Today there are about 600 active volcanoes and up to 1000 extinct ones. In addition, about 10,000 more hide under water. Most of them are located at the junctions of tectonic plates. About 100 volcanoes are concentrated around Indonesia, in the territory of the western American states there are about 10 of them, a cluster of volcanoes is also noted in the area of ​​Japan, Kuril Islands and Kamchatka. But they are all nothing compared to the one megavolcano that scientists fear the most.

The most dangerous volcanoes

This or that danger is represented by any of the existing volcanoes, even sleeping. Not a single volcanologist or geomorphologist undertakes to determine which of them is the most dangerous, since it is impossible to accurately predict the time and strength of the eruption of any of them. The name "the most dangerous volcano in the world" is simultaneously claimed by the Roman Vesuvius and Etna, the Mexican Popocatepetl, the Japanese Sakurajima, the Colombian Galeras, located in the Congo Nyiragongo, in Guatemala - Santa Maria, in Hawaii - Manua Loa and others.

If the danger of a volcano is judged by the expected damage that it can cause, then it would be wise to turn to history describing the consequences of the most dangerous volcanic eruptions in the world in the past. For example, the well-known Vesuvius carried away in 79 AD. e. up to 10 thousand lives and wiped out two large cities from the face of the Earth. The Krakatoa eruption in 1883, which was 200,000 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, echoed across the Earth and took the lives of 36,000 islanders.

The eruption in 1783 of a volcano called Laki led to the fact that a huge part of the livestock and food stocks was destroyed, due to which 20% of the population of Iceland died of starvation. The following year, because of Lucky, became a poor harvest for the whole of Europe. All this shows what large-scale consequences can turn out for people.

Destructive supervolcanoes

But did you know that all the biggest dangerous nothing compared to the so-called supervolcanoes, the eruption of each of which thousands of years ago brought truly catastrophic consequences for the entire Earth and changed the climate on the planet? The eruptions of such volcanoes could have a force of 8 points, and ash with a volume of at least 1000 m 3 was thrown to a height of at least 25 km. This led to prolonged sulfuric precipitation, the absence of sunlight for many months, and the covering of vast areas of the earth's surface with huge layers of ash.

Supervolcanoes are distinguished by the fact that at the site of the eruption they do not have a crater, but a caldera. This cirque-shaped hollow with a relatively flat bottom is formed as a result of the fact that after a series of strong explosions with the release of smoke, ash and magma, the upper part of the mountain collapses.

The most dangerous supervolcano

Scientists are aware of the existence of approximately 20 supervolcanoes. On the site of one of these awesome giants is today Lake Taupa in New Zealand, another supervolcano is hidden under the one located on the Long Valley in California, Wallis in New Mexico and Ira in Japan.

But the most dangerous volcano in the world is the Yellowstone supervolcano, located on the territory of the western American states, which is the most “ripe” for an eruption. It is he who makes volcanologists and geomorphologists in the United States, and indeed the whole world, live in a state of growing fear, forcing them to forget about all the most dangerous active volcanoes in the world.

Location and size of Yellowstone

The Yellowstone Caldera is located in the northwestern United States, in the state of Wyoming. She was first noticed by satellite in 1960. The caldera, which measures approximately 55*72 km, is part of the world famous Yellowstone National Park. A third of the almost 900,000 hectares of parkland is located on the territory of the volcano's caldera.

To this day, a giant magma bubble with a depth of about 8,000 m rests under the Yellowstone crater. The temperature of the magma inside it approaches 1000 0 C. Due to this, a lot of hot springs rage on the territory of the Yellowstone Park, clouds of steam and gas mixtures rise from cracks in the earth's crust.

Also there are many geysers and mud pots. The reason for this was a vertical stream of solid rock heated to a temperature of 1600 0 C 660 km wide. Under the territory of the park at a depth of 8-16 km there are two branches of this stream.

Yellowstone eruptions in the past

The first eruption of Yellowstone, which occurred, according to scientists, more than 2 million years ago, was the largest catastrophe on Earth in its entire history. Then, according to the assumption of volcanologists, about 2.5 thousand km 3 of rock were thrown into the atmosphere, and the upper mark reached by these emissions was 50 km above the earth's surface.

