Where are the most volcanoes located? The most dangerous volcanoes on earth. Description with names

Volcanoes of the world are of great interest not only to geologists, but also to ordinary people. Their role is very important both for the climate and for various processes occurring within the earth’s crust. The most large volcanoes scattered all over to the globe.

The volcano is a mountain with a hole at the top - a crater. A volcano is formed when a powerful flow of magma erupts from the deep layers of the planet. This movement of magma is called a volcanic eruption. Eruptions are often accompanied by explosions due to the presence of flammable gases in the magma.

Planet Earth consists of several layers:

Earth's crust;
upper mantle;
lower mantle;
core.

In the direction from the earth's crust to the core, the temperature increases and reaches such high levels at which rocks begin to melt, forming liquid magma. The upper mantle is the layer in which magma is formed. The lithospheric plates of the earth's crust move across the surface of these liquid rocks.

As they move, faults form at plate boundaries, which leads to the emergence of volcanoes. Therefore, the formation of volcanoes occurs precisely in places of active internal movements of the Earth.

Based on their shape, volcanoes are divided into the following categories:

Thyroid- flat volcanoes: frozen, spread lava resembles the shape of a shield.
Stratovolcanoes- volcanoes with the classic shape of a mountain with a hole at the top - a crater.
Gaps and cracks- faults in the earth's crust with liquid lava coming out of them.
Calderas (supervolcanoes)- depressions formed by the failure of a volcanic mountain into the earth's crust.
Dome volcanoes- volcanoes with frozen pieces of lava above the vent in the form of a dome.
Slag cones- volcanoes with a cone shape. Pieces of slag solidify around the vent, forming a cone. Thus, the volcano “grows” higher and higher.
Complex volcanoes- combinations of several types of volcanoes.

There is also a conditional division of all volcanoes according to the degree of their activity:

active;
conditionally active;
sleeping.

There is also a classification based on the place of origin.

They are:

ground;
underwater.

Large volcanoes of Russia

The world's volcanoes (the largest can be easily found on a special map) are scattered across many countries. Russia is no exception: many volcanoes are located here.

Here are just a few of them:

Information about Russian volcanoes is given in the table:

Volcano name	Location	Altitude above sea level, m
Karymskaya Sopka	Kamchatka	1468
Nameless	Kamchatka	2882
Klyuchevskaya Sopka	Kamchatka	4835
Zhupanovskaya Sopka	Kamchatka	2923
Elbrus	Caucasus Mountains	5642
Shiveluch	Kamchatka	3307
Kronotskaya Sopka	Kamchatka	3528
Tolbachik	Kamchatka	3682
Ichinskaya Sopka	Kamchatka	3621
Karymshina	Kamchatka	1829
Sarycheva	Kurile Islands	1496
Tyatya	Kurile Islands	1819
Chikurachki	Kamchatka	1816

The largest active volcanoes on different continents of the Earth

Active volcanoes pose a huge danger to humanity. Several tons of fiery lava can bury entire cities. In addition, volcanic gases accompanying lava flow have a toxic effect on living organisms. Eruptions change the terrain, affect the climate, and can cause tsunamis.

The largest active volcanoes are located on different continents of the Earth:

South America;
Africa;
North America;
Antarctica.
Eurasia.

Examples of the largest operating giants:

Llullaillaco;
San Pedro;
El Misti;
Popocatepetl;
Sangay Volcano;
Klyuchevskaya Sopka;
Mauna Loa;
Cameroon;
Kerinci;
Erebus;
Etna;
Kilauea.

Which continent has no active volcanoes?

The world's volcanoes, the largest and even the smallest, are distributed over almost all continents of the planet.

Australia is a continent on which there are no active, conditionally active, or extinct volcanoes.

The reason for this lies in the relatively flat surface of the earth's crust, without cracks or faults. Australia is located almost in the central part of the Australian tectonic plate. Plate shifting processes do not occur here. Accordingly, there is no outlet for magma: faults in the crust cannot arise.

