Where are there volcanoes on earth? The largest volcano in the world
Volcanoes, for all their danger, are one of the most beautiful and majestic wonders of nature. Active volcanoes look especially beautiful at night. But this beauty brings death to everything around. Lava, volcanic bombs, pyroclastic flows consisting of hot volcanic gases, ash and stones can wipe out even large cities from the face of the earth. Humanity has seen the incredible power of volcanoes during the notorious eruption of Vesuvius, which destroyed the ancient Roman cities of Herculaneum, Pompeii and Stabiae. And there are many such examples in history.
The largest volcanoes in the world - today we’ll talk about these dangerous but beautiful giants. Our list includes volcanoes varying degrees activity – from conditionally sleeping to active ones. The main selection criterion was their size.
Height 5,230 meters
The ranking of the largest volcanoes on Earth opens with an active stratovolcano located in Ecuador. Its height is 5230 meters. The top of the volcano consists of three craters with a diameter of 50 to 100 meters. Sangay is one of the youngest and most restless volcanoes in South America. Its first eruption occurred in 1628. The last one took place in 2007. Now the volcanic activity of the giant from the Equator is assessed as moderate. Tourists who visit the Sangay National Park, where the volcano is located, can climb to its peak.
Height 5,455 meters
In 9th place among the largest volcanoes in the world is. It is located in the Mexican Highlands. The height of the volcano is 5455 meters. Even in a calm state, the volcano is constantly shrouded in a cloud of gases and ash. Its danger lies in the fact that there are densely populated areas around the volcano, and Mexico City is located 60 kilometers from it. The last eruption of the giant occurred quite recently - on March 27, 2016, it threw out a kilometer-long column of ash. The next day Popocatepetl calmed down. If the Mexican giant erupts strongly, it will threaten the safety of several million people.
Height 5,642 meters
There are large volcanoes in Europe. In the North Caucasus there is a stratovolcano, the height of which is 5642 meters. This is the highest peak in Russia. Elbrus is one of the seven highest mountain peaks on the planet. Scientists have different opinions about the activity of the giant. Some consider him an extinct volcano, while others are damped. Sometimes Elbrus becomes the center of small earthquakes. In some places on its surface, sulfur dioxide gases emerge from cracks. Scientists who believe that Elbrus may wake up in the future express the opinion that the nature of its eruption will be explosive.
Height 5,675 meters
The seventh place in the list of the largest volcanoes on Earth is occupied by the highest peak of Mexico. The height of the volcano is 5675 meters. It last erupted in 1687. Now Orizaba is considered a dormant volcano. From its top, stunning panoramic views open up. In order to protect the volcano, a reserve was created.
Height 5,822 meters
In 6th place on the list of the largest volcanoes is located in the south of Peru. Its height is 5822 meters. Misti is an active volcano. It last erupted in 1985. In January 2016, an increase in fumarole activity was observed on the volcano - steam and gas vents appeared. This is one of the signs of an impending eruption. In 1998, six Inca mummies were found near the inner crater of the volcano.
An interesting fact is that many buildings in the city of Arequipa, located 17 kilometers from the volcano, are built from white deposits of the Misti pyroclastic flows. That's why Arequipa is called the "White City".
Height 5,895 meters
The fifth place among the largest volcanoes on the planet is occupied by the highest point of the African continent -. Scientists have concluded that this giant stratovolcano, 5895 meters high, is potentially active. Now it periodically releases gases and there is a possibility of the crater of the volcano collapsing, which could trigger an eruption. There is no documentary evidence of Kilimanjaro's activity, but there are local legends that speak of an eruption that occurred about 200 years ago.
Height 5,897 meters
In fourth place on the list of the largest volcanoes on Earth is the second largest peak of Ecuador. This is an active volcano with a height of 5897 meters. The first time its activity was recorded was in 1534. Since then, the volcano has erupted more than 50 times. Kotpahi's last major eruption occurred in August 2015.
Height 6,145 meters
An active stratovolcano located in Chile, it ranks 3rd among the largest volcanoes in the world. Its height is 6145 meters. The last volcanic eruption occurred in 1960.
Height 4,205 meters
The second place among the largest volcanoes in the world is occupied by the volcano located on Hawaiian Islands. In terms of volume, it is the largest volcano on Earth, containing more than 32 cubic kilometers of magma. The giant was formed more than 700 thousand years ago. Mauna Loa is an active volcano. In 1984, its eruption lasted almost a month and caused enormous damage to local residents and the area surrounding the volcano.