The largest and most dangerous volcano in the world began a second eruption more than 1.2 million years ago. Then the volume of emissions was approximately 10 times less. The third eruption occurred 640 thousand years ago. It was then that the walls of the crater collapsed and the caldera that exists today was formed.

Why You Should Be Afraid of the Yellowstone Caldera Today

In light of recent changes in the territory of Yellowstone National Park, it is becoming clearer to scientists which volcano is the most dangerous in the world. What is going on there? Scientists were alerted by the following changes, which were especially intensified in the 2000s:

• In the 6 years leading up to 2013, the ground covering the caldera has risen by as much as 2 meters, while in the previous 20 years the rise was only 10 cm.
• New hot geysers bubbled up from underground.
• The frequency and strength of earthquakes in the area of ​​the Yellowstone caldera is increasing. In 2014 alone, scientists recorded about 2,000 of them.
• In some places, underground gases make their way through the layers of the earth to the surface.
• The water temperature in the rivers has risen by several degrees.

This frightening news alarmed the public, and especially the inhabitants of the North American continent. Many scientists agree that the supervolcano will erupt in this century.

Consequences of the eruption for America

No wonder many volcanologists believe that the Yellowstone Caldera is the most dangerous volcano in the world. They assume that its next eruption will be as powerful as the previous ones. Scientists equate it to the explosion of a thousand atomic bombs. This means that within a radius of 160 km around the epicenter, everything will be completely destroyed. The territory covered with ash, stretching for 1600 km around, will turn into a "dead zone".

The eruption of Yellowstone can lead to eruptions of other volcanoes and the formation of powerful tsunamis. There will be a state of emergency for the United States and martial law will be introduced. Information comes from various sources that America is preparing for a disaster: building shelters, making more than a million plastic coffins, drawing up an evacuation plan, drawing up agreements with countries on other continents. Recently, the United States prefers to remain silent about the true state of affairs on the Yellowstone caldera.

Yellowstone Caldera and the End of the World

The eruption of the caldera, located under the Yellowstone Park, will bring trouble not only to America. The picture that can unfold in this case looks sad for the whole world. Scientists have calculated that if the release to a height of 50 km lasts only two days, then the “cloud of death” during this time will cover an area twice as large as the entire American continent.

In a week, emissions will reach India and Australia. The sun's rays will drown in thick volcanic smoke and a long one and a half year (at least) winter will come to Earth. The average air temperature on Earth will drop to -25 0 C, and in some places it will reach -50 o. People will die under debris falling from the sky from red-hot lava, from cold, hunger, thirst and inability to breathe. According to assumptions, only one person in a thousand will survive.

The eruption of the Yellowstone caldera can, if not completely destroy life on earth, then radically change the conditions for the existence of all life. No one can say for sure whether this most dangerous volcano in the world will begin its eruption in our lifetime, but the existing fears are really justified.

19.02.2014

In countries where there are volcanoes, such as Indonesia, they are located in such large provinces 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 Krakatau volcano, the huge damage and thousands of victims. And here we present a list of the most dangerous and active volcanoes peace. However, not all volcanoes are dangerous. is in great demand among travelers and connoisseurs of wildlife.

No. 10. Hawaii, Mauna Loa volcano

Mauna Loa is one of the five mountains that make up the island of Hawaii. Although it is not the most high mountain, a volcanic eruption poses a high danger, since its lava is basically liquid, which can lead to serious fires. Mauna LOA is the most big volcano in the world (in terms of volume and area), taking into account the volume of lava, it reaches 18,000 cubic miles. Last eruption happened April 15, 1984.

No. 9. Philippines, Taal volcano

Approximately 50 km (31 miles) from the capital city of Manila, one of the most dangerous volcanoes, Taal. This mountain is an island in Taal Lake, 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 erupted several times, including one of the most powerful eruptions that claimed more than a thousand people.

No. 8. Papua New Guinea, Ulavun 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, one of the strongest being in 1980, with a plume of ash erupting from Ulawun reaching 60,000 feet in height and its pyroclastic flows engulfing 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 most active volcanoes in Africa, its activity never stops.

No. 6. Indonesia, volcano Merapi

Mount Merapi is a conical volcano located in Indonesia on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta. Much of the Merapi eruption, including the lava, continues to descend, occasionally accompanied 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 since 1548 their activity has not stopped.

