The most dangerous volcanoes on earth. The largest and most dangerous volcanoes in the world

A volcanic eruption poses one of the most serious dangers to humans. In addition to the risk of being buried (burned) under lava flows near a volcano, there is a risk of poisoning volcanic ash, as well as complete isolation from sunlight.

The International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth (IAVCEI), which monitors the most likely volcanic eruptions that pose a threat to human life, has compiled a list of the most dangerous “volcanoes of the decade” with the support of the UN. They are closely monitored by specialists. If there are signs of an imminent eruption, IAVCEI advises local authorities of the need for emergency measures. We present to your attention photographs and short description these dangerous giants who can present a hot, loud and unexpected surprise at any moment.

1. Volcano Etna (Sicily, Italy) - active, one of the largest and most dangerous volcanoes in the world, located on east coast Sicily (Mediterranean Sea), near the cities of Messina and Catania. The height cannot be specified precisely, since the highest point is constantly changing as a result of eruptions that occur at intervals of several months. Etna's area covers 1250 square kilometers. As a result of lateral eruptions, Etna has 400 craters. On average, the volcano erupts lava once every three months. Potentially dangerous in the event of a powerful eruption from several craters at the same time. In 2011, Etna erupted colorfully in mid-May.

2. Sakurajima Volcano (Kagoshima, Japan) - a volcano is usually considered active if it has been active in the last 1000 - 3000 years. But Sakurajima has been continuously active since 1955. This volcano belongs to the first category, which means that an eruption can occur at any moment. The last such event, but not very strong, was noted on February 2, 2009. Residents of the nearby city of Kagoshima are on constant alert for emergency evacuation: training exercises and shelters are commonplace here. Web cameras are installed above the volcano. Observations are carried out continuously. In 1924, a major eruption of Sakurajima occurred: then strong tremors clearly warned the city of danger; most residents managed to leave their homes and evacuate in time.

After the 1924 eruption, the volcano named Sakurajima - “sakura island” can no longer be called an island. So much lava poured out of its mouth that it formed an isthmus that connected the volcano with the island of Kyushu, on which Kagoshima stands. After this eruption, lava slowly poured out of the volcano for about a year, and the bottom of the bay became significantly higher. It dropped only at one point - in the center of the ancient Aira caldera, eight kilometers from Sakurajima. This shows that the current volcanic eruptions are supported by the same processes that formed the huge caldera more than 22 thousand years ago.

And even today Sakurajima is considered one of the most dangerous and large volcanoes a world that could erupt at any moment and cause a lot of trouble for local and not only residents.

Sakurajiyama

Sakurajiyama. Volcanic lightning.

3. Volcano Vesuvius (Napoli, Italy) - also considered one of the most powerful and dangerous volcanoes in the world. Vesuvius is one of the three active volcanoes Italy (we mentioned Mount Etna above). Vesuvius is the only active volcano in continental Europe. There are reports of more than 80 significant eruptions, the most famous of which occurred on August 24, 79, when the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae were destroyed. One of the last strong eruptions occurred in 1944. The height is 1281 m above sea level, the diameter of the crater is 750 m.

4. Colima Volcano (Jalisco, Mexico) is one of the most dangerous and powerful volcanoes in the world. The last strong eruption of this beauty was noted on June 8, 2005. Then the ejected ash rose to a height of more than 5 km, which forced the authorities to evacuate people from nearby villages. The volcanic mountain consists of 2 conical peaks, the highest of them (Nevado de Colima, 4,625 m) - dormant volcano, covered with snow most of the year. Another peak is the active Colima Volcano, or Volcán de Fuego de Colima ("Fire Volcano"), 3,846 m high, called the Mexican Vesuvius. Colima has erupted more than 40 times since 1576. And today it poses a potential threat not only to residents of nearby cities, but also to the whole of Mexico.

5. Galeras Volcano (Nariño, Colombia) - a powerful and enormous volcano (4276 meters above sea level) with a diameter at the base of more than 20 kilometers. The diameter of the crater is 320 meters, the depth of the crater is more than 80 meters. This volcano is located in South America, in Colombia, near the city of Pasto. As you can see in the photo, right at the foot dangerous mountain There is a small town that had to be evacuated on August 26, 2010 due to a powerful eruption. A state of emergency was declared in the region. More than 400 police officers were sent to the area to assist civilians. Scientists say that over the past 7 thousand years, at least six major eruptions have occurred on Galeras. In 1993, during the research work Six geologists died in the crater (then the eruption also began). In November 2006, due to the threat of a major eruption, more than eight thousand residents were evacuated from surrounding villages.

