settlements, but, despite this, new residents do not stop settling here. At the foot of the mountain there is very fertile soil that allows you to grow various vegetables and fruits.

Tourists have the opportunity to visit this extraordinary mountain. You should climb it on foot. The tourist base can be reached by bus. For lovers of souvenirs, there are shops on the mountain itself, where you can buy a souvenir item or even a popular 70-degree liqueur.

All these and many other volcanoes are extraordinarily beautiful and interesting for residents, travelers and tourists. Each such mountain has its own story. Before climbing any volcano, you need to find out the exact information about its activity and the possibility of an eruption, since such natural formations can begin their actions at any time. Therefore, deciding to admire extraordinary beauty volcanoes, protect yourself from accidents.

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 took place 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 you count the height from the very center, you get almost 9 thousand m. This is even higher than the highest mountain in the 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

The highest extinct volcano is also located in 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.