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 would have caused hot lava to descend down the slope of Mount Galeras for 3.5 km. The latest 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 the most dangerous volcanoes. On March 10, 2009, a terrible eruption occurred, when the volcano threw stones and other rocks up to 2 miles away. The intensity of the Sakurajima eruption is one of the strongest not only in Japan, but also in the world. Over the past 45 years, 73 eruptions have been recorded.

No. 3. Mexico, Popocatepetl volcano

The active volcano Popocatepetl is located at an altitude of 5426 meters above sea level. Beginning in December 1994, the dangerous activity of the volcano continued, until in 2000 there was the most powerful eruption known to history. Since 1519, 20 eruptions have been recorded. The explosion was so strong that it threw ashes over a fairly long distance.

No. 2. Italy, Vesuvius volcano

Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano in Gulf of Naples, in Italy, about 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 severely punish the people living in its vicinity. A lava eruption 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 AD destroyed the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

No. 1. USA, Yellowstone Volcano

Volcano Yellowstone - the most dangerous and active volcano in the world. Rocks and rocks ejected from this volcano can fly up to 1000 km. The volcanic eruption of lava and ash from this mountain threatens the extinction of the living and can cause a mass disaster because it will entail other volcanic activities determined by tectonic fluctuations, which will cause other explosions.

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

The International Association of Volcanology and Earth Chemistry (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. In the event of signs of an imminent eruption, the IAVCEI informs the local authorities of the need for emergency measures. We bring to your attention photos and short description these dangerous giants, who at any moment can present a hot, loud and unexpected surprise.

1. Mount 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 exactly, as the top point is constantly changing as a result of eruptions that occur at intervals of several months. Etna covers an area of ​​1250 square kilometers. As a result of lateral eruptions, Etna has 400 craters. On average, once every three months, the volcano erupts lava. Potentially dangerous in case of a powerful eruption from several craters at the same time. In 2011, Etna colorfully erupted 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 in constant readiness for urgent evacuation: exercises and shelters are a common thing here. Webcams are installed above the volcano. Observations are ongoing. In 1924, there was a major eruption of Sakurajima: then strong tremors unequivocally warned the city of the danger, most of the inhabitants managed to leave their homes and evacuate in time.

After the eruption of 1924, 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 much higher. It dropped only at one point - in the center of the ancient Aira caldera, eight kilometers from Sakurajima. This shows that the current eruptions of the volcano are supported by the same processes that formed a huge caldera more than 22 thousand years ago.

And even today, Sakurajima is considered one of the most dangerous and big volcanoes world, which at any moment can start an eruption and cause a lot of trouble to local and not only residents.

Sakurajiyama

Sakurajiyama. Volcanic lightning.

3. Vesuvius Volcano (Napoli, Italy) - also considered one of the most powerful and dangerous volcanoes in the world. Vesuvius is one of the three active volcanoes in 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. Volcano Colima (Jalisco, Mexico) - one of the most dangerous and powerful volcanoes in the world. The last strong eruption of this handsome man was noted on June 8, 2005. Then the thrown 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) is an extinct volcano, covered with snow for most of the year. Another peak - the active volcano Colima, or Volcan de Fuego de Colima ("Fire Volcano"), 3,846 m high, is called the Mexican Vesuvius. Colima has erupted more than 40 times since 1576. And today it carries a potential threat not only to residents of nearby cities, but to the whole of Mexico.

5. Volcano Galeras (Nariño, Colombia) - a powerful and huge volcano in height (4276 meters above sea level) has 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 of dangerous mountain located small town, which had to be evacuated on August 26, 2010 due to a powerful eruption. The region was declared a state of emergency of the highest degree. More than 400 police officers were sent to the area to assist the civilian population. Scientists claim that over the past 7 thousand years, at least six major eruptions have occurred on Galeras. In 1993, during research work in the crater, six geologists died (then the eruption also began). In November 2006, due to the threat of a major eruption, more than eight thousand residents were evacuated from the surrounding villages.