6. Mauna Loa Volcano (Hawaii, USA) - considered the largest volcano on Earth by volume (including the underwater part), namely 80,000 cubic kilometers (!). The summit and south-eastern slope are part of the national park Hawaiian volcanoes, like the neighboring volcano Kilauea. There is a volcanological station on the volcano; constant observations have been carried out since 1912. In addition, Mauna Loa is home to atmospheric and solar observatories. Last eruption occurred in 1984, the last strong eruption in 1950. The height of the volcano above sea level is 4,169 meters (the second highest in Hawaiian Islands after Mauna Kea). This giant is rightfully considered one of the most dangerous and powerful volcanoes in the world.

Mauna Loa

7. Volcano Nyiragongo ( Democratic Republic Congo) is an active volcano with a height of 3469 meters, located in the Virunga Mountains in central Africa and is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes on the African continent. Nyiragongo partially coincides with two older volcanoes, Baratu and Shaheru. It is surrounded by hundreds of small smoldering side volcanic cones. Nyiragongo, together with neighboring Nyamuragira, accounts for 40% of all observed eruptions in Africa.

Nyiragongo

8. Mount Rainier (Washington, USA) is a stratovolcano in Pierce County, Washington, located 87 km southeast of Seattle (Washington State, USA). Rainier, part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, has the highest peak in the Cascade Mountains at 4,392 meters. The summit of the volcano consists of two volcanic craters, each over 300 meters in diameter. Mount Rainier was originally known as Tatol, or Tahoma, from a Leshutsid word meaning "mother of waters."

9. Volcano Teide (Tenerife, Spain) - one of the most powerful and dangerous volcanoes in the world, which is located on the island of Tenerife, being the most high point Spain. The height of Teide is 3718 meters. The island of Tenerife is the third largest volcanic island in the world. Teide is currently inactive, the last eruption occurred in 1909, but of course the awakening of such a giant will be a considerable surprise not only for the Spaniards.

10. Volcano Santa Maria (Santyaguito, Guatemala) - located in western Guatemala, near the city of Quetzaltenango. Height mountain range above sea level is only 3772 meters. The first eruptions began approximately 30 thousand years ago, and in the 20th century there were 3 powerful eruptions, the first of which after 500 years of sleep - in 1902. The eruption severely destroyed part of one side of the volcano. Approximately 5.5 km³ of volcanic ash and lava were ejected. The explosion was heard even 800 km away in Costa Rica. The ash column rose 28 km. About 6 thousand people died. And today this volcano carries considerable potential danger, ready at any moment to erupt with a roar and tons of emissions from the crater.

Santa Maria

11. Volcano Santorini (Cyclades, Greece) is an active shield volcano on the island of Thira, another name for Thera, in the Aegean Sea, which erupted during the era of the Aegean culture in the period 1460-1470 BC, which led to the death of Aegean cities and settlements on islands of Crete, Thira and the coast Mediterranean Sea. However, around 1627 BC. an event occurred that decisively changed history ancient world and the shape of the island as well. Then a powerful eruption of Santorini occurred, as a result of which the crater of the volcano collapsed and a huge crater (caldera) was formed, which did not hesitate to flood the sea, the area of this flooding was 32 square meters. miles with an average depth of 350 m. Of course, such a powerful eruption did not pass without a trace: a huge tsunami marked the end of the Minoan civilization, which was buried under water, and those who remained alive after the eruption died from subsequent powerful earthquakes.

Santorini

12. Taal Volcano (Luzon, Philippines) is an active volcano located 50 km south of Manila on the island of Luzon. The crater of the volcano is located at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level. Formed in the crater small lake. Taal is the smallest active volcano on the planet, but its power should not be underestimated. Thus, on January 30, 1911, the most powerful eruption of the Taal volcano in the 20th century occurred - 1,335 people died. In 10 min. all living things ceased to exist at a distance of 10 km. The ash cloud was seen from a distance of 400 km. This was an eruption of the “Peleian” type, when the eruption occurs not only from the summit crater, but also from craters on the slopes of the mountain; the volcano ejected not lava, but masses of white hot ash and superheated steam. The last eruption took place in 1965, killing about 200 people.

