The highest active volcanoes. Map of active volcanoes of the world online

Volcanoes are geological formations that form above cracks in, through which lava, ash, loose rocks, boiling gases and water burst out.

Active volcanoes include those that erupted in historical times or showed other signs of activity (emission of gases and steam, etc.). Some scientists consider active volcanoes that are reliably known to have erupted within the last 10 thousand years.

The largest cluster of active volcanoes in a limited area of ​​the planet is located in the Malay Archipelago - the largest on Earth, located between the continental parts and. On the territory of Russia, the largest number of active volcanoes is in the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka. Approximately 60 volcanoes erupt annually, and about a third of them erupted in the previous year. There is information about 627 volcanoes that have erupted over the past 10 thousand years.

Volcano Location Height, m Eruptions
Llullaillaco Chilean-Argentine Andes 6 723 It erupted for the last time in 1877.
Cotopaxi Ecuador, South America 5 896 It erupted for the last time in 1976.
Misty Peru, Central Andes 5 821
Orizaba Mexican Highlands 5 700
Popocatepetl Mexico 5 452 It erupted for the last time in February 2003.
Sangay Ecuador 5 410 Until 1728, the volcano was considered dormant. Then he woke up and haunted the surrounding residents for about 200 years; True, the eruptions were not too dangerous.
Sanford Southeast Alaska 4 949
Klyuchevskaya Sopka Kamchatka Peninsula 4 750 It erupted for the last time in January 2004.
Rainier Cordillera, Cascade Mountains 4 392
Tajumulco Central America 4 217
Mauna Loa Hawaiian Islands 4 170 In 1868, Hawaii was hit twice by tsunamis on April 2 and August 13. On April 2, the tsunami was caused by the eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano.
Faco Cameroon 4 070
Fuego Guatemala 3 835 Volcanic eruptions occur every few years; basaltic ash emissions sometimes reach the stratosphere, and their volume during one of the eruptions was 0.1 km 3.
Kerinci O. Sumatra 3 805
Erebus O. Rossa, Antarctica 3 794
Fujiyama O. Honshu 3 776 The most destructive eruptions occurred in 800, 864 and 1707. During the last eruption, the city of Edo, located 120 km away, was covered with a 15 cm layer of ash. In 1923, during a volcanic eruption, more than 700,000 houses were destroyed in a few seconds, and 142,000 people were missing.
Teide Canary Islands 3 718 The volcano was once much higher, about 5,000 m. However, in 1706, as a result of a strong eruption, the top of the volcano collapsed.
Seven O. Java 3 676 The highest active volcano on the island. Me you. Very active, erupting more often than once every three years.
Colima Mexico 3 658 The volcano is prone to short-term but extremely strong explosive eruptions. The last one happened in February 2002.
Ichinskaya Sopka Kamchatka Peninsula 3 621
Kronotskaya Sopka Kamchatka Peninsula 3 528
Nyiragongo Virunga Mountains (Africa) 3 470 The last eruption occurred on January 17–19, 2002. B O Much of the city of Goma was destroyed by lava, killing at least 45 people.
Koryak hill Kamchatka Peninsula 3 546
Etna O. Sicily 3 340 Volcanic eruptions occur over hundreds of thousands of years. One of the most active and large volcanoes on the ground. The length of its base will exceed 50 km.
Shiveluch Kamchatka Peninsula 3 283 The last eruption occurred in January 2004.
Lassen Peak Cordillera, Cascade Mountains 3 187
Lyama Southern Andes, Chile 3 124
Nyamuragira Virunga Mountains (Africa) 3 056 Last eruption in July 2002.
Apo O. Mindanao, Philippines 2 954
Baitoushan (Chinese)
Baektusan (Korean)		 Changbai Plateau on the border between China and the DPRK 2 744 Last eruption in 1904.
Avacha Sopka, Avacha South-east of Kamchatka, near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky 2 741 There have been 16 eruptions since the 1730s; the last ones in 1926, 1938 (three), 1945, 2004.
Bromo Indonesia, East End O. Java, in the north mountain range Tengger 2 614 Until 1967, 37 eruptions were recorded (the first dated was in 1804).
Asama O. Honshu, Japan 2 542 Last eruption (of gases, ash and lava) in 1958. The last catastrophic eruption was in 1783.
Kizimen Kamchatka Peninsula 2 485
Alaid Kuril Islands, o. Atlasova 2 339 The highest active volcano in the Kuril ridge.
Shish Kamchatka Peninsula 2 346
Berenberg O. Jan Mayen, North Atlantic Ocean 2 277
Katmai Alaska 2 047
API Indonesia 1 949
Bandai O. Honshu, Japan 1 819 During a catastrophic eruption in 1888, the top and one side of the cone were demolished.
Arenal Costa Rica 1 657 A volcano considered extinct; woke up in 1968. Then, during the eruption, two villages were destroyed, 87 people died. The last eruption occurred in September 2003.
Asso O. Kyushu, Japan 1 592 In terms of the number of eruptions, it occupies one of the first places among the volcanoes of the world (more than 70 eruptions).
Hekla (Hekla) 1 491 The first dated eruption occurred in 1104. In 1766, the eruption was particularly destructive and was accompanied by casualties. The last major eruption was in 1947–1948.
Soufriere Lesser Antilles 1 467 The last eruption occurred in 2001.
Montagne-Pelée O. Martinique, West Indies 1 397 After a catastrophic eruption in 1902, a lava spire formed in the crater, which grew by 9 m per day and eventually reached a height of 250 m, and collapsed a year later.
Vesuvius , near Naples 1 281 Eruptions in 79, 1631, 1794, 1822, 1872, 1906 and 1944.
Kilauea Hawaiian Islands 1 247 The last eruptions occurred in 1967–1968
Stromboli Aeolian Islands 926 It has been active for over 400 years.