6. Mauna Loa Volcano (Hawaii, USA) - is considered the largest volcano in terms of volume on Earth (together with the underwater part), namely 80,000 cubic kilometers (!). The summit and the southeastern slope are part of the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park, as is the neighboring volcano, Kilauea. There is a volcanological station on the volcano, constant observations have been carried out since 1912. In addition, there are atmospheric and solar observatories on Mauna Loa. The 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 on Hawaiian Islands after Mauna Kea). By right, this giant is considered one of the most dangerous and powerful volcanoes in the world.

mauna loa

7. Volcano Nyiragongo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) - 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 the two older volcanoes Baratu and Shaheru. It is surrounded by hundreds of small smoldering lateral volcanic cones. Nyiragongo, together with neighboring Nyamuragira, accounts for 40% of all observed eruptions in Africa.

Nyiragongo

Nyiragongo

8. Rainier Volcano (Washington, USA) is a stratovolcano in Pierce County, Washington, located 87 km southeast of Seattle (Washington, 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 the waters."

9. Teide Volcano (Tenerife, Spain) - one of the most powerful and dangerous volcanoes in the world, which is located on the island of Tenerife, being the highest point in Spain. The Teide is 3718 meters high. 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. Santa Maria Volcano (Santiaguito, 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, was 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 a considerable potential danger, at any moment ready to break out with a roar and tons of emissions from the crater.

Santa Maria

Santa Maria

11. Santorini Volcano (Cyclades, Greece) - an active shield volcano on the island of Thira, another name for Thera, in the Aegean Sea, which erupted during the era of the existence of the Aegean culture in the period 1460-1470 BC, which led to the death of the Aegean cities and settlements on islands of Crete, Thira and the coast mediterranean sea. However, around 1627 B.C. An event took place that changed the course of history ancient world and the shape of the island as well. Then there was a powerful eruption of Santorin, as a result of which the crater of the volcano collapsed and a huge funnel (caldera) was formed, which did not hesitate to flood the sea, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthis 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 was the decline of the Minoan civilization, which was buried under water, and those who survived after the eruption died from subsequent powerful earthquakes.

Santorini

Santorini

12. Taal Volcano (Luzon, Philippines) - an active volcano, which is 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. A small lake formed in the crater. Taal is the smallest active volcano on the planet, but its strength should not be underestimated. So, on January 30, 1911, the strongest eruption of the Taal volcano in the 20th century occurred - 1335 people died. For 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. It 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 threw out 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 down 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 the Japanese island of 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 to be 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 human 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 the lava that rolled down the slope of the volcano.

16. Volcano in Yellowstone (USA) - is considered potentially the most powerful volcano in the 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 referred to as a "supervolcano" because it was formed as a result of a very powerful eruption 640,000 years ago. There are more than 3,000 geysers in the park, which is two-thirds of all geysers in the world, as well as about 10,000 geothermal springs and mud volcanoes, which is half of all geothermal springs in the world. In May 2001, the Yellowstone Volcanic Observatory was established to monitor the status of this giant. Since the beginning of the work of the observatory, rumors and conjectures 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 beaten in the movie "2012".

Sierra Negra

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

Volcanoes are one of the most magnificent wonders on earth. Their beauty is truly dangerous, as they can bring death to everything around them. Hot lava and volcanic bombs can easily wipe out everything that gets in their way, including the largest cities. For many millennia, mankind has already managed to verify the incredible power of active volcanoes. For example, Vesuvius, which took thousands of human lives and destroyed the largest cities of that era (Pompeii, Stabia, Herculaneus).

The article describes largest volcanoes in the world. This list contains volcanoes from different parts of the world, regardless of seismological activity. The main criterion for selection was their height.

10 Mauna Loa

Opens the top 10 largest volcanoes in the world of Mauna Loa. This is one of the active megavolcanoes, which is located in the central part of the island of Hawaii. It is second only to the Tamu Massif in its volume. Its height is over four thousand meters. Scientists suggest that Mauna Loa originated over seven hundred thousand years ago. Today it is considered an active volcano.

Mauna Loa has an irregular thyroid shape with gentle slopes. In the vicinity of the volcano, you can find many species of rare plants and wild animals. The mountain and lands from the southeastern part are included in the reserve.

On the eastern side of the Andes mountain system is one of the largest volcanoes on the planet - the active volcano Sangay. It has a steep conical shape, and numerous layers of lava and tephra can be seen on its top. The uniqueness of this volcano lies in the presence of three craters. On the territory of the mountain and its nearby territory, a national natural Park, which belongs to the list of protected areas of UNESCO.