13. Papandayan Volcano (Java Island, Indonesia) - one of the largest and most dangerous volcanoes in the world is located in Indonesia. The crater of the Papandayan volcano is located at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level. A warm river flows from the slope of the volcano, the temperature of which reaches 42 degrees Celsius. The slopes of Papandayan are teeming with mud pots, hot springs and geysers. The last eruption was recorded in 2002.

Papandayan

14. Volcano Unzen (Nagasaki, Japan) - a volcanic group on Japanese island Kyushu. The volcano is located on the Shimabara Peninsula in the southwestern part of the island. Height - 1,486 m. Currently, the volcano is considered weakly active. However, volcanic activity has been recorded since 1663. Since then, the volcano has erupted several times. The eruption of Mount Unzen in 1792 is one of the five most destructive eruptions in human history in terms of the number of casualties. As a result of this disaster, 15,000 people died due to a tsunami that was caused by a volcanic eruption, the wave height reached 23 meters. And in 1991, 43 scientists and journalists were buried under lava that rolled down the slope of the volcano.

16. Volcano in Yellowstone (USA) - considered potentially the most powerful volcano world, however, the nature of this formation, which is called the Yellowstone caldera, located in Yellowstone national park in the United States does not allow an accurate assessment of the possible damage from the eruption. This caldera is often called a “supervolcano”, as it was formed as a result of a very powerful eruption 640 thousand years ago. There are more than 3 thousand geysers in the park, which is two-thirds of all geysers in the world, as well as about 10 thousand geothermal springs and mud volcanoes, which is half of all geothermal springs in the world. In May 2001, the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory was created, which monitors the condition of this giant. Since the start of the observatory's work, rumors and speculation around the most dangerous volcano in the world have been circulating to this day. Yellowstone is one of the popular “culprits” of the possible end of the world, the scenario of which was colorfully played out in the film “2012”.

Sierra Negra

Of course, these are not all the giants of our planet, but they are some of the most dangerous. Let's hope that these gentlemen will not darken the lives of the inhabitants of the planet with their violent temper, although the increased seismic activity recent years says otherwise.

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

Active volcanoes in Russia

Not all fire-breathing mountains are on land. They are often located under water. This does not prevent their eruption at all. Fortunately, the most dangerous volcanoes are located far beyond the borders of our country, however, 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 largest volcano in 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. In addition, suffocating volcanic gases, the threat of tsunamis, distortion of the terrain and dramatic climate changes pose a great danger.

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 a volcano is that it is located near densely populated city 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. Major eruption happened 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.

Volcanic eruptions are dangerous primarily due to their direct impact - the release of tons of burning lava, under which entire cities can perish. But, in addition to this, side factors such as the suffocating effects of volcanic gases, the threat of tsunamis, isolation from sunlight, distortion of the terrain and local climate changes also pose a danger.

Merapi, Indonesia

Merapi is one of the most large volcanoes on the islands of Indonesia. It is also one of the most active: large eruptions occur once every seven to eight years, and small ones - once every two years. At the same time, smoke appears from the top of the volcano almost every day, not allowing local residents to forget about the threat. Merapi is also famous for the fact that in 1006 the entire medieval Javanese-Indian state of Mataram was seriously damaged by his activities. The volcano is especially dangerous because it is located near the large Indonesian city of Yogyakarta, which is home to about 400 thousand people.

Sakurajima, Japan

Sakurajima is in constant volcanic activity since 1955, and the last eruption occurred in early 2009. Until 1914, the volcano was located on a separate island of the same name, but frozen lava flows connected the island with the Osumi Peninsula. Residents of the city of Kagoshima are already accustomed to the restless behavior of the volcano and are constantly ready to take refuge in shelters.

Aso Volcano, Japan

Last time volcanic activity The volcano was registered as recently as 2011. Then the ash cloud spread over an area of more than 100 km. From that time to the present, about 2,500 tremors have been recorded, which indicates the activity of the volcano and its readiness to erupt. Despite the direct danger, about 50 thousand people live in the immediate vicinity, and the crater is popular tourist site for daredevils. In winter, the slopes are covered with snow and people go skiing and sledding in the valley.