Height 6,739 meters
In first place among the largest volcanoes in the world is the active Startvolcano. It is located on the border of Argentina and Chile. Its height is 6739 meters. The giant's last eruption took place in 1877. Now it is in the solfata stage - from time to time the volcano emits sulfur dioxide gases and water vapor. In 1952, during the first ascent of Llullaillaco, an ancient Inca sanctuary was found. Later, archaeologists discovered three child mummies on the slopes of the volcano. Most likely they were sacrificed.
This is interesting. The Yellowstone caldera, which measures approximately 55 km by 72 km, is called a supervolcano. It is located in Yellowstone National Park USA. The volcano has not been active for 640 thousand years. Under its crater there is a bubble of magma more than 8 thousand meters deep. During its existence, the supervolcano erupted three times. Each time this caused major cataclysms that changed the appearance of the Earth at the site of the eruption. It is impossible to predict when the supervolcano will wake up again. Only one thing can be said with certainty: a cataclysm of this magnitude can bring the existence of our civilization to the brink.
A volcanic eruption is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena, which attracts a person’s attention, despite considerable danger. A particularly impressive picture is obtained when observing a night eruption. But for the surrounding wildlife, volcanoes initially bring death. Flowing lava, pyroclastic flows, and volcanic bombs can easily destroy nearby human settlements.
1. Llullaillaco, Argentina and Chile (6739 m)
This active volcano is located on the Chilean-Argentine border, in the Peruvian Andes, in the Western Cordillera range. Like several other very high volcanoes, it is located in perhaps the driest Atacama Desert in the world, on the high mountain plateau of Puna de Atacama. Its top is covered with eternal snow. Its last explosive eruption occurred in 1877, and it is now in the solfataric stage. Interestingly, in 1999, three mummified children’s bodies were found near the top of the volcano; it is believed that the Incas sacrificed them here about 500 years ago.
2. San Pedro, Chile (6145 m)
This active Andean volcano is located in northern Chile, closer to the Bolivian border. It is located on the edge of the Atacama Desert, northeast of the city of Calama, in the province of El Loa. This stratovolcano is mainly composed of basalts, dacites and andesites. East of San Pedro is a similar volcano, San Pablo, which has a height of 6092 meters. A high saddle stretches between the volcanoes. San Pedro last time erupted in 1960. The documented first ascent of this peak in 1903 was made by the Frenchman George Corti and the Chilean Philemon Morales.
3. Cotopaxi, Ecuador (5897 m)
The active Cotopaxi volcano is the highest in Ecuador and the second highest peak in that country. This is one of highest peaks the western extremity of the South American ridge of the Eastern Cordillera. This superactive volcano erupted approximately 50 times after 1738, but went quiet for a long time in 1877. Finally, after more than a century, Cotopaxi erupted again in 2015. Translated from the Quechua language, the name of the volcano can be translated as “smoking mountain.” Its first recorded eruption occurred in 1534, with major ones occurring in 1532, 1742, 1768, 1864 and 1877. Until 1940, there was little activity.
In 1768, the most destructive eruption of Cotopaxi occurred. A huge column of ash and steam rose from its mouth in early April, and on April 4, emissions of lava, sulfur and pyroclastic flows began. As a result strong earthquake the city of Latacunga and nearby settlements were completely destroyed. Products of the volcano explosion were later found hundreds of kilometers away, including on the shore Pacific Ocean and in the Amazon basin.
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4. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (5895 m)
Africa's highest peak, Kilimanjaro, is a potential stratovolcano. The mountain is located in the northeast of Tanzania near the Masai plateau, which itself is raised 900 m above sea level. Volcanologists discovered in 2003 that magma is located under the crater of the main peak of the Kibo volcano at a depth of only 400 m. Now the volcano is only emitting gases and so far there is nothing indicating the proximity of an eruption. But there is an opinion that the dome of the volcano may collapse, and then a catastrophe similar to what happened during the eruption of Mount St. Helens could occur. In the past, ground shifts and landslides have already been observed on Kibo, after one of which a “western gap” was formed. Human history does not remember the eruptions of Kilimanjaro, although local legends speak of the prehistoric activity of the now dormant volcano.