The largest volcanoes on the planet. Description, history

Volcanoes of the world of various sizes and shapes are distributed throughout the planet. If we do not take into account the likelihood of their eruptions and sad consequences, undoubtedly, these giants are the most majestic creations of nature. The largest of them have enormous dimensions: height and volume.

Since ancient times, volcanoes have been a special place for people. It’s not for nothing that the word itself is translated from Latin as “god of Fire” - Vulcan. People worshiped him, honored him and feared him. Songs were composed and pictures were painted about the most destructive and formidable ones. One of the famous paintings is “The Last Day of Pompeii” by the great artist Karl Bryullov.

Sangay

One of the most large volcanoes Sangay is located in South America, Ecuador.

Its height is 5230 m. A representative of stratovolcanoes, Sangay has 3 active craters. The name translates as “terrible”, “frightening”.

This is due to the high activity of the volcano and the destructiveness of its eruptions, the first being noted in 1628. The age of this volcano is considered small - 14 thousand years. The volcano's activity remains very high. The last eruption occurred in 2016. At the foot of Sangay lies beautiful park with the same name.

Popocatepetl

Another largest active giant is Popocatepetl. Translated it means “smoking hill”. Located in Mexico, near the capital - Mexico City. Height - 5426 m. It has a classic shape, a stratovolcano. In the same area there is another one - Iztaccihuatl (sleeping). There are many romantic legends about these two giants: for the residents, they personify two unhappy lovers.

Popocatepetl is located on mountain system- Cordillera. The foot of the volcano is densely covered with coniferous forest with rare and valuable trees. The middle zone of the volcano is conventionally called “dead”, and the top is covered with permafrost ice.

Popocatépetl is a favorite place for tourists who prefer extreme species recreation.

Elbrus

The largest volcano, Elbrus, is located in the Caucasus and is the most high point in Russia and Europe. Its height is 5642 m. The age of this stratovolcano is more than 1 million years. Thanks to glaciers, the color of the volcano at the top is dazzling white. Below are alpine meadows, and in the lowest part - coniferous forests.

Whether this is an active volcano or an extinct one, no one can say with certainty. Some say that it went out long ago, others say the opposite. And the main proof that the volcano is simply sleeping is that thermal springs, heated by the volcano, have a fairly high temperature.

From the depths of Elbrus flow mineral water resort towns such as:

Pyatigorsk;
Zheleznovodsk;
Kislovodsk

Orizaba

Orizaba (Citlaltepetl) - one of the highest peaks North America, it is located in Mexico. Its height is 5636 m. There have been no eruptions since 1846. However, the volcano did not completely go out. Orizaba is a representative of stratovolcanoes.

The top of the volcano is covered with glaciers forming a snow cap. Below are forests and alpine meadows: a variety of shrubs and plants. Orizaba - famous tourist centre, attracting millions of tourists every year.

El Misti

Another stratovolcano is El Misti, located in South America in Peru. Its height is 5822 m. It is considered an active volcano; you can see smoke flowing from its craters. But most of the time he sleeps. Misti has 3 craters, the largest of which is over 100 m in diameter.

The last eruption was in 1985. Despite this, some geologists believe that great danger threatens nearby cities in the near future. However, this does not stop the flow of tourists and lovers thrills. There are many routes to the top of this volcano tourist routes.

Kilimanjaro

The world's volcanoes, the largest in particular, are known to many lovers of natural phenomena. Probably everyone has heard at least once about the famous stratovolcano in Africa - Kilimanjaro. Its height is 5895 m, length - 97 km, width - 64 km. The age of the volcano is about 1 million years.

Kilimanjaro is considered an extinct volcano. However, scientists say that the volcano could wake up at any moment. Studies have shown that lava is very close to the earth's crust: at a distance of about 400 m. The last eruption was recorded about 200 years ago.

It is interesting that when climbing a volcano, a person will cross all 7 climatic zones of the Earth.

