Where are the highest active volcanoes located? The most dangerous volcano in the world

1. Vesuvius

Vesuvius (Italian Vesuvio, Neap. Vesuvio) is an active volcano in southern Italy near Naples. At the foot is the city of Torre Annunziata.
An active volcano in southern Italy, about 15 km from Naples. Height - 1281 meters. The crater is about 750 m in diameter. One of three active volcanoes in Italy, the only active volcano in continental Europe. It is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.

There are more than 80 known significant eruptions, the most famous of which occurred in 79 AD. e., when the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae were destroyed.
The last historical eruption of Mount Vesuvius occurred in 1944. One of the lava flows destroyed the cities of San Sebastiano and Massa. 57 people died during the eruption. The height of the lava fountain from the central crater reached 800 m, and the eruptive column rose above the volcano to a height of up to 9000 m.

2. Fujiyama

A volcano on the Japanese island of Honshu, 150 kilometers west of Tokyo. It has an ideal conical shape and serves as an object of cult for the Japanese. The height of the mountain is 3776 m (the highest in Japan). The volcano is weakly active; its last eruption was in 1707.
The Fuji area is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

3. Popocatepetl

Popocatépetl (Spanish: Popocatépētl) is an active volcano in Mexico. The name comes from two words in the Nahuatl language: popo - “smoking” and tepetl - “mountain”, that is, Smoking Mountain. In everyday life the mountain is simply called Popo.

Popocatepetl is the second highest mountain in Mexico after Peak Orizaba (5636m).
Popocatepetl is located next to the extinct volcano Iztaccihuatl. The names of these two mountains are the names of the heroes of the legend of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl.

4. Krakatoa

Krakatoa (Indon. Krakatau) - former island and an active volcano in Indonesia, located in the Sunda Strait, between the islands of Java and Sumatra.
The area of ​​the island is 10.5 km². Height 813 m.

The study of the volcano and surrounding areas has established traces of powerful prehistoric eruptions. According to volcanologists, one of the most powerful eruptions occurred in 535. This eruption led to global climatic consequences on Earth, which was noted by dendrochronologists who studied the annual rings of ancient trees in different areas of the planet.

According to some assumptions, this eruption, accompanied by the collapse of a large section of the surface, formed the Sunda Strait, dividing Sumatra and Java.
The eruption of 1680 is known.
A catastrophic eruption in 1883 destroyed most of the island.

An active volcano located on east coast Sicily, near the cities of Messina and Catania. Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe, its height is 3326 m. It should be noted that the height of Etna varies from eruption to eruption. Thus, the volcano is currently 21.6 m lower than it was in 1865. Etna is the most high mountain Italy south of the Alps, it covers an area of ​​1190 km² with an average radius of 140 km. Thus, Etna is the largest active volcano in Italy, surpassing its closest “rival” Vesuvius by more than 2.5 times.

Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and erupts almost constantly. On average, the volcano erupts lava once every three months. The last eruption was recorded on May 10, 2008...

6. Mont Pele

Montagne Pelée (French Montagne Pelée - Bald Mountain) or Mont Pelée, a volcano in the northern part of the island of Martinique (Lesser Antilles).
Height 1397 m, base diameter 15 km. The crater is oval-shaped, measuring 1000 by 750. It is notorious for the eruption of 1902, when a scorching cloud of ash and gas destroyed the city of Saint-Pierre, where about 30 thousand people died. An eruption of this type is classified as Peleian.

In 1929-1932, the volcano was again active, as a result of which a new dome grew. At the foot there is a museum of volcanism.

The awakening of the volcano began in April 1902, and the disaster broke out a month later - on May 8 at 8:30 am. The eruption happened suddenly. A huge curly cloud of grayish color, consisting of sprayed lava, vapors and gases, burst out of a crack at the foot of the volcano. Lightning streaked across it in all directions.
The entire population (about 28 thousand people) and animals were killed with hot gases, trees were torn out by a hurricane and burned. Of the city's residents, only two people survived.
A study of the seabed near the island of Martinique showed that it sank several hundred meters.

St. Helens is an active stratovolcano located in Skamania County, Washington State, USA, 154 kilometers south of Seattle and 85 kilometers from Portland (Oregon). Named after the British diplomat Lord St. Helens, it is located in the Cascade Mountains and is one of the volcanoes of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which includes 160 active volcanoes.

The volcano is best known for its catastrophic eruption on May 18, 1980, the most destructive in US history, killing 57 people. As a result of the eruption, the height of the volcano decreased by 400 meters.