Popocatepetl, Mexico

One of the largest volcanoes in Mexico is located literally fifty kilometers from. This is a city with a population of 20 million people who are in constant readiness to evacuate. In addition to Mexico City, the following are located in the neighborhood: big cities, like Puebla and Tlaxcala de Xicotencatl. Popocatepetl also gives them a reason to be nervous: emissions of gas, sulfur, dust and stones occur literally every month. In recent decades, the volcano has erupted in 2000, 2005 and 2012. Many climbers strive to climb to its peak. Popocatepetl is famous for the fact that in 1955 it was conquered by Ernesto Che Guevara.

Etna, Italy

This Sicilian volcano is interesting because it has not only one main wide crater, but also many small craters on the slopes. Etna is constantly active, with small eruptions occurring every few months. This does not prevent the Sicilians from densely populating the slopes of the volcano, since the presence of minerals and trace elements makes the soil very fertile. The last major eruption was in May 2011, and minor emissions of ash and dust occurred in April 2013. By the way, Etna is the most big volcano c: it is two and a half times larger than Vesuvius.

Vesuvius, Italy

Vesuvius is one of the three active volcanoes in Italy, along with Etna and Stromboli. They are even jokingly called the “hot Italian family.” In 79, the eruption of Vesuvius destroyed the city of Pompeii and all its inhabitants, who were buried under layers of lava, pumice and mud. One of the last major eruptions, in 1944, killed about 60 people and almost completely destroyed the nearby towns of San Sebastiano and Massa. According to scientists, Vesuvius destroyed nearby cities about 80 times! By the way, this volcano has set many records. First of all, this is the only one active volcano on the mainland, secondly, it is the most studied and predictable, thirdly, the territory of the volcano is a nature reserve and a national park where excursions are held. You can only go up on foot, since the lift and funicular have not yet been restored.

Colima, Mexico

The volcanic mountain consists of two peaks: the already extinct Nevado de Colima, which is covered with snow most of the time, and the active Colima volcano. Colima is particularly active: it has erupted more than 40 times since 1576. A strong eruption occurred in the summer of 2005, when authorities had to evacuate people from nearby villages. Then a column of ash was thrown to a height of about 5 km, spreading a cloud of smoke and dust behind it. Now the volcano is fraught with danger not only for local residents, but also for the whole country.

Mauna Loa, Hawaii, USA

Scientists have been monitoring the volcano since 1912 - there is a volcanological station on its slopes, as well as solar and atmospheric observatories. The height of the volcano reaches 4169 m. The last strong eruption of Mauna Loa destroyed several villages in 1950. Until 2002, the seismic activity of the volcano was low, until an increase was recorded, which indicates the possibility of eruptions in the near future.

Galeras, Colombia

The Galeras volcano is very powerful: its diameter at the base exceeds 20 km, and the width of the crater is about 320 m. The volcano is very dangerous - every few years, due to its activity, the population of the nearby town of Pasto has to be evacuated. The last such evacuation took place in 2010, when about 9 thousand people found themselves in shelters due to the threat of a strong eruption. Thus, the restless Galeras keeps local residents in constant suspense.

Nyiragongo, Republic of Congo

The Nyiragongo volcano is considered the most dangerous in all: it accounts for about half of all cases of volcanic activity recorded on the continent. Since 1882, there have been 34 eruptions. Nyiragongo lava has a special chemical composition, so it is unusually liquid and flowing. The speed of erupted lava can reach 100 km/h. In the main crater of the volcano there is lava lake, the temperature of which heats up to 982 Cº, and bursts reach a height of 7 to 30 m. The last largest eruption occurred in 2002, then 147 people died, 14 thousand buildings were destroyed, and 350 thousand people were left homeless.

It is worth noting that scientists have been studying the activity of volcanoes for many years and modern technology recognizes the beginning of their seismic activity. Many volcanoes have webcams that allow you to monitor what is happening in real time. People living nearby are already accustomed to this behavior of volcanoes and know what to do when an eruption begins, and emergency services have the means to evacuate local residents. So every year the likelihood of casualties from volcanic eruptions becomes less and less.