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world, located in Ecuador. Its height is 5897 m. It is also a stratovolcano. Located around the volcano national park with the same name. The last eruption was in August 2015.

The eruption that occurred in 1768 caused enormous damage to nearby settlements. Accompanied by a strong earthquake, as a result of which it was destroyed the whole city Latacunga.

Cotopaxi is often called the “face” of Ecuador. Crowds of tourists, photographers and travelers come here. The ideal shape of the volcano in the form of a cone with a smooth crater is the reason for frequent visits to this place.

San Pedro

The San Pedro volcano, located in Chile, is one of the ten largest. Its height is 6145 m. It is classified as a stratovolcano and is active. Consists of basalt and andesite rocks. The last eruption occurred about 60 years ago. Located next to another volcano - San Pablo. They are called twin brothers.

San Pedro attracts many tourists every year. But you should remember that when climbing to the top you must wear a mask that protects against toxic gases. The volcano does not sleep: gases are constantly being released outward.

Mauna Loa

The world's volcanoes, especially the largest, are of great interest to scientists and geologists. Mauna Loa is an example of such a volcano. This is an active shield volcano located in Hawaii. Its size is amazing: if you stand on the top, it is impossible to see the boundaries, since they are hidden behind the horizon. Height - 4169 m. There are 3 craters.

Age - about 1 million years. The last eruption was recorded in 1984. The eruptions of this giant are distinguished by their scale and destructiveness. The erupting streams of fire cause enormous material damage to the surrounding area. Therefore, the activity of the volcano is monitored by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Llullaillaco

The giant stratovolcano Llullaillaco is located between Chile and Argentina. The height of the volcano reaches 6739 m. It is considered active. The last activity was recorded in 1877.

In 1999, researchers, while climbing to the top, discovered 3 mummies of children. It has been suggested that they were sacrificed by the Incas more than half a century ago. The find was transferred to the museum, and the status of the volcano itself increased and acquired historical value.

Vesuvius

The only active volcano in continental Europe is Mount Vesuvius, located in southern Italy.

Height - 1281 m. Information about 80 eruptions has been confirmed, the last one was recorded in 1944. The eruptions are particularly destructive: the lava fountain rises to more than 800 m.

Vesuvius destroyed such famous cities, How:

Pompeii;
Herculaneum;
Stabia.

After 1944, the volcano has been relatively quiet, but smoke streaming from the crater can still be seen today. Vesuvius is " business card» Italy. Vacationers consider it their duty to visit this volcano and the national park located on its slopes.

Fujiyama

The active stratovolcano Fuji is located in Japan. Its height reaches 3776 m. It has a regular cone shape with a large crater (diameter - 500 m). The last eruption was in 1707. Today the volcano is not active. It has the shape of a perfect cone.

Fuji is the main attraction of Tokyo and the most high mountain Japan. She brought inspiration to many cultural figures, thanks to which many works of art were born. Scenic Spots its slopes attract crowds of tourists every year.

Etna

Etna is another large active stratovolcano located on east coast Sicily. Its height is 3350 m. It was formed on the border of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates.

In addition to the main crater at the top, there are also side craters located on the slopes, from which eruptions also occur. The age of the volcano is about 600 thousand years. A volcano formed in place of the sea, literally “rising” from the water. The last eruption occurred in 2017.

About once a century, volcanic activity destroys nearby villages. But despite the great danger this volcano poses, Sicilians are in no hurry to leave their homes on the slopes of the volcano. This is explained primarily by the presence of very fertile lands at the foot of the mountain.

Eyjafjallajökull

The Eyjafjallajökull stratovolcano is located in Iceland. Its height is 1666 m. It is composed of basalt and andesite rocks. The last eruption was observed in 2010. Considered valid.

The upper part of the volcano is covered with glaciers with an area of more than 100 square meters. km. This is where the name of the volcano comes from, meaning “glacier”. According to scientists, less than 1% of the world's population is able to pronounce the name of this volcano correctly.