8. Soufriere

Soufriere (La Soufriere) is one of the most ancient volcanoes in the West Indies (about 60 million years old). Located in the northern part of the island of St. Vincent. It has erupted at least 160 times in our era. IN lately eruptions of Soufriere occurred in 1718, 1812, 1902, 1971 and 1979. They typically caused significant damage, especially in agriculture, and served as one of the reasons for the reorientation of the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines from agriculture, as the main industry in the tourism sector.

9. Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi (another translation of the name is Cotopaxi, Spanish Cotopaxi) is the second highest peak in Ecuador and the highest active volcano in the country (5,897 m). Cotopaxi is also one of the highest active volcanoes on the planet.

Since 1738, Cotopaxi has erupted about 50 times.

10. Klyuchevskaya Sopka

Klyuchevskaya Sopka (Klyuchevskoy volcano) is an active volcano in the east of Kamchatka, the highest (4750 m) active volcano in Eurasia.

Located in the Klyuchevskaya group of volcanoes, at a distance of 60 km from the Bering Sea, near the Bezymyanny volcano. A regular cone with a constantly smoking crater is complicated near the base by 70 side cones, domes and craters. It is composed of basaltic and partly andesitic lava flows, with predominantly loose material in the upper part. Over 270 years, more than 50 violent eruptions occurred; fumaroles and solfataras are active. There are frequent explosions in the crater with the release of bombs and ash. The peak bears snowfields and glaciers.

Volcanoes are not only a fascinating and dangerous sight. It was thanks to volcanic activity that life originated on planet Earth. The atmosphere and hydrosphere appeared due to the emissions of huge amounts of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Today, some fire-breathing mountains remain dormant, 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 destroyed several ancient Roman cities, including Pompeii, in August 1979. He wakes up approximately every 20 years. Last time- in 1944.

Volcano Yellowstone Caldera. USA

About a third of the territory of Yellowstone National Park is occupied by an active volcano. Inside, a bubble of magma constantly heats up thermal springs, which manifests itself in the formation of geysers and mud pots.

Volcano Krakatoa. Indonesia

It last erupted in 1883, resulting in the destruction of the island on which the volcano is located. The process lasted from May until the end of August. The victims of the ash and tsunami were 36 thousand people and 259 settlements. Today, a 1.5 km area around the island is closed to the public.

Mauna Loa Volcano. Hawaii

It is the second largest of the megavolcanoes, the top of which is covered with snow from January to March. Sometimes it wakes up and pours out lava flows.

Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania, Africa

The volcano consists of 3 extinct peaks. However, scientists discovered that only 400 m below the crater of the mountain there is hot lava. In addition, the centuries-old ice cap that covered the peak has almost melted.




Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Iceland

Not long ago, a volcano paralyzed the work of several European airports. The eruption was rated 4 on the VEI scale. Some researchers believe that the awakening of Eyjafjallajokull could be the trigger for the Katla eruption.

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, with major eruptions occurring every seven years. Local residents have to evacuate. The top of Merapi smokes non-stop.




Volcano Popocatepetl. Mexico

The most powerful eruption occurred in 2000. It was preceded by a 15-year increased activity fiery 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.

A volcano is a geological formation that is located on cracks earth's crust. Through it, volcanic rocks, lava, ash, steam and poisonous gases. Scientists are sure that every year 3 new volcanoes appear on our planet. Their total quantity huge. More than 600 of them are active active volcanoes. They are located in different parts of the world and represent serious danger for all living things.

Active volcanoes in Russia

Not all fire-breathing mountains are on land. They are often located underwater. This does not prevent their eruption at all. Fortunately, the most dangerous volcanoes are located far beyond the borders of our country, but we also have such dangerous hills. In this article, we will introduce you to lava-spewing mountains located in our country and abroad that can be dangerous to human life.

Klyuchevsky volcano

It is located near the Bering Sea. This is the most large volcano Russia. This is a whole complex consisting of 12 cones. The height of the volcano is 4750 meters. It has a crater with a diameter of more than half a kilometer. The mountain has a perfect cone shape. Active volcanoes constantly emit acrid smoke, which can be seen above the Klyuchevsky crater. Sometimes you can see splashes of lava. Volcanologists believe that it appeared more than 5,000 years ago. Over the past three centuries he has been revived 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 volcanoes. 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 active volcanoes in Russia in Kamchatka. In the center of the peninsula is the Ichinskaya Sopka. This volcano has three cones, they are covered with glaciers, except 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 largest volcanoes in Russia. It erupts quite rarely. At its very top you can see ice, and forests grow at its base. Near the volcano there is the famous Valley of Geysers and Kronotskoye Lake.

Koryaksky volcano

Its highest cone reaches a height of 3456 meters. By its type it belongs to stratovolcanoes. To this day, remains of lava and loose rocks are found in the valley of the Koryak Hill.