Scientists suggest that the Sangay volcano formed about 14 thousand years ago. Its height is over 5 thousand meters. From the 1930s to the present day, Sangai is characterized by very frequent periods of activity. The first recorded volcanic eruption was in 1628.

8 Huila Volcano

The Huila Old Volcano is the largest volcano in Colombia, with a height of 5365 meters. It has a sharp elongated shape. Huila was thought to be dormant for many years, and after fifty years he began to show signs of activity. In the period from 2007 to the present day, more than 7 thousand small seismic events have occurred. The last eruption was recorded in 2011. Huila poses a great danger to the inhabitants of the four regions that are in its vicinity.

This volcano and its surrounding areas are home to many species of wild animals. The rich flora and fauna is due to the presence of numerous water sources, which were formed due to the convergence of snow from the top of the mountain.

7. Popocatepetl

In the Mexican highlands is one of the largest active stratovolcanoes in the world - Popocatepetl. Its height is 5426 meters. The name of the volcano comes from the Nahuatl language, which means "Smoking Hill". Next to it is Mount Istaxuatl. These two hills got their names thanks to the legend. In it, the Aztecs told about unhappy love, where the girl was given in marriage to another. This happened because her parents did not wait until their daughter's beloved returned from the campaign. Soon the girl committed suicide. After some time, the warrior returned home with a victory, but did not find his beloved alive. The guy could not measure up with the loss and also committed suicide. At their sign eternal love the gods turned the lovers into two mountains.

6. Orizaba

Orizaba is the highest peak in Mexico and one of the largest volcanoes in the world. Its height above sea level is 5675 meters. The locals call the volcano Sitlaltepetl. This, translated from one of the Aztec languages, means "mountain of the star."

On this moment the volcano is at rest, but it has not completely died out. About 27 eruptions have been documented, the last of which was observed in 1846.

In 1936, a conservation park was created, which included the mountain, the surrounding areas and the settlement. The area of ​​the protected area is almost 20 thousand hectares.

Over thirty years ago, there were about 14 glaciers on the top of the volcano. In connection with the problem of global warming, their number has decreased. To date, there are 9 of them. The largest of them is the Gran Norte with an area of ​​9 sq. km.

5. Misty

Misty is the largest active volcano in South America. It is located in the southern part of Peru. Its actual height is 5822 meters above sea level. Not far from the hill is the city of Arequina, which is home to more than 1 million people. Most of the city's buildings are built from pyroclastic deposits of the volcano.

In the shape of a cone, Misty is a stratovolcano. It is characterized by explosive eruptions, which alternate with the outflow of lava. One of the features of the volcano is the presence of three concentric craters. In the 15th century, very strong eruptions were observed. The most recent seismological activity was documented in 1985.

4. Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is the highest African volcano. It is located in the northeastern part of Tanzania. Including glaciers, its height is 5895 meters. Kilimanjaro, like most of the largest volcanoes in the world, is dormant. For now locals observed little seismic activity. Kilimanjaro has a conical shape and consists of three craters.

There are many theories that explain the origin of the name in different ways. From the Swahili language, the name of the volcano is translated as "mountain that sparkles."

Despite the fact that Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano, many scientists visit it every year. The top of the volcano is covered with a huge snow cap, which has been formed there since the Ice Age. Due to global warming, its volume has sharply decreased over the past century.

3. Cotopaxi

In the list of the largest volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi ranks third. The height of the volcano is 5911 meters, it is located in Ecuador on the western side of the Eastern Cordillera. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is located just 50 kilometers from Cotopaxi.

The peak of the activity of the volcano fell on the XVII-XVIII century. The last eruption occurred quite recently - in 2015.

Cotopaxi in Quechua means "shiny or smoking mountain". Sometimes small puffs of smoke can be seen above its mouth, which are formed due to the release of water and sulfur. Since the volcano is dormant, its summit is covered with a thick layer of glaciers and snow.

2. San Pedro

San Pedro, with a height of 6145 meters, is the largest stratovolcano in the Andean mountain system. The cone of the volcano is formed by basalt and andesite layers. The last seismic activity was observed in the 60s of the last century. In the summer of 1903, the first documented ascent to the summit of the mountain was made.