Ojos del Salado

This is one of the highest volcanoes on Earth, located on the border between Argentina and Chile. Its height is 6893 m. At the foot of the mountain lies the Atacama Desert.

On one of the slopes there is the highest lake in the world. A representative of complex volcanoes: the shield-shaped base at the bottom turns into a cone at the top. The volcano is considered extinct, but emissions of gases and sulfur are still observed. The last eruption is believed to have been about 700 years ago.

It is noteworthy that in 2007, one of the Chilean athletes climbed to 6688 m in a car. This was recognized as a world record.

Yellowstone Caldera

Yellowstone Caldera is a supervolcano. Located in the USA, Wyoming. Unlike classical volcanoes, it is a caldera - a huge depression that arose due to previous eruptions.

The eruptions are also different for these volcanoes: the supervolcano is located above a fiery point of liquid magma, which melts all the surrounding rocks. The pressure increases and an explosion occurs. The Yellowstone caldera had 3 giant eruptions, the last of which was about 600 thousand years ago.

Yellowstone Caldera is the largest underground supervolcano in the world, which could destroy the United States if it erupts.

Today, the huge caldera is fraught with the danger of another explosion or eruption. The probability is very small, but still there. This could pose enormous damage to the United States. Therefore, special projects have been created to prevent such situations.

Tamu Massif

Tamu Massif - an underwater shield volcano in Pacific Ocean. The extinct Tamu Massif is one of the largest on Earth and in the entire solar system. Its height is about 4 km, and its dimensions are 600 by 450 km. Such huge dimensions have given rise to a number of assumptions that the Tamu Massif is not a volcano, but a volcanic system.

However, the hypothesis was not confirmed: the entire lava flow erupted from one crater. The last eruption was approximately 145 million years ago. The volcano's activity did not last long: it went extinct shortly after its formation.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka

Klyuchevskaya Sopka is one of the largest volcanoes in Kamchatka. It is an active stratovolcano. Its height is 4750 m. It was formed approximately 7 thousand years ago. Belongs to the Klyuchevskaya group of volcanoes. It has 1 main crater with a diameter of more than 600 m, and 80 additional small ones.

The frequency of eruptions is once every 3-5 years. The erupted lava has a high viscosity, so the eruptions are not particularly destructive. The initially conical shape acquires a layered structure, thanks to new eruptions: viscous lava solidifies into a new layer.

Until 1932, eruptions occurred from the central upper crater, after which the side ones, located on the slopes of the mountain, also joined. The last eruption was recorded in 2016, which lasted for several months.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka is the most active and highest volcano in Eurasia.

Cameroon

Cameroon is an active stratovolcano in West Africa. It is located in the Republic of Cameroon of the same name in the Gulf of Guinea region. Its height is 4040 m. The last eruption was in 2000. The shape of the volcano is dome-shaped, on the slopes there are additional craters and cones. It is composed of basalt and trachybasalt rocks. It is the highest point in the state of Cameroon.

Volcanic activity causes great destruction. This forces the peoples inhabiting the foot of the mountain to leave their homes. Over the centuries, many nationalities have changed here.

Kerinci

Kerinci is a large volcano in Indonesia. Located on the island of Sumatra. Its height is 3805 m. It consists of andesite rocks. It has a crater with a diameter of more than 600 m, in which a temporary lake arose. The last eruption occurred in 2013. Phreatic eruptions occur almost every year: solid rock fragments come out.

At the foot of the mountain lies the Kerinci-Seblat National Park, which is a protected area. It is home to many species of birds and animals that are at risk of extinction.

Erebus

Erebus is one of the largest volcanoes located in Antarctica. Its height is 3794 m. It is the southernmost active volcano. An unusual and one-of-a-kind lava lake is located on the territory of Erebus.

