Mega volcanoes of the planet. The largest volcanoes in the world. highest volcano
Today you will learn interesting facts about the largest volcano in search of which we will visit the island of Hawaii.
A huge volcano named Mauna Loa, which literally means " long mountain", takes most islands and is one of the most active on the planet. Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times since it was first documented in 1843.
The most recent volcanic eruption occurred in 1984, as a result of which 30,000 acres of land were covered with lava, and the area of \u200b\u200bthe island increased by 180 hectares, reclaiming space from the sea.
What is the size of the largest volcano on Earth? The height of the volcano above sea level is 4169 meters, but this is not its true height. If you measure the height of Mauna Loa from the bottom, then its height will be about 9,000 meters, which is higher than Mount Everest.
The famous Hawaiian volcano is not only the largest and most powerful, but also the most massive. If you measure its volume from the bottom to the top, then an impressive figure will come out - 75,000 cubic kilometers.
In one eruption, Mauna Loa erupts so much lava that its volume is equal to the volume of Vesuvius, famous volcano in Italy.
There are many legends around this Hawaiian volcano. One of which is as follows. The mistress of volcanoes, the goddess Pele, was expelled by her older sister, the goddess of water and the sea. Every time Pele tried to build a house for herself, her sister sent huge waves to destroy everything.
In the end, Pele settled on a big island and made herself big house Mauna Loa, so big that not a single wave could reach it.
There is also a legend that Pele has a faithful white dog and she sends him to the slopes of the volcano to warn people of danger. In 1959, during the research of this powerful volcano, a white dog was seen on the slopes. All attempts to tame or catch this white dog were futile. In December of the same year, one of the craters erupted and the dogs disappeared. In 1966, a white dog was again seen on the mountain, in the same year Mauna Loa exploded with a strong eruption.
Volcanic activity is one of the forces of nature that can change the face of the Earth. And at the moment, the underground forces continue their titanic work. Created from many layers of lava, of monstrous proportions, the most big volcanoes in the world lurk under the water surface or hang over nearby cities.
Which of them are considered the largest? Scientists have not yet come to a consensus. Some believe that it is necessary to build a rating according to the height above sea level. Others - that it is necessary to take into account the area over which lava flows spread, forming a new surface. Thirdly, what is most important is the human factor: the danger to human settlements.
Most high volcano in Europe is located on the island of Sicily and is still valid. Last eruption started on December 25, 2018. Because of frequent eruptions it is impossible to determine its height exactly - it is constantly changing. For example, over the past 30 years, Etna has "lost" more than 20 meters in height. At the moment, it rises above the island at 3295 m.
The mountain is famous for its bad character - its slopes are dotted with craters, from where lava steadily pours out every couple of months. About once a century, eruptions are larger, representing a direct danger to the human settlements inhabiting the slopes. However, this does not stop stubborn people - due to frequent eruptions, the soil on the slopes of the mountain is rich in elements useful for plants, which allow them to harvest large crops.
9. Erebus - 3794 meters
If the rest of the volcanoes are in the inhabited part of the world, then Erebus is located on the uninhabited continent of Antarctica. It is the largest active volcano in the southern polar region. Despite the lifeless ice expanses surrounding it, Erebus leads a very active life. And him geographic location- exactly above several faults in the earth's crust - this contributes a lot.
Despite the fact that people do not live near Erebus, it still affects their lives in a negative way. From the bowels of the volcano, streams of gases contained inside the Earth periodically break out, mainly methane and hydrogen, which destroy the ozone layer. It is believed that the smallest thickness of the ozone sea is exactly in the area of \u200b\u200bthe volcano.
8. Klyuchevskaya Sopka - 4835 meters
Like Etna, the height of the Klyuchevskoy volcano is constantly changing. Although he lost about 15 meters after the five-year-old eruption, he still remains the highest active volcano in Russia and Asia.
Although, compared to other peaks of Kamchatka, the Klyuchevskoy volcano loses in frequency, but it successfully compensates for this with its power. For example, the 1938 eruption lasted 13 months and caused the emergence of several craters up to 1900 m high. And the 1980 eruption tore off and threw into the air to a height of more than 500 m a block of ice with an area of at least half a kilometer.
But the most spectacular and most terrible was the eruption of 1994, when an impressive ash column more than 12 km high rose above the volcano, and the plume of volcanic ash extended from the place of release for many tens of kilometers and disappeared somewhere in the ocean.
7. Orizaba - 5636 meters
“The top of the volcano must touch the sky itself,” the ancient Incas probably thought and gave it the name Sitlaltepetl, or “Star Mountain”. It is the highest active volcano in Northern and Central America, and the third highest peak of this region. It can be seen from afar - even many miles from the coast, the cone of Orizaba can be seen from the side of the next through Gulf of Mexico to the port of Veracruz ship.
Although the volcano is sleeping now, its calmness is deceptive - it led a very active existence from the moment the conquistadors came to these places until the 19th century, and in last years the station located at its foot recorded constant internal activity.