5. Misti, Peru (5822 m)
This South American volcano is located in southern Peru. In winter, its top is covered with snow. Misty is active volcano, in 1985 its last, rather weak, eruption was noted. The shape of the cone suggests that Misti is an ordinary stratovolcano, the eruptions of which alternate between the outpouring of lava and explosions with the release of pyroclastic flows and clouds of ash. The volcano has three concentric craters. According to research by volcanologists, over the last century there have been five weak eruptions of this volcano. But in the 15th century, residents of the city of Arequipa were forced to flee due to the strong eruption of Misti. Not far from the inner crater in 1998, 6 mummified bodies of the Incas and a number of artifacts were found.
6. Orizaba, Mexico (5675 m)
This Mexican volcano is the most... high point country and third in the whole North America. It belongs to the stratovolcanoes, and its eruptions were recorded in 1537, 1566, 1569, 1613, 1630 and 1687. The last eruption occurred in 1846, which proves that this volcano is one of the most active. From its top you can clearly see the city of Orizaba with a population of more than 117 thousand people and the valley below.
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7. Elbrus, Russia (5642 m)
Most high mountain on the territory modern Russia is the Caucasian stratovolcano Elbrus. Its slopes are covered with glaciers, the melt water from which feeds largest rivers Stavropol Territory and the Caucasus - Malku, Kuban and Baksan. These places are very well populated, the transport infrastructure is developed here, so the surroundings of Elbrus are very popular among supporters various types active recreation (tourists, climbers, skiers). True, even scientists themselves cannot firmly say whether Elbrus is an extinct or still active volcano. Perhaps he will someday wake up from long hibernation, or maybe a new volcano will grow somewhere nearby.
The fact that life still glimmers in the depths of Elbrus is evidenced by the fact that in its vicinity there are many thermal springs, the most famous of them is Jila-Su, in which the water has a temperature of +24 degrees. If hot water constantly bursting from underground - this means that deep in the depths of the volcanic processes continue. In addition, people measured the soil temperature at an altitude of 5621 m (almost at the top), and it turned out to be +21 degrees, while the surrounding air was -20 degrees. That's why green moss grows in some areas here. This is also clear evidence of weak volcanic activity. A number of scientists suggest that in a few hundred, and perhaps thousands of years, Elbrus will wake up again.
8. Popocatepetl, Mexico (5426 m)
This is an active Mexican volcano, whose name is formed by two words from the Nahuatl language: “popoka” means “smoking”, and “tepetl” means “hill”. This is one of the most active Mexican volcanoes. After the beginning of the Spanish colonization of Mexico, it produced over 20 powerful eruptions. Many of its glaciers did not survive until the beginning of the new millennium; instead, in some places there were layers of ice that lava had not yet reached. This even changed the local climate. The volcano began to erupt especially often after 1994, and its last eruption occurred in 2015. A powerful eruption occurred in 2005, when volcanic bombs rose 3 kilometers into the air. In May 2013 there was also a strong eruption, then debris flew 700 m from the crater.
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9. Sangay, Ecuador (5230 m)
This active stratovolcano is located in South America, on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Ecuador. According to scientists, it appeared only 14 thousand years ago. Its first eruption was recorded in 1628, and the last one occurred quite recently - in 2016. After 1934, the volcano began to erupt especially frequently. Its name can be translated as “frightening” or “frightening.” At the top of the volcano there are three craters with diameters of 50-100 meters. Moreover, they are all active.
10. Tolima, Colombia (5215 m)
The Tolima stratovolcano is located in the Colombian department of the same name and is surrounded by national park Los Nevados. This is also a fairly young volcano, about 40 thousand years old. A funnel-shaped crater with a depth of 200-300 m appeared in it quite recently - around 1926. During the Holocene era, this volcano experienced explosive eruptions that varied in power: there were both moderate and Plinian ones. The largest eruption occurred here about 3600 years ago. As for the two last centuries, then only small volcanic explosions were recorded. Over the past decades appearance The volcano mainly changes due to the movement of glaciers along its slopes. This, in turn, is accompanied by noticeable seismicity and surface activity.
Volcanic activity is one of the forces of nature that can change the face of the Earth. And at the moment, underground forces continue their titanic work. Created from many layers of lava, monstrous in size, largest volcanoes in the world lurking under the surface of the water or hanging over nearby cities.
Which ones are considered the largest? Scientists have not yet come to a consensus. Some believe that the rating should be based on altitude above sea level. Others say that it is necessary to take into account the area over which lava flows spread, forming a new surface. The third is that the human factor is most important: the danger to human settlements.
The highest volcano in Europe is located on the island of Sicily and is still active. The last eruption began on December 25, 2018. Due to frequent eruptions, it is impossible to accurately determine its height - it is constantly changing. For example, over the past 30 years, Etna has “lost” more than 20 meters in height. Currently it rises above the island at 3295 m.
The mountain is famous for its bad character - its slopes are dotted with craters, from where lava steadily pours out every couple of months. About once a century, eruptions occur on a larger scale, posing a direct danger to human settlements inhabiting the slopes. However, this does not stop stubborn people - due to frequent eruptions, the soil on the slopes of the mountain is rich in elements useful for plants, allowing them to reap large harvests.
9. Erebus - 3794 meters
If other volcanoes are located in the inhabited part of the world, then Erebus is located on the uninhabited continent of Antarctica. This is the largest active volcano in the southern polar region. Despite the lifeless ice expanses surrounding it, Erebus leads very active life. And him geographical location– exactly above several faults earth's crust– contributes a lot to this.
Even though people don’t live near Erebus, it still affects their lives in a negative way. From the depths of the volcano, streams of gases contained within the Earth periodically burst out, mainly methane and hydrogen, which destroy the ozone layer. It is believed that the thinnest ozone sea is exactly in the area where the volcano is active.
8. Klyuchevskaya Sopka - 4835 meters
Like Etna, the height of Klyuchevsky volcano is constantly changing. Although it lost about 15 meters after the eruption five years ago, it still remains the highest active volcano in Russia and Asia.
Although, compared to other peaks of Kamchatka, Klyuchevskogo Volcano loses in frequency, it successfully compensates for this in power. For example, the 1938 eruption lasted 13 months and caused the formation of several craters up to 1900 m high. And the 1980 eruption tore off and threw into the air to a height of more than 500 m a block of ice with an area of at least half a kilometer.
But the most spectacular and most terrible eruption was in 1994, when an impressive column of ash more than 12 km high rose above the volcano, and a plume of volcanic ash extended from the eruption site for many tens of kilometers and disappeared somewhere in the ocean.
7. Orizaba - 5636 meters
“The top of the volcano must touch the sky itself,” the ancient Incas probably thought and gave it the name Citlaltepetl, or “Star Mountain.” It is the tallest active volcano in North and Central America, and the third highest peak in the region. It can be seen from afar - many miles from the coast, the cone of Orizaba can be seen from the side of a ship traveling through the Gulf of Mexico to the port of Veracruz.
Although the volcano is now sleeping, its calmness is deceptive - it led a very active existence from the moment the conquistadors came to these places until the 19th century, and in recent years a station located at its foot recorded constant internal activity.
6. Elbrus - 5642 meters
The most high mountain at the same time it is the largest volcano in Russia and Europe. Glaciers descending from the snow-covered surface give rise to several significant rivers, feeding the plains of the Caucasus region.
In addition to its beauty, the snow-white cone with two peaks and a small saddle between them is distinguished by its meek and peaceful character. Elbrus has been dormant for a long time, and its last eruption was more than 5,000 years ago. Despite the external severity, climbing Elbrus is easy and simple - the climbing routes to the top of the sleeping patriarch are among the easiest.
5. Kilimanjaro - 5885 meters
Magnificently handsome Kilimanjaro - business card Africa, its largest volcano. The sleeping giant is actually three volcanic cones that are visible from almost anywhere in neighboring Tanzania and Kenya.
Unlike many of the volcanoes in the ranking, Kilimanjaro is the most famous volcano in the world, a typical stratovolcano. If you ask a child to draw him, most likely he will draw conical shape a mountain, from the top of which ash, burning gases and very viscous lava erupt, which quickly hardens, growing the cone higher and higher. This is a stratovolcano. The size of Kilimanjaro is 4800 km3, and its height is 5885 m. The last time the volcano was active was at the dawn of mankind - 360,000 years ago.
4. Ojos del Salado - 6,893 meters
If the second and third places in the ranking are the largest volcanoes in the world, if you count from the seabed, then Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano in the world located above the surface of the sea. It rises 6,893 m above the ground. The giant mountain is located on the border between Argentina and Chile.
Although the last active volcanic eruption occurred before the invention of writing by mankind - no data about it has been preserved - however, Ojos del Salado cannot be called sleeping in the full sense of the word. In the depths of a huge mountain, a mysterious hidden work seems to be taking place, the echo of which reaches the inhabitants of the earth in the form of clouds of steam and ash. The last such activity took place as recently as 1993.
3. Mauna Loa - 9800 meters
Mauna Loa – underwater volcano, the top of which (together with five others) gave rise to the Big Island of the Hawaiian archipelago. The size of Mauna Loa is 40,000 km3, the area is 75,000 m2, and the height (if you count from the seabed) is as much as 9,800 m. And it is the highest active volcano in the world - the last eruption of Mauna Loa was only 34 years ago, in 1984 year. In just the last 170 years, Mauna Loa has frightened people with its activity, throwing out lava 33 times.
2. Mauna Kea - 10058 meters
“Sister” Mauna Loa rises almost 4267 m above sea level. Doesn't seem like much, right? However, there is more potential hidden in Mauna Kea than meets the eye - its foundation lies deep under the water column at a depth of more than 6000 m. This makes Mauna Kea. If it were entirely located on land, it would break the record of all the highest volcanoes in the world, beating the “terrestrial” favorite Ojos del Salado by almost 3000 m.
The summit of Mauna Kea has very low humidity and almost never clouds - now home to one of the largest observatories in the world.
Mauna Kea arose above the earth's hot spot - a place where hot and molten magma rises up from the Earth's mantle layer. Over millions of years, the outward molten rock created the surface of the entire Hawaiian archipelago. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano; this means that it has been inactive for more than 4,000 years, and the hot spot for magma reaching the surface has shifted. However, inaction does not mean that he will doze forever.
1. The largest volcano in the world: Tamu Massif - 4000 meters
“How, just 4000 meters - and the largest volcano in the world?” - the reader may be indignant. Yes, Tamu's height is not very impressive. But let's take a closer look at it from all sides.
Most of the largest natural objects in the world were discovered by humanity long ago, at the dawn of its existence. But the Tamu Massif - the largest volcano on planet Earth - for many years managed to hide from people.
It is amazing that humanity knew more about the huge volcanoes on Mars than about the giant mountain under our very nose. The reason for this is both the remote location (it is located more than 1,600 km east of Japan) and the depth. Its top is immersed in the thickness of the World Ocean for 2000 km. It was only in 2013 that scientists discovered that the stunning mountain of lava on the ocean floor was actually a single volcano.
Its volume is approximately 2.5 million km3, and its area is more than 311 km2. Fortunately, it has been dormant for a long time - Tamu's last eruption was about 144 million years ago.
The most dangerous volcano in the world
The Yellowstone supervolcano is considered the most active and dangerous today. Located in a US national park, it poses a huge threat not only to the state of Wyoming, but to the entire planet. It is believed that the eruption of the Yellowstone Volcano could lead to climate change throughout the Earth.
As a result of the disaster, more than 70% of the US territory will be destroyed. Magma and ash will cover the area with a 3-meter layer. Losses will amount to more than 10 million lives, and the territory will become uninhabitable due to high level radiation.
Today, visiting the park is limited; entry into some areas is completely prohibited. Scientists are carefully examining the caldera; an eruption may begin in the coming decades.
Cities and even entire states were destroyed. Today, the Earth's volcanoes 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 know and understand what happens to the fire-breathing mountain during an eruption, how this process occurs, what precedes it, forces scientists to climb dangerous slopes, approaching the craters where the elements are raging.
Today, volcanologists have united in international organization(IAVCEI). It carefully monitors possible eruptions that could pose a threat to human life. Today there is a list that contains the names of 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)
It was not by chance that we decided to start our review with this mountain. Volcano Etna, 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 mountains. Other active mountains of the country are located at this break - Vesuvius, Stromboli, Vulcano. Scientists claim that in ancient times (15-35 thousand years ago), the Etna volcano, photos of which are often published in special publications, was distinguished by explosive eruptions that left vast layers of lava. In the 21st century, Etna erupted more than 10 times, fortunately, without loss of life.
It is difficult to accurately determine the height of this mountain, since its highest point changes due to frequent eruptions. They usually happen after a few months. Etna occupies a huge area (1250 sq. km). After lateral eruptions, Etna had 400 craters. On average, the volcano ejects lava every three to four months. It is potentially dangerous in the event of a powerful eruption. Thanks to the latest scientific developments, scientists hope to determine in time increased activity mountains.
Sakurajima (Japan)
Experts consider Earth's volcanoes to be active if they have been active in the last 3,000 years. This Japanese volcano has been continuously active since 1955. It belongs to the first category. In other words, an eruption could start at any time. A not very strong lava eruption was observed in February 2009. Residents of the city of Kagoshima are almost constantly accompanied by anxiety. Teachings and equipped shelters have become firmly established in their everyday life.
Researchers have installed web cameras above the crater, so Sakurajima is under constant surveillance. It must be said that volcanoes on the islands can change the terrain. This happened in Japan when Sakurajima erupted in 1924. Powerful tremors warned the city of danger; most residents managed to leave their homes and evacuate.
After this, the volcano named Sakurajima (which means “sakura island”) can no longer be called an island. Huge number lava formed an isthmus that connected the mountain with the island of Kyushu. And for 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 attraction for extreme sports enthusiasts is actually a dangerous volcano, which erupted in 2011. large number lava and ash that covered an area of 100 kilometers. Since that moment, more than 2,500 powerful tremors have been registered. This suggests that at any moment he can destroy a nearby village.
Vesuvius (Italy)
Wherever volcanoes are located - on continents or on islands, they are equally dangerous. Vesuvius is very powerful, and therefore very dangerous. It is one of the three active ones. Scientists have information about 80 major eruptions of this mountain. The worst thing happened in 79. Then the cities of Pompeii, Stabia, and Herculaneum were completely destroyed.
One of the last powerful eruptions occurred 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 school curriculum, we learn about others from newspapers, and only specialists know about others. Colima is perhaps the most dangerous and powerful in the world. It last erupted in June 2005. Then a 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. Its height is 4,625 m. It is considered extinct, and the other peak is an active volcano. It is called Volcán de Fuego de Colima - “ Fire Volcano" Its height is 3,846 m. Local residents nicknamed it the Mexican Vesuvius.
It has erupted more than 40 times since 1576. And today it is extremely dangerous not only for residents of nearby cities, but for all of Mexico.
Galeras (Colombia)
Often the name of volcanoes is directly related to the area in which the mountain is located. But the name Galeras has nothing to do with the nearby town of Pasto.
This is a huge and powerful volcano. Its height reaches 4276 meters. The diameter of the base is more than 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 lies the small town of Pasto. In August 2010, its residents had to be urgently evacuated due to a violent eruption. A state of emergency has been declared in the region highest degree. Authorities sent more than 400 police officers to the area to provide assistance to citizens.
Scientists claim that over the past 7 thousand years the volcano has awakened at least 6 times. Moreover, all the eruptions were very powerful. When conducting research work in 1993, six geologists died in the crater. At this time, another eruption began. In 2006, residents of surrounding villages were evacuated due to the threat of a strong lava eruption.
Elbrus Volcano
On the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria there is the highest point in Europe and, of course, Russia - Elbrus. WITH northern part The Greater Caucasus is connected by the Lateral Ridge. Elbrus volcano consists of two peaks that are approximately the same height. Its eastern part reaches 5621 m, and the western part - 5642 m.
This is a cone-shaped stratovolcano. Its layers are formed by flows of tuff, lava, and ash. The last eruptions of Elbrus were recorded 2500 years ago. Over time, it took on its current form. Few volcanoes on Earth can boast such a beautiful, “classic” cone-shaped shape. As a rule, craters are quickly destroyed by erosion. The beauty of Elbrus is protected by its mantle of ice and snow. It doesn’t go down even in summer, which is why the volcano is nicknamed Little Antarctica.
Despite the fact that it has been reminiscent of itself for quite a long time, experts observing its current condition and level of activity do not consider it to be extinct. They call the mountain "sleeping". The volcano is active (fortunately, not destructive yet). Hot masses are still stored in its depths. They “warm up” known sources. Their temperature reaches +52 °С and +60 ºС. Leaks through cracks onto the surface
Today Elbrus is a unique natural area, most valuable scientific base. During Soviet times, events were held here scientific research, and now houses 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 emergency evacuation. In addition, there are two more major cities- Tlaxcala de Xicotencatl and Puebla. This restless volcano also makes their residents nervous. Emissions of sulfur, gas, stones and dust occur almost every month. Only for last decade The volcano erupted three times.
Mauna Loa Volcano (USA, Hawaii)
This is the largest “fire mountain” on Earth by volume. Together with the underwater part, it is 80,000 cubic meters. km! The southeastern slope and summit are part of national park"Hawaiian Volcanoes"
There is a volcanological station on Mauna Loa. Research and constant observations have been carried out since 1912. The solar and atmospheric observatories are also located here.
The last eruption occurred in 1984. The height of the mountain above sea level is 4,169 meters.
Nyiragongo (Congo)
As already noted, the names of volcanoes may not always be known to ordinary citizens living on another continent. This does not make the mountain any less dangerous. Specialists monitor its activities and promptly report on increased activity.
Next on our list is the active volcano Nyiragongo, whose height is 3469 meters. It is located in the central part of the African continent, in the Virunga Mountains. The volcano is considered the most dangerous in Africa. It is partially connected to the more ancient mountains of 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)
Our review list ends with 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 top is made up of two volcanic craters.
We have presented you with the most famous volcanoes. The list of them, of course, is incomplete, because, according to scientists, there are more than 600 active mountains alone. In addition, every year 1-2 new volcanoes appear on Earth.
Volcanoes have always evoked a lot of emotions in people - from panic horror and fear to admiration and admiration for the incredible power of nature. Volcanic peaks are located almost throughout the planet and regularly make themselves felt by spewing tons of ash into the air. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the ranking of the top 10 highest active volcanoes, each of which is distinguished by its grandeur and unpredictability.
Sangay, 5230 meters
Located in Ecuador, on the territory of the park of the same name, it is part of the Andes mountain system. The toponym is translated from Indian as “to scare”, and this is not surprising - Sangay is one of the most restless volcanoes on the continent. Sangai has three huge craters, which is unusual for andesitic stratovolcanoes. According to researchers, the volcano was formed about 14 thousand years ago. Since 1934, Sangai has erupted regularly, the last time the maximum peak of activity was recorded in 2016. Around the volcano there are rare representatives of the fauna: ocelots, pumas, tapirs, Andean bears and porcupines.
Popocatepetl, 5426 meters
It is an active volcano, located in Mexico, part of the Cordillera mountain system. Translated from the local language, the toponym translates as “smoking hill” and is located next to another volcano - Iztaccihuatl. The most famous ancient history was written about these peaks. literary work- the legend of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. The first ascent was made in 1519 by Diego de Ordaz.
Elbrus, 5642 meters
The peak is located in Russia and is part of the Caucasus mountain system. Elbrus is located on the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The toponym translates as “high mountain,” “mountain of a thousand mountains,” or “towering.” More than 20 glaciers lie on the slopes of Elbrus total area 134 km. sq., 9 km long. They feed the largest Caucasian rivers - Kuban, Malka and Baksan. Elbrus is divided into two parts - a bulk cone and a pedestal. According to scientists, the growth of Elbrus from the eruptions was about 2 thousand meters. The last eruption of the stratovolcano occurred 5120 years ago, since then nothing has been heard about its activity. The first ascent of Elbrus took place on July 22, 1829 (eastern peak), 1874 (western peak). For the first time, a Russian expedition arrived at the foot of the volcano in 1913 for scientific purposes.
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Orizaba, 5675 meters
The second name is Sitlaltepetl, which means “star-mountain”. Orizaba is the highest Mexican peak and is located in the Cordillera mountain system. Geographically, the volcano is located on the territory of two states - Puebla and Veracruz. The stratovolcano is relatively dormant today and last erupted in 1846. A total of 27 periods of activity were recorded, including in the mid-16th and 17th centuries. Orizaba has always been for the Incas sacred mountain, with which many legends and myths were associated. Since 1936, a reserve was created on the volcano to protect Orizaba from unauthorized ascents. Every year hundreds of climbers arrive here, for whom many routes of varying degrees of difficulty are laid out. Most favorable time The period for climbing to the top is from mid-autumn to early spring.
El Misti, 5822 meters
Located in South America, territorially belonging to Peru, in the winter months it is almost completely covered with snow. 17 km from the stratovolcano is the small town of Arequipa, whose population is more than 1 million people. In the country locality known as the “White City” due to the fact that most of the buildings were erected from snow-white deposits of volcanic origin. The Chile River flows past El Misti, and to the south of the peak there is another volcano - Pichu Pichu. The last eruption was recorded in 1985; in just a century, activity occurred 5 times. In the 16th century, the residents of Arequipa had to leave the city due to an extremely violent eruption, with huge emissions of ash. At the end of the 20th century, mummified remains of the ancient Incas and a number of valuable artifacts were discovered on the slopes of El Misti. All found bodies and household items are kept today in the Museum of the Andean Sanctuaries.
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Kilimanjaro, 5895 meters
The African stratovolcano is located in Tanzania and is classified by scientists as active. Kilimanjaro is the highest point of the Dark Continent, and from 1902 to 1918 the volcano was named Kaiser Wilhelm Summit. The mountain is almost completely covered with snow, which glistens under the bright African sun. That is why Kilimandajro means “sparkling peak” in the local language. In ancient times, the tribes living at the foot considered the mountain holy and, without climbing it, were sure that Kilimanjaro was covered with silver. After some time, the leader sent a detachment of daredevils to the top, who discovered that the “silver” was melting in their hands, then the volcano was given another name: “the abode of the god of cold.” There have been no documented eruptions at Kilimanjaro, but scientists believe the last activity occurred approximately 200,000 years ago. The first conquest of Kilimanjaro took place in 1889
Cotopaxi, 5897 meters
The toponym is translated from Quechua as “shiny mountain.” Cotopaxi is located in South America, on the territory of Ecuador and is the second highest peak in the country. The volcano belongs to the Eastern Cordillera ridge, has a crater measuring 550 by 800 meters and almost half a kilometer deep. During the period from 1738 to the present day, a total of about 50 eruptions were recorded, the penultimate one occurring in 1877. However, after 140 years, on August 15, 2015, Cotopaxi began to show signs of activity again. The first explorer of the volcano was the German Alexander von Humboldt and the Frenchman Aimé Bonpland, but they never conquered the peak. A man climbed to the top of Cotopaxi in 1872. The German geologist Wilhelm Reiss managed to do this, and a year later - the volcanologist and naturalist Moritz Alfons Stübel, also a native of Germany. The history of eruptions looks like this: the first recorded one was 1534, then 1742, 1768, 1864, 1877, but until 1940, ash emissions were periodically observed.
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San Pedro, 6145 meters
Considered one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, it is located in the Atacama Desert, in the El Loa province, Antofagastan region of Chile. Not far from the top there is another attraction - the San Pablo volcano, connected to San Pedro by a high saddle. By type of formation, San Pedro is a stratovolcano and is represented by such formations as dacites, andesites and basalts. The relative height of the peak is 2014 meters, the most recent recorded eruption was observed in 1960. The first time a person climbed San Pedro was on July 16, 1903. The climbers were Chilean Philemon Morales and Frenchman George Corti.
Llullallaco, 6739 meters
Located in the Western Coldillera, on the border between Argentina and Chile, on the plateau of the world's highest volcanoes - Puna de Atacama. At the very top there is perpetual glaciation, and the last eruption was observed here in 1877, although today Llullallaco is in a state of relative peace. The volcano is considered the highest of all active ones and is a cone that continues to grow. The first ascent was made on December 1, 1952 by Billon Gonzalez and Juan Harzeim. The summit is an archaeological site on the territory of which burials of Inca children were discovered at the end of the 20th century. Three mummies, believed to be 4, 5 and 13 years old, were sacrificed about 5 centuries ago.
Ojos del Salado, 6893 meters
Translated from Spanish, the name means “salty eyes.” Is the most high volcano on Earth, located in South America, on the Chilean-Argentine border, belongs to the Andes mountain system. To the west of the summit is the famous Atacama Desert. At an altitude of 6400 meters, on the eastern slope of the crater there is the highest lake in the world of incredible beauty. Although Ojos del Salado has not shown any signs of life for a long time, minor activity was observed in 1937, 1956 and 1993. The peak was first conquered by a man in 1937. The discoverers were two Polish climbers - Jan Szczepanski and Justyn Wojznis. Scientists have more than once found the remains of sacrificial altars on the volcano, presumably dating back to the Inca civilization.