The volcano belongs to the stratovolcanoes. Its eruptions are accompanied by an explosion, and the lava has high viscosity, which prevents it from spreading, and it freezes on the slopes. The last large-scale eruption occurred in 2011.

Kilauea

It is a shield-shaped active volcano on the island of Hawaii. Its height is 1247 m. It has many side active craters. It is the youngest volcano. The volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983 with varying degrees of intensity. The main part of the volcano is included in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

To prevent explosions and eruptions, the volcano is constantly monitored by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

The world's volcanoes play a huge role for the planet and humanity as a whole. The largest of them determine the terrain and change the climate. And if you do not take into account the danger that threatens during their eruptions, volcanoes can be classified as the most majestic and powerful natural phenomena.

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Located on the southern side of the Indonesian island of Java, the famous and fairly young volcano Merapi is one of the largest and most powerful in the whole world. Merapi is the most active active volcano in Indonesia. It is located near the city of Yogyakarta. The height of the volcano is 2914 meters.

The name translates as “mountain of fire.” Merapi is the youngest of the group of volcanoes in southern Java. It is located in a subduction zone where the Australian Plate is being subducted under the Eurasian Plate. It is one of at least 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia, part of the volcano is located in the southeastern part of the Pacific Ring of Fire - a fault line that extends from the Western Hemisphere through Japan and Southeast Asia.

Large eruptions of Mount Merapi occur on average every 7 years, small ones - about twice a year, and the volcano smokes almost every day. In 1006, an eruption destroyed the Javanese-Indian kingdom of Mataram. 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.

A large eruption of Merapi also took place in 1906. It was characterized by the destruction of the cone of the volcano itself. The explosion, which violated the integrity of the shell, was heard for hundreds of kilometers. In 1930, an eruption killed about 1,300 people. During the eruption in 1974, two villages were destroyed, and in 1975 - a large village and five bridges, killing 29 people.

In 2010, 350,000 people were evacuated during the Merapi eruption, but some returned, killing 353 people caught in the pyroclastic flow.

19.02.2014

In countries where there are volcanoes, such as Indonesia, they are located in large provinces such as West Java, East Java or Central Java. One of the most terrible disasters is a volcanic eruption, which can claim hundreds or even thousands of lives. It is impossible to forget about the eruption of the Krakatoa volcano, the enormous damage and thousands of victims. And here we present a list of the most dangerous and active volcanoes in the world. However, not all volcanoes are dangerous. is in great demand among travelers and wildlife lovers.

No. 10. Hawaii, Mauna Loa volcano

Mauna Loa is one of the five mountains that form the island of Hawaii. Despite the fact that this is not the most high mountain, a volcanic eruption poses a high danger, since its lava basically has a liquid consistency, which can lead to serious fires. Mauna LOA is the largest volcano in the world (by volume and area), with lava volume reaching 18,000 cubic miles. The last eruption occurred on April 15, 1984.

No. 9. Philippines, Taal Volcano

About 50 km (31 miles) from the capital Manila is one of the most dangerous volcanoes, Taal. This mountain is an island on Lake Taal, which is located inside a caldera formed as a result of very strong previous eruptions (this process is similar to Lake Toba). Taal Volcano is a complex of volcanoes on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. This volcano has had several violent eruptions, including one of the most powerful eruptions that killed more than a thousand people.

No. 8. Papua New Guinea, Ulawun Volcano

Ulawun Volcano is located in Papua New Guinea, on the Bismarck Archipelago, and is one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes New Guinea. Several eruptions have been recorded, with one of the most powerful occurring in 1980, the ash column spewed from Ulawun reaching 60,000 feet in height, and its pyroclastic flows engulfed the mountains on all sides.

No. 7. Congo, Nyiragongo volcano

It has erupted at least 34 times since 1882. One of the worst eruptions occurred on September 17, 2002, when lava that flowed down the slopes of Nyiragongo covered about 40% of the city of Goma and left almost 120,000 people homeless. Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanoes in Africa, his activity never stops.