Not far from San Pedro is the volcano San Pablo. Outwardly, they look like two brothers who are connected with each other with the help of a high saddle.

1. Lullaillaco

Llullagliaco is the largest volcano on Earth. Its height is 6739 meters. It is located on the high plateau of Puna de Atacama, between Argentina and Chile.

To date, Llyullaco is in a dormant state. The last period of activity was documented in 1877. Now quite often you can see how smoke is emitted from its muzzle.

The very first documented ascent to the summit of Llullagliaco took place in 1952. During the expedition, archaeologists found an ancient sanctuary belonging to the Incas. A more thorough examination of the slopes of the mountain revealed several mummies, which were most likely sacrificed to the gods.

Despite their lethality, various volcanoes have long attracted man. Previously, people were attracted by fertile soils enriched with minerals and trace elements due to the activity of volcanoes, now tourists are attracted by the beauty and majesty of these natural objects.

Where are the largest volcanoes on the world map?

Most of today's active volcanoes are located in Pacific volcanic ring- area in which the largest number eruptions and 90% of earthquakes on our planet.

The second most powerful seismic zone is the Mediterranean fold belt, stretching from the Indonesian islands to.

The strongest eruption in history

The most destructive eruption in terms of its consequences is considered to be a catastrophe that occurred in 1883 during an explosion. Krakatoa volcano located in . During this cataclysm, more than 36 thousand people died, more than 165 cities and villages were completely destroyed, and ash was thrown to a height of 70 kilometers.

The force of the explosion during the eruption exceeded the force of the nuclear bomb explosion over Hiroshima by 10,000 times. Most of the deaths are the result of huge tsunami caused by the eruption. The island on which Krakatoa was located was almost completely destroyed during the disaster. The sound from the explosion spread to a distance of 5 thousand kilometers from the epicenter of the disaster.

Earth's Greatest Active Volcanic Mountains

The largest active volcanoes in the world in terms of volume:

• mauna loa, Hawaii, with a volume of 80 thousand cubic kilometers;
• kilimanjaro(Tanzania), which is considered dormant but potentially active, has a volume of 4,800 cubic kilometers;
• Volcano Sierra Negra, located in the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) has a volume of 580 cubic kilometers.

Which country has the largest source of lava?

In terms of size, there is no equal to the Hawaiian volcano Mauna Loa, which has a volume of 80 thousand cubic kilometers. The title of the highest is contested by 2 volcanoes from South America:

1. Llullaillaco, located on the border of Argentina and Chile with a height of more than 6 thousand meters;
2. Cotopaxi, located in Ecuador with a height of 5897 meters.

Description with titles

There are between 1000 and 1500 active volcanoes on our planet. Many of them are located close to densely populated areas and pose a threat to human life. The most dangerous volcanoes, which are under special supervision, are included in List of Volcanoes of the United Nations Decade.

Merapi

Merapi, which in Indonesian means "mountain of fire", recognized as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Asia. It is located in the south of the island of Java in Indonesia, and its peak rises to a height of 3 thousand meters.

Significant eruptions of Merapi occur with a frequency of about 7 years; during its history, Merapi has repeatedly caused the death of many people. In 1930, 1400 people became victims of the eruption, and in 2010 more than 350 thousand people had to be evacuated, 353 inhabitants of the island died.

Located near Merapi Yogyakarta city, in the agglomeration of which more than 2 million people live. For its activity and danger to people's lives, Merapi is included in the list of Volcanoes of the Decade.

Sakurajima

Sakurazdima volcano (Japan) is located on Kyushu island, its peak rises to a height of 1110 meters. The first eruption recorded by the chronicles occurred in 963, and the most powerful one dates back to 1914, but thanks to the tremors preceding it, most of the local residents managed to evacuate, “only” 35 people died.

Since the middle of the 20th century, the volcano has been constantly active. Every year there are thousands of small explosions and ash emissions.

In 2013, there was a large ash ejection, reaching a height of 4000 meters.

Sakurajima is also on the Volcanoes of the Decade list.