Volcano Shiveluch

In the north of Kamchatka there is another volcano known to specialists. It's 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 often. The last time this happened was in 1964. Volcanologists are sure that the age of this mountain is more than 60 thousand years.

Volcano Avacha

It is located near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Its height is 2741 meters, the diameter of the crater is four hundred meters. The top of Avacha is covered with glaciers, and dense forests grow at its base. Its last eruption was recorded in 2001.

Volcano Sishel

It is also located in the north of Kamchatka. Shield volcano with a height of 2525 meters. To this day it is considered active, but the date of the last eruption is not known for certain.

Active volcanoes of the world

These mountains, which spew fire and ash, are dangerous due to their direct impact - the release of thousands of tons of burning lava, which can destroy entire cities. Besides this, great danger represent suffocating volcanic gases, the threat of tsunamis, distortion of terrain and dramatic climate changes.

Merali (Indonesia)

Active volcanoes on the islands of Indonesia are very dangerous. One of them is Merapi. It is the most active: powerful eruptions occur here every six to seven years, and small ones occur almost every year. Smoke appears over the crater almost every day, reminding local residents of the imminent threat.

Merali is famous for the largest eruption that occurred in 1006. The medieval state of Mataram suffered from it. The danger of the volcano is that it is located near the densely populated city of Yogyakarta.

Sakurajima (Japan)

Readers are often 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 occurred in early 2009. Until last year (2014), the volcano was located on a separate island of the same name, but lava flows solidified and connected it to the Osumi Peninsula. 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 in America. The record holder for this is Cotopaxi, located 50 km from the city of Quito. Its height is 5897 m, depth 450 m, crater size 550x800 m. 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 constantly active. Its height is 3380 meters, area is 1250 square kilometers.

Small eruptions occur every few months. Despite this, 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 occurred in May 2011, with minor emissions of dust and ash in April 2013.

Vesuvius (Italy)

Active volcanoes in Italy are two more large mountains except Etna. These are Vesuvius and Stromboli.

In 79, a powerful eruption of Vesuvius destroyed the cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. Their inhabitants were buried under layers of pumice, lava and mud. The strongest eruption occurred 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 of the world's active volcanoes are not as well studied as this one. Due to this, researchers consider it the most predictable.

The territory of the volcano is protected. 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 of the time the mountain is covered with snow. Colima is very active - it has erupted 40 times since 1576. 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.

All tourists and travelers are interested in learning about the most big volcano in the world. A volcano is a formation on the surface of the Earth from which magma emerges, forming lava, rocks and volcanic gases. On our planet there is huge amount such formations. Some of them are considered active because 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 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 extremely beautiful and fascinate with their danger of eruption at any moment. Having once seen such a phenomenon, a person receives a lot of incredible impressions that remain in memory for a lifetime. Llullaillaco is considered the highest active volcano in the world. It is located in Argentina in the Peruvian Andes. The height of its peak is 6739 m. The last eruption occurred in 1877.

At the top of this volcano there is eternal glaciation. It is formed in the shape of a cone. This natural formation has been considered an archaeological site since 1999, as 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 peak is 4169 m, and its volume is estimated at 75,000 km. It is located on the island of Hawaii in the USA. The last time an eruption occurred was relatively recent - in 1984.

This volcano, more precisely, its peak 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 called endemics. This means that they have a small habitat. Very often, such animals are considered rare and are therefore 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. Major eruptions occur every 7 years. Small eruptions occur twice a year. This mountain destroyed many settlements. 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 immediately destroyed several cities and villages that were located at the foot.

In 1930, the volcano also caused major destruction. This eruption killed 1,300 people. After 44 years, 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 activity 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, caught in the flow of volcanic gases, ash and stones.

Volcano with the most powerful eruption in history

This is an active volcano, which demonstrated its most powerful eruption 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, it was one large island. During the strongest volcanic activity, the main part of the island was destroyed.

The roar from the eruption was heard even 5,000 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. The result of such a strong eruption was 37,000 deaths and 300 villages destroyed.

There are a lot of different volcanoes in the world, which differ either in their height, or volume, or actions. Some of them are the most dangerous or the oldest. Scientists have not yet compiled exact list 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, Fuji, Etna. These are the active volcanoes of the world.

Vesuvius has been attracting tourists for many years. Those who visit Naples usually don't miss the opportunity to admire and even climb this famous volcano. Previously, it was possible to climb the mountain using a cable car, and then a regular lift. However, the transport was destroyed by subsequent eruptions. They did not restore it, so at the moment The mountain can only be climbed on foot along a hiking trail.