No. 6. Indonesia, Merapi volcano

Mount Merapi is a conical volcano located in Indonesia on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta. Much of the Merapi eruption, including lava, continues to descend, accompanied at times by hot smoke capable of spreading at speeds of up to 120 km per hour. This is the most active and dangerous volcanoes in Indonesia, they became active 10,000 years ago, and their activity has not stopped since 1548.

No. 5. Colombia, Galeras volcano

This mountain most active volcano in Colombia. Since 2000, its eruptions have occurred almost every year. This is dangerous because... the frequency of eruptions is unpredictable. The Galeras volcano has been active for at least a million years. Its location near the southern Colombian border with Ecuador could result in hot lava flowing 3.5 km down the slope of Mount Galeras. The last eruption on January 3, 2010 forced the government to evacuate 8,000 people.

No. 4. Japan, Sakurajima volcano

The Sakurajima volcano is located on the island of Kyushu in Japan and is one of the most dangerous volcanoes. On March 10, 2009, there was a terrible eruption where the volcano threw rocks and other rocks up to 2 miles away. The intensity of the Sakurajima eruption is one of the most powerful not only in Japan, but also in the world. Over the past 45 years, 73 eruptions have been recorded.

No. 3. Mexico, Popocatepetl volcano

Active volcano Popocatepetl is located at an altitude of 5426 meters above sea level. Starting in December 1994, the dangerous activity of the volcano continued until this happened in 2000. violent eruption, as only known to history. Since 1519, 20 eruptions have been recorded. The explosion was so strong that it threw ash over a fairly long distance.

No. 2. Italy, Vesuvius volcano

Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano in Gulf of Naples, in Italy, approximately 9 miles east of Naples. Mount Vesuvius is the only volcano in Europe that has erupted in the last 100 years. This volcano could explode at any moment and brutally punish the people living in its vicinity. Lava eruptions from a volcano can reach high altitude, so in March 1994, lava splashed to a height of up to 1000 meters. The famous eruption of 79 destroyed the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

No. 1. USA, Yellowstone volcano

Yellowstone Volcano – the most dangerous and active volcano in the world. Rocks and rocks ejected from this volcano can be scattered over a distance of up to 1000 km. Volcanic eruption lava and ash of this mountain threatens the extinction of living things and can cause a mass disaster, because it will entail others volcanic activity, determined by tectonic fluctuations, which will cause other explosions.

There are hundreds of volcanoes on the surface of the Earth. Among them there are the highest volcanoes, the most powerful volcanoes, the largest volcanoes. And they have one thing in common - each rises tens and hundreds of meters and frightens with its power: it is possible that the volcano will begin to release steam and ash.

Where are the most active volcanoes?

Volcanoes are geological formations that appear in the earth's crust above cracks. And it is through them that ash, lava, loose rocks, water vapor and gases break through to the surface.

A volcano is called active if it showed signs of activity (for example, emitting gas and steam) in historical time for humans.

The largest number of active volcanoes is located in the Malay Archipelago. It is the largest on the planet, located between the continents of Australia and Asia. And in Russia, a large cluster of volcanoes is located in Kamchatka and Kuril Islands. About 60 volcanoes erupt in this part every year. But there is data on 627 volcanoes that showed signs of life in the last 10 thousand years.

The largest volcano

One of the largest volcanoes in the world is called Mauna Loa. It literally translates to "Long Mountain" in Hawaiian. The volcano occupies most of the island of Hawaii and is considered perhaps the most active in the world. Mauna Low has erupted exactly 33 times since it was first recorded in 1843. The last time the volcano came to life was in 1984. Then approximately 30 thousand acres of land were covered with lava, and the area of the island itself increased by 180 hectares. Mauna Low rises 4169 meters above sea level. But if you measure the height of the volcano from the bottom, the figure will be twice as high - 9 thousand meters. This is even higher than famous mountain Everest.