Aso

Aso Volcano is also located on Kyushu island in Japan. The highest point of Aso is at an altitude of 1592 meters. During the observation of the volcano, about 165 large and medium-sized eruptions occurred, many of which led to human casualties.

The last time people died as a result of volcanic eruptions in 1979, when 3 people died and 11 were injured. But Aso is dangerous not only for its eruptions, poisonous vapors of volcanic gas regularly poison tourists who try to conquer Aso. The last such incident occurred in 1997, when two climbers died.

The last eruption of Aso was noted in 2011, when ash was ejected to a height of up to 2 kilometers.

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Nyiragongo

Nyiragongo is located in DR Congo in the Virunga mountain range (Africa). In the crater of the volcano is the world's largest lava lake, the depth of which can reach 3 kilometers. In 1977, the crater wall ruptured, resulting in a major lava flow to the surrounding area, resulting in the death of 70 people.

During observations of Nyiragongo since 1882, it was recorded 34 major volcanic eruptions. A feature of the Nyiragongo eruptions is an extremely fast flow of lava, reaching a speed of 100 kilometers per hour. During a major eruption in 2002, 400,000 residents of the city of Goma, located near the volcano, were evacuated. Nevertheless, 147 of them died as a result of this cataclysm, and the city itself received significant damage.

All these factors make Nyiragongo one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, for which he was rightly included in the list of Volcanoes of the Decade.

Galeras

Galeras volcano is located in Colombia near the city of Pasto, whose population is more than 400 thousand people. Its height exceeds 4200 meters. Due to its danger, Galeras has been included in the list of Volcanoes of the Decade that pose the greatest threat in the foreseeable future.

It is believed that over the past 7000 years, Galeras has experienced at least 6 major eruptions, in 1993 the last of them was recorded.

mauna loa

Mauna Loa Volcano is located on Hawaiian Islands owned by the United States of America. This giant volcano occupies more than half the area of ​​Hawaii, the height of the peak is 4169 meters above sea level, but most of the volcano is located under water. Together with the underwater part, its height from the base to the top reaches 9170 meters, which exceeds the height of Everest.

Mauna Loa eruptions occur along the so-called Hawaiian type with an outpouring of lava, but without explosions and large ash emissions. Observations of the volcano have been conducted only since 1832, but during this time 39 major eruptions of Mauna Loa were recorded. This volcano was included in the list of Volcanoes of the Decade due to the huge lava flows that accompany the eruption and the densely populated area in its immediate vicinity.

The top of the volcano and its slopes are included in the list world heritage UNESCO.

Colima

The most active volcano in Central America is located in the state of Jalisco. Due to its activity, Colima received the nickname "little Vesuvius", its height exceeds 3800 meters.

Over the past 450 years, more than 40 large and medium-sized volcanic eruptions have been recorded, the last of which occurred on September 12, 2016. More than 400 thousand people live near Colima, which makes it America's most dangerous volcano. For this reason, the volcano was included in the Volcanoes of the Decade list.

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Vesuvius

Most famous volcano the world is located on the Apennine Peninsula in. The lone peak of Vesuvius, 1281 meters high, rises above the spacious fields of the province of Campania and is part of the Apennine mountain system.

Located just 15 kilometers from Naples, Vesuvius has repeatedly entered history with its catastrophic eruptions, about 80 large ones alone were recorded. In 79 AD, the most destructive eruption of Vesuvius, during which famous cities were killed:

• Pompeii;
• Oplontis;
• Herculaneum;
• Stabiae.

It is believed that at least 16,000 people died during this cataclysm.

In 1944, the last eruption of Vesuvius occurred at the moment, cities were destroyed during this natural disaster. Weight And San Sebastiano, 27 people became victims. Since then, Vesuvius has not shown much activity, but the danger of a new eruption always remains. Vesuvius is one of the main attractions of the province of Campania and its visit is included in sightseeing tour when traveling to Naples.

Etna

Another famous volcano in Italy is located in the east of the island of Sicily and is highest volcano, rising to a height of 2329 meters. Etna eruptions are observed several times a year. History has recorded several major eruptions of this volcano, which led to devastating consequences:

1. Destroyed in 122 AD city ​​of Catania;
2. In 1169, Etna died during a massive eruption. 15 thousand people;
3. In 1669, Catania suffered again, houses were destroyed 27 thousand people;
4. In 1928, the ancient Mascali city.