Mount Fuji located on the Japanese island of Honshu. It is a popular tourist destination. Residents consider it sacred. The mountain is also a place of religious pilgrimage for Buddhist and Shinto cults. A temple was built on its top. 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 occurred in early XVIII century.

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

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

All these and many other volcanoes are extremely beautiful and interesting for residents, travelers and tourists. Each mountain has its own history. Before climbing any volcano, it is necessary to find out accurate information about its activity and the possibility of eruption, since such natural formations can begin to act at any moment. Therefore, if you decide to admire the extraordinary beauty of volcanoes, protect yourself from accidents.

10 largest and most dangerous volcanoes on Earth.

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


Volcanoes are divided into:


- active;
- sleeping;
- extinct;

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

List of the 10 most dangerous volcanoes on the planet:

1. (Hawaiian Islands, USA)



Located in the islands of Hawaii, it is one of the five volcanoes that make up the islands of Hawaii. It is the largest volcano in the world in terms of volume. It contains more than 32 cubic kilometers of magma.
The volcano was formed about 700,000 years ago.
The volcano's last eruption occurred in March 1984, and it lasted for more than 24 days, causing enormous damage to people and the surrounding area.

2. Taal Volcano (Philippines)




The volcano is located on the island of Luzon, belonging to Philippine Islands. The crater of the volcano rises 350 meters above the surface of Lake Taal and is located almost in the center of the lake.

The peculiarity of this volcano is that it is located in the crater of a very old extinct mega volcano, now this crater is filled with lake water.
In 1911, the most powerful eruption of this volcano occurred - then 1335 people died, within 10 minutes all life around the volcano died at a distance of 10 km.
The last eruption of this volcano was observed in 1965, which resulted in 200 casualties.

3. Volcano Merapi (Java Island)




The name of the volcano is literally Mountain of Fire. The volcano has been erupting systematically for the last 10,000 years. The volcano is located near the city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, with a population of several thousand people.
It was the most active volcano among the 130 volcanoes in Indonesia. The eruption of this volcano was believed to have led to the decline of the Hindu Kingdom of Matarama. The peculiarity and horror of this volcano is the speed of spread of magma, which is more than 150 km/hour. The volcano's last eruption occurred in 2006 and claimed 130 lives and made more than 300,000 people homeless.

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 so-called Pacific. Ring of Fire. The Santa Maria crater was formed after its eruption in 1902. About 6,000 people died then. The last eruption occurred in March 2011.

5. Ulawun Volcano (Papua New Guinea)


The Ulawun volcano, located in the New Guinea region, began erupting at the beginning of the 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 2010.

6. Galeras Volcano (Colombia)




The Galeras Volcano is located near the border of Ecuador in Colombia. One of the most active volcanoes in Colombia, it has erupted systematically over the past 1000 years.
The first documented volcanic eruption occurred in 1580. This volcano is considered the most dangerous because of its sudden eruptions. Along the eastern slope of the volcano is the city of Paphos (Pasto). Paphos is home to 450,000 people.
In 1993, six seismologists and three tourists died during a volcanic eruption.
Since then, the volcano has erupted every year, claiming thousands of lives and making many people homeless. The last volcanic eruption occurred in January 2010.

7. Sakurajima Volcano (Japan)




Until 1914, this volcanic mountain was located on a separate island in close proximity to Kyushu. After the volcano erupted in 1914, a lava flow connected the mountain to the Ozumi Peninsula (Japan). The volcano was named Vesuvius of the East.
He serves as a threat to the 700,000 people of Kagoshima City.
Since 1955, eruptions have occurred every year.
The government even built a refugee camp for the people of Kagoshima so they could find shelter during the volcanic eruption.
The last eruption of the volcano occurred on August 18, 2013.


8. Nyiragongo (DR Congo)




It is one of the most active, active volcanoes in the African region. The volcano is located in Democratic Republic Congo. The volcano has been monitored since 1882. Since the start of observations, 34 eruptions have been recorded.
A crater in the mountain serves as a holder for magma fluid. In 1977, a major eruption occurred, neighboring villages were burned by streams of hot lava. Average speed The lava flow was 60 kilometers per hour. Hundreds of people died. The most recent eruption occurred in 2002, leaving 120,000 people homeless.




This volcano is a caldera - the formation of a pronounced round shape with a flat bottom.
The volcano is located in Yellow national park United States.
This volcano has not erupted for 640,000 years.
The question arises: How can it be an active volcano?
There are claims that 640,000 years ago, this super volcano erupted.
This eruption changed the terrain and covered half of the United States in ash.
According to various estimates, the volcanic eruption cycle is 700,000 - 600,000 years. Scientists expect this volcano to erupt at any time.
This volcano could destroy life on Earth.