Hawaiian is not only the largest and most powerful volcano, it is also the most massive. Its volume from base to top is 75 thousand cubic kilometers. By the way, there are many legends around Mauna Low. According to one of them, Pele, the queen of volcanoes, was expelled from her home elder sister, who was the goddess of water and sea. When Pele tried to build her own home, her sister sent waves to destroy it. As a result, Pele settled on the island and made herself a house called Mauna Low, it was so massive that the waves could not overwhelm it.

Tallest active volcano

Some call Llullaillaco the highest active volcano. It is located in the Chilean-Argentine Andes. Its height is 6 thousand 723 meters. The eruption itself big volcano last recorded in 1877.

However, on the question of which is the tallest active volcano in the world, the opinions of scientists differ. Some believe that Cotopaxi is the highest. It is located in the South American Andes, in Ecuador. Its height is less than the previous one, only 5 thousand 897 meters. But the last major eruption was recorded in 1942. Cotopaxi can rightfully be called the most beautiful in Ecuador. This is thanks to the riot of greenery at the foot and the graceful crater. However, the picture is deceptive. Cotopaxi, like a number of others, is the most dangerous volcanoes. In Ecuador, since 1742, 10 fairly large eruptions have been recorded that destroyed the city of Latacunga (it lies very close to Cotopaxi).

The most famous volcanoes

However, all of the above volcanoes are hardly known to the general public. The most famous volcanoes in the world are Vesuvius, Fuji or, for example, Etna.

Vesuvius is located in southern Italy near Naples and is active. True, the volcano is not very large, its height is only 1281 meters. Vesuvius is one of three active volcanoes in the country. And one of the most dangerous in the world. Today, more than 80 eruptions are known to humanity, and the most famous one occurred 2 millennia ago - in 79. It was then that the cities of Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum were destroyed. The last eruption was recorded in 1944; lava destroyed the cities of Massa and San Sebastiano.

The highest volcano in Africa and generally the highest point of the continent is Kilimanjaro. The volcano is located in Tanzania, 300 kilometers south of the equator. One of the peaks of Kilimanjaro - Kibo - reaches 5895 meters. Uhuru Peak is the highest point of the volcano. Scientists suggest that Kilimanjaro is more than a million years old. And what’s most surprising is that even though the volcano is located almost on the equator, many glaciers have accumulated on its slopes.

The largest volcanoes can be seen in Asia. The famous Fuji is located on Japanese island Honshu, which is 150 kilometers from Tokyo. The volcano has an almost perfect conical outline and has been a subject of cult since ancient times. local residents. The height of the mountain is 3776 meters. Now the volcano is weakly active; the last time experts recorded an eruption was in 1707.

The most powerful volcanic eruption

But the most powerful volcanic eruption in history occurred in 1883. On May 20, Krakatoa began to show activity. It was on this day that residents of the Indonesian capital began to hear the first rumbles: people began to feel shaking from the volcano, which is located 50 kilometers from the capital. Such phenomena lasted three months, the volcano either subsided or became more active. Layers of floating pumice accumulated on the surface.

On August 27 of that year, the largest volcanic eruption that man has ever seen occurred. The rumble was heard even 5 thousand kilometers from the epicenter. The ash rose to a height of 30 kilometers. The volcanic structure scattered over a vast area, within a radius of up to 500 kilometers. The gas-ash column rose 70 kilometers, that is, it rose all the way into the mesosphere. The ash covered more than 4 million square kilometers and occupied a total of 18 cubic kilometers. The force of the explosion was estimated at 6 points. According to experts, this is 200 thousand times more powerful than the explosion that destroyed Hiroshima.

As a result of the eruption, about 300 villages and towns in Indonesia were wiped off the face of the earth. Result: 37 thousand dead, the bulk of the people were overwhelmed by a tsunami about 30 meters high.

The highest volcano in the world

The tallest volcano in the world is translated from Spanish as “salty eyes.” Ojos del Salado is located on the border of Argentina and Chile, and rises to 6891 meters. The record peak is located on Chilean territory.