6. Elbrus - 5642 meters
The highest mountain is also the largest volcano in Russia and Europe. Glaciers descending from the snow-covered surface give rise to several significant rivers that feed the plains of the Caucasus region.
In addition to beauty, a snow-white cone with two peaks and a small saddle between them is distinguished by a meek and peaceful character. Elbrus has been sleeping for a long time, and its last eruption was more than 5000 years ago. Despite the external severity, climbing Elbrus is easy and simple - climbing routes to the top of the sleeping patriarch are some of the easiest.
5. Kilimanjaro - 5885 meters
Gorgeous handsome Kilimanjaro - business card Africa, her most big volcano. The sleeping giant is actually three volcanic cones that are visible from almost anywhere in neighboring Tanzania and Kenya.
Unlike many volcanoes in the rating, Kilimanjaro is the most famous volcano in the world, a typical stratovolcano. If you ask a child to draw it, most likely, he will draw a conical mountain, from the top of which ash, burning gases and very viscous lava erupt, which quickly solidifies, increasing the cone higher and higher. This is the stratovolcano. The size of Kilimanjaro is 4800 km3, and its height is 5885 m. last time the volcano was active at the dawn of mankind - 360,000 years ago.
4. Ojos del Salado - 6,893 meters
If the second and third places in the ranking are the largest volcanoes in the world, if you count from the seabed, then Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano in the world located above the sea surface. It rises 6,893 meters above the ground. The giant mountain is located on the border between Argentina and Chile.
Although the last active volcanic eruption occurred before the invention of writing by mankind - no data on it has been preserved - however, Ojos del Salado cannot be called sleeping in the full sense of the word. In the bowels huge mountain as if a mysterious hidden work is taking place, the echo of which reaches the inhabitants of the earth in the form of clouds of steam and ash. The last such activity took place as recently as 1993.
3. Mauna Loa - 9800 meters
Mauna Loa - underwater volcano, the top of which (together with five others) caused the occurrence big island archipelago of Hawaii. Value mauna loa 40,000 km3, an area of 75,000 m2, and a height (if you count from the seabed) - as much as 9800 m. And it is the highest active volcano in the world - the last eruption of Mauna Loa was only 34 years ago, in 1984. In total, over the past 170 years, Mauna Loa has scared people with its activity, throwing out lava, 33 times.
2. Mauna Kea - 10058 meters
"Sister" Mauna Loa rises almost 4267 m above sea level. Seems like a little, right? However, Mauna Kea has more potential than meets the eye - its base is located deep under the water column at a depth of more than 6000 m. Mauna Kea does it. If it were located entirely on land, it would break the record of all the highest volcanoes in the world, beating the "terrestrial" favorite Ojos del Salado by almost 3000 m.
At the top of Mauna Kea, there is very low humidity and there are almost never clouds - now one of the largest observatories in the world is located there.
Mauna Kea arose over a hot spot of the earth - a place where red-hot and molten magma rises from the Earth's mantle layer. Over millions of years, the outward molten rock created the surface of everything Hawaiian archipelago. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano; this means that it has been inactive for more than 4,000 years, and the hot spot of magma outflow has shifted. However, inaction does not mean that he will doze forever.
1. The largest volcano in the world: Tamu Massif - 4000 meters
“How, only 4000 meters - and the largest volcano in the world?” The reader may be indignant. Yes, Tamu's height is not too impressive. But let's look at it in more detail from all sides.
Most of the largest natural objects in the world have been discovered by mankind long ago, at the dawn of its existence. But the Tamu massif is the most huge volcano on planet Earth - for many years he managed to hide from people.
It is amazing that mankind knew more about the huge volcanoes on Mars than about the giant mountain under their very noses. The reason for this is both the remote location (it is located more than 1,600 kilometers east of Japan) and the depth. Its top is submerged in the thickness of the World Ocean for 2000 km. And only in 2013, scientists found out that the amazing mountain of lava at the bottom of the ocean is actually a single volcano.
Its volume is approximately equal to 2.5 million km3, and its area is more than 311 km2. Fortunately, he has been sleeping for a long time - the last eruption of Tamu was about 144 million years ago.
The most dangerous volcano in the world
The Yellowstone supervolcano is considered the most active and dangerous today. Located in the US National Park, it poses a huge threat not only to the state of Wyoming, but to the entire planet. It is believed that the eruption of the Yellowstone Volcano can lead to climate change throughout the Earth.
As a result of the disaster, more than 70% of the US territory will be destroyed. Magma and ash will cover the territory with a 3-meter layer. Losses will amount to more than 10 million lives, and the territory will turn into uninhabited due to high levels of radiation.
Today, visiting the park is limited, entry is completely prohibited to some territories. Scientists carefully examine the caldera, the eruption may begin in the coming decades.
They destroyed cities and even entire states. Today, 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 a fire-breathing mountain during an eruption, how this process occurs, what precedes it, makes scientists climb dangerous slopes, approaching craters where the elements are raging.
Today, volcanologists have united in international organization(IAVCEI). She