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 their presence 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 literary work was written about these peaks - 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 with 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). 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 mountain system Cordillera. 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. The most favorable time 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 the settlement is known as " 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 were forced 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.” It is the highest volcano on Earth, located in South America, on the Chilean-Argentine border, and 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.

Volcanoes are attractive due to their beauty, but they can harbor destructive power, causing massive loss of life and severe destruction. Although volcanic eruptions themselves are relatively rare and are monitored by scientists, they still pose a huge source of danger for people who choose to live near them. Here is a list of the 10 most active volcanoes:

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Mauna Loa, Hawaii, USA

Mauna Loa Volcano is one of the largest volcanoes on our Earth in terms of height and area covered. It is also one of the five volcanoes that form the island of Hawaii in America. Mauna Loa is an active volcano that has likely been erupting for 700,000 years. The most recent eruption occurred relatively recently, from March 24 to April 15, 1984.

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This famous volcano located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, it is approximately 50 km from the capital of this country - Manila. Taal is one of the active Philippine volcanoes, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. It erupted many times, bringing nearby settlements around the lake there are victims and destruction. The last eruption occurred in 1977, but signs of activity have been recorded regularly since 1991, characterized by both high activity and small seismic fracturing.

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Ulawun, Papua New Guinea

The most active volcano in Papua New Guinea- Ulavun, he is also one of the most dangerous. This is the most high volcano and the most high peak in the Bismarck Archipelago. The very first recorded eruption of Ulawun occurred in 1700. From then until now, 22 eruptions have occurred. Several thousand people permanently live near the volcano. During a major eruption in 1980, ash was thrown up to a height of 18 kilometers, producing pyroclastic flows that swept along the entire flanks of the volcano and devastated an area of 20 square kilometers.

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Nyiragongo, Congo

One of the most active volcanoes in Africa and one of eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. Nyiragongo has erupted at least 34 times since 1882. The most recent destructive eruption of Mount Nyiragongo occurred on January 17, 2002, when hot lava destroyed 40% of the city of Goma.

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Merapi, Indonesia

Merapi is the most famous and active volcano in Indonesia, erupting regularly since 1548. It is located very close to the city of Yogyakarta, where thousands of people live on the slopes of Merapi. The volcano has been active for 10,000 years.

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Galeras, Colombia

Galeras has been active for at least about 1 million years. The volcano is located in southern Colombia, near the border with Ecuador. In this country, Galeras is the most active volcano.

After only 10 years of dormancy, Galeras became active again in 1988. In 1993, a terrible disaster occurred when an expedition of several scientists went to the Galeras crater. The eruption happened very unexpectedly and led to the death of nine people: six scientists and three tourists.

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Sakurajima is an active composite volcano and former island. Often called the Vesuvius of the East, eruptions occur almost constantly. Remnants of eruptions formed highlands in this region from white sand. The volcano is dangerous due to its location in a densely populated area - near the city of Kagoshima, which is very close to the volcano.

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Popocatepetl is an active volcano and the second highest peak in Mexico (elevation 5426 m). Residents of the city of Puebla, which is only 40 km east of the volcano, can enjoy views of the snow-capped and glacier-covered mountain almost all year round. The last major eruption occurred in 2000. Fortunately for the residents, then scientists were able to warn the government in time, and people were evacuated from the disaster area in time.

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Vesuvius, Italy

Mount Vesuvius is located 9 km east of Naples at a short distance from the coast. This is the only volcano in Europe that has been erupting for the last hundred years. Vesuvius has erupted many times, most recently in 1944. Today, Vesuvius is considered one of the most destructive volcanoes in the world due to the 3 million people living nearby and the high probability of its eruptions.

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Yellowstone Caldera, USA

This is the most dangerous active supervolcano, which means that the volume of emissions from this volcano could be more than 1000 cubic kilometers, which would have devastating consequences. Volcanic super-eruptions typically cover large areas with lava and volcanic ash, enough to threaten the extinction of entire species. Such a super-eruption could be one of the reasons for the death of our civilization, because when this volcano erupts, it causes the activity of other volcanoes, which leads to massive tectogenesis.

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Conclusion

These were the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the world. We hope you liked our material.

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