People have always been attracted dangerous beauty and greatness mountain peaks. Among the ten highest of them there are both active volcanoes, and went extinct several centuries ago. Below are the top 10 highest volcanoes on earth.

1 place

Ojos del Salado (6893m) - the highest volcano on Earth. He is in South America in the Chilean Alps. Today the volcano is considered extinct: the last volcanic activity dates back to 1993, when a small hydrogen sulfide cloud emerged from the crater. Research scientists discovered altars from the Incas on the slopes of the mountain. Interestingly, in 2007 the peak was conquered by a Chilean motorist, and this ascent became a record among automobile summits.

2nd place

Llullallaco (6723m) - the second largest volcano. Today this massif is in a dormant state, and the area around it is covered with petrified lava for many kilometers. It is noteworthy that Llullallaco is covered with snow all year round, and its crater is covered with a thick layer of ice, although the volcano is adjacent to the Atacoy Desert - the driest area on earth.

3rd place

San Pedro(6145m) – third in the three highest volcanoes; and it is also found in South America. San Pedro is an active volcano; its last eruption occurred in 1960. Interestingly, the volcano has two peaks, the first of which is San Pedro, by which this mountain is usually called, and the second is called San Pablo, whose height is 6092 meters.

4th place

Cotopaxi (5897 m) - another volcano in South America. Today Cotopaxi is dormant, and the last powerful eruption occurred in the 50s of the last century. However, small activity in the form of emissions of hydrogen sulfide clouds is still observed.

5th place

Kilimanjaro (5895 m) — famous volcano, immortalized by Hemingway. Is the highest mountain Africa, consisting of three volcanic formations with different eruptive histories. The volcano has long been dormant, but today scientists are recording signs of “warming up” of Kilimanjaro, which is associated with global climate change on the planet.

6th place

Misti (5822 m) – The volcano is located in South America in Peru. The last activity was recorded in 1985. Today, Misti continues passive volcanic activity - emissions of ash, hydrogen sulfide, and changes in soil temperature. Artifacts from the times of the Incas were found on the slopes of the mountain, so the mountain is of particular interest to lovers of antiquity.

7th place

Orizaba (5636m) — highest volcano V North America. Today the volcano is inactive, and its last eruption dates from 1687. All year round, Orizaba is adorned with a sparkling ice cap. Glaciers located on the volcano are vital for the region - during the melting period they fill local reservoirs with water

8th place

Elbrus (5642 m) — highest peak Caucasus. Today the volcano is considered extinct. The last powerful eruptions occurred one and a half millennia ago, and the greatest activity in the form of emissions of ash and hydrogen sulfide was recorded five centuries ago. However, the presence of hot springs and the growth of moss in some parts of the mountain indicate that hidden volcanic activity is intensifying deep inside the massif.

9th place

Popocatepetl (5462 m) is an active volcano located in Mexico. The mountain is located 610 km from Mexico City and belongs to a group of active volcanoes. In February 2015, an eruption occurred, which temporarily suspended the life of the capital - Popocatepetl threw out a pillar of fire and ash 4 km high. This volcano is considered one of the most dangerous in the world. Plumes of smoke are always visible above its crater, and over the past five centuries, about twenty powerful eruptions have been recorded, accompanied by the descent of molten magma.

10th place

Sangay (5230 m) - an active volcano located in South America. The volcano's crater constantly emits ash and hydrogen sulfide. Eruptions often occur, the last of which was recorded in 2007. Sangay is located in the Chilean Andes at a considerable distance from the main roads and settlements, and therefore the activity of the volcano does not pose a great threat to the population.

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, volcanological scientists have united into an 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 detect the increased activity of the mountain in time.