The volcano is called inactive. This is because not a single eruption has been recorded in the history of mankind. However, sometimes Ojos del Salado reminds itself. For example, in 1993, a release of water vapor and sulfur was noticed.

By the way, as the editors of the site managed to find out, some geographers have already reclassified the volcano as active. Thus, removing Llullaillaco from the first place on the list of the highest active volcanoes. However, the debate on this issue has not yet subsided.

Also interesting is the fact that the highest mountain in Russia, Elbrus, is also a volcano.
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Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano on the planet. It is located in the Chilean Andes in South America, on the border of Argentina and Chile, but it belongs to Argentine territory. Its height reaches 6893 meters. It is the second highest peak on the South American continent. Not far from the volcano lies the Atacama Desert. The volcano has not erupted during the entire period of observation and is considered extinct.

The world's highest active volcano, Llullaillaco, is located in the Western Cordillera of the Andes. Its absolute height is 6739 meters. The top of the volcano is covered with ice. The snow line on the western slope of Llullaillaco has the highest position on earth - more than 6.5 thousand meters. The last volcanic eruption occurred in 1877. IN given time it is in the solfataric stage.

In Chile, on the edge of the Atacama Desert, there is an active volcano called San Pedro. Its height is 6145 meters and its shape is that of a stratovolcano. It is located in the Antofagasta region of the province of El Loa and is adjacent to the Cero Parini volcano. From the mountain ranges Central Andes San Pedro is separated by a huge saddle. The last volcanic eruption was recorded on December 2, 1960.

Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in Ecuador (5911 meters) and the second highest peak in the country. It is located in the Cordillera Oriental in South America. The volcano is included in the list of the highest active volcanoes on earth. It has a huge crater measuring 550x800 meters and a depth of 450 meters. Cotopaxi has erupted about 50 times since 1738. The last eruption dates back to 1940.

In northeastern Tanzania, rising above the Masai plateau, lies the active volcano Kilimanjaro. It reaches 5895 meters and is considered the highest point in Africa. Having explored Kilimanjaro, in 2003, scientists discovered that only 400 meters distance the molten lava from the edge of the Kibo crater - main peak volcano There are fears that a major eruption is approaching.

El Misti stratovolcano is located in Peru in South America. Its height is 5822 meters. IN winter time The top of the volcano is covered with snow. 17 kilometers west of El Misti is the city of Arequipa with a population of one million. Most of the buildings in it are built from deposits of pyroclastic flows of the volcano, which is why Arequipa is also called the “white city”.

Most high peak Mexico is Orizaba. Her middle name is Citlaltepetl, which translates as “star mountain.” It is the third highest point in North America. Its peak is located at an altitude of 5636 meters, and its elevation is 4922 meters. Orizaba erupted 7 times between 1537 and 1687, but the volcano is currently considered dormant.

Elbrus is in the north Caucasus Mountains and is the highest point in Russia. The stratovolcano is a saddle-shaped cone with two peaks located at a distance of 3000 meters from each other. The heights of the western and eastern peaks are 5642 and 5621 meters, respectively. The saddle separating the peaks is 5300 meters high. date last eruption- approximately 50 AD.

The active volcano Popocatepetl rises above the Mexican Highlands. Its name means "smoking hill" in Nahuatl. This is the second highest stratovolcano in Mexico, its peak reaches 5455 meters. Not far from it is located dormant volcano Iztaccihuatl. Popocatepetl last erupted in 2011. North-west of the volcano is the city of Mexico with a population of 20 million.

“Sangai” closes the list of the highest volcanoes. The active volcano Sangay is located in Ecuador, on the eastern side of the equatorial Andes. Its height is 5230 meters. This stratovolcano has three craters. According to scientists, Sangai was formed approximately 14,000 years ago. In 1628, an eruption was first recorded. The volcano has been actively erupting since 1934, most recently in 2007.

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