Despite the danger of the volcano, the inhabitants of the island continue to settle on its slopes. The reason for this is fertile soil, enriched with minerals and trace elements contained in the cooled lava flows and ash.

Etna is one of the main natural attractions of Sicily. Tourists from all over the world come to see the volcano and climb to its top.

popocatepetl

Volcano Popocatepetl, or El Popo, as the locals affectionately call it, is located in Mexico, 70 kilometers from the capital of this country, the city of Mexico City. The height of the volcano is almost 5500 meters. Over the past 500 years, Popocatepetl has erupted more than 15 times, with the latest occurring as recently as 2015. An extinct volcano is located near Popocatepetl Istaxihuatl.

A trip to these volcanoes is an integral part of the excursion program when visiting Mexico City.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka

Most high volcano Eurasia is located on the Kamchatka Peninsula and is considered the most famous of the many volcanoes in Kamchatka. The highest point outside the Caucasus Mountains reaches a height of 4750 meters. It is the most active volcano in Eurasia, on average its eruptions occur almost every year. The last significant eruption occurred in 2013, the height of the ash emission was 10-12 kilometers. The eruption was accompanied by mud flows and ashfall.

Cotopaxi

The active volcano Cotopaxi is located in South America on the territory of the state Ecuador in the Andean mountain system. The height of the top of Cotopaxi is 5897 meters. Over the entire history of observations, 86 eruptions have been recorded, the largest of which led to the complete destruction of the city of Latacunga in 1786. The last activity of Cotopaxi was seen in 1942, after which the volcano is still dormant.

Famous extinct giants

In addition to active volcanoes, there are many extinct volcanoes on our planet that do not show volcanic activity.

Supreme

The tallest extinct volcano in the world aconcagua, is located in Argentina and is part of mountain system Andes. Aconcagua is not only the highest extinct volcano in the world, but also the highest peak in America, the Western and Southern Hemispheres. The height of Aconcagua exceeds 6950 meters.

sleeping giants

Many extinct volcanoes are now considered just mountains, although some of them could potentially “wake up” and begin to show activity. Such volcanoes, which may become active in the future, are called "asleep".

• famous Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (Africa) is a dormant volcano that does not show active activity. Scientists believe that one day Kilimanjaro may wake up, then this potential volcano will become one of the highest in the world, because the height of Kilimanjaro is 5895 meters above sea level.

colossal supervolcano yellowstone considered extinct, but scientists have found that there is little activity in it, so now Yellowstone is categorized as dormant volcanoes. The last time the giant erupted almost a million years ago.

It is believed that if Yellowstone wakes up, the potential eruption will become one of the largest disasters in the history of the Earth, every third inhabitant of the planet will die, and several US states will be completely destroyed.

Yellowstone eruption will provoke many earthquakes, giant tsunami waves and eruptions of other volcanoes, which will affect almost every inhabitant of the planet. The ash thrown out by the volcano will cover the surface of the earth from the sun for a year and a half, and a volcanic winter will come throughout the planet.

However, not all scientists believe that the consequences of this cataclysm will be so serious. In any case, the eruption of this volcano remains one of the main potential threats to humans.

• The largest extinct volcano in Russia - - 5642 meters. It is located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Related to the list the highest peaks six parts of the world. Scientists consider the activity of the volcano not so much completed as fading.
• The largest volcano of our time cannot be visited and is very difficult to see, as it is under water. array Tamu located at the bottom Pacific Ocean and is located about 1600 kilometers east of the Japanese Islands. Its dimensions are 650 by 450 kilometers; in terms of its scale, the array is one of the largest not only on Earth, but in the entire solar system. The last volcanic eruption occurred 140 million years ago.
• dormant volcanoes Big and Small Ararat are now located on the territory and belong to the category of volcanoes that do not show volcanic activity. Peak Big Ararat, reaching 5165 meters, is the highest point Turkey.
• One of the highest peaks of the Caucasus, Mount Kazbek is also an extinct volcano. Kazbek is located on the border with Russia, the highest point of the mountain is located at an altitude of more than 5 kilometers. During research, volcanic ash from an eruption that allegedly occurred 40 thousand years ago was found in one of the caves of Kazbek.

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