Sakurajima (Japan)

Experts consider Earth's volcanoes active if they have been active in the last 3,000 years. This Japanese volcano has been continuously active since 1955. He is classified in 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. Great amount 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 dangerous volcano, which in 2011 emitted a large amount of lava and ash, covering 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 our 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.

It's 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 There is a small town called Pasto. In August 2010, its residents had to be urgently evacuated due to violent eruption. A state of emergency has been declared in the region. 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 Greater Caucasus it is connected by the Side 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 state 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, the most valuable scientific base. IN Soviet time Scientific research was carried out here, and now there is 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, two more large cities are located here - Tlaxcala de Xicotencatl and Puebla. This restless volcano also makes their residents nervous. Emissions of sulfur, gas, stones and dust occur almost every month. In the last decade alone, the volcano has erupted three times.

Mauna Loa Volcano (USA, Hawaii)

This is the largest in volume " fire mountain» Earth. 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 increases in 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 to you the most famous volcanoes. The list of them, of course, is incomplete, because, according to scientists, only active mountains there are more than 600. In addition, every year 1-2 new volcanoes appear on Earth.

Volcanoes- geological formations on the surface of the earth's crust through which magma emerges. The name comes from the Roman god of fire - Vulcan. Today there are more than 1,000 active volcanoes on the planet. Next we will introduce you to the classification of volcanoes, tell you where most of them are located and which are considered the highest and most famous.

Volcanoes: interesting facts

There is a large classification of volcanoes. So that's it volcanoes of the world are divided into 3 types:
By type (shield volcanoes, stratovolcanoes, cinder cones, domes);
By location (sub-deer, terrestrial, underwater);
By activity (extinct, dormant, active).

Each volcano consists of the following parts:
Main crater;
Side crater;
Vent.


Some volcanoes do not emit lava. There are also mud volcanoes, geysers also belong to post-volcanic formations.

Where are the volcanoes of the world?

Most volcanoes are located in the Andes, Indonesia, Iceland, Hawaii and Kamchatka. However, they are not located randomly, but in strictly defined zones:
Most of the volcanoes are located in an area called the Pacific Volcanic Ring of Fire: in the Andes, Cordillera, Kamchatka, as well as the Philippines and New Zealand. Almost everything is located here active volcanoes of the terrestrial world - 328 out of 540.
Another location zone is the Mediterranean Fold Belt, which includes the Mediterranean Sea (Santorini, Etna, Vesuvius) and extends to Indonesia, where almost all the powerful eruptions of the world took place: Tambora in 1815 and Krakatoa in 1883.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, forming entire volcanic islands. Vivid examples: Canary Islands, Iceland.

Active volcanoes of the world

Most of the active volcanoes are located in the above zones. Volcanoes often erupt in Iceland, and the tallest volcano in Europe, Etna, periodically reminds itself. Others that are particularly well known:
Popocatepetl, located near Mexico City;
Vesuvius;
Mauna Loa;
Nyiragongo (DR Congo), famous for its huge lake boiling lava located in the crater.

Extinct volcanoes of the world

Volcanoes often end active eruptions. Some of them are considered extinct, others are considered dormant. Extinct volcanoes of the world located throughout the planet, including in the Andes, where the highest volcano in the world is located - (6893 meters), as well as the mountain of volcanic origin Aconcagua ( main peak South America).

Often extinct volcanoes used as observatories, for example, Mauna Kea on Hawaiian Islands, in the crater of which 13 telescopes are installed. By the way, it is Mauna Kea that is recognized as the highest volcano in general; if you count the underwater part, its height is 10,205 meters.

The most famous volcanoes in the world

Everyone has heard stories about terrible eruptions that destroyed entire cities and destroyed islands. Here we will talk about:
Vesuvius, this one is not big volcano in Italy (1281 m) destroyed the city of Pompeii. This moment is even captured in Bryullov’s painting “The Last Day of Pompeii.”
Etna is the highest volcano in Europe, which erupts periodically. The last eruption took place in May 2015.
Krakatoa is a volcano in Indonesia, the eruption of which in 1883 was equivalent to an explosion of 10,000 atomic bombs. Now in its place stands new volcano- Anak-Krakatoa.
Tambora. In 1815, the most powerful eruption of our time took place, which resulted in a volcanic winter (air pollution with ash), and 1816 became a year without summer.
Santorini, which destroyed the Minoan civilization and destroyed the whole island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Mont Pelée in Martinique, which destroyed the port of Saint-Pierre in a matter of minutes. 36,000 people died
The Yellowstone Caldera is a potential supervolcano whose eruption could change the map of the world.
Kilimanjaro – highest point Africa.

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 largest volcanoes on the Indonesian islands. 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 to 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

The last time volcanic activity was recorded at the volcano was quite recently, in 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 largest volcano in the world: 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. Firstly, this is the only active volcano on the mainland, secondly, it is the most studied and predictable, and 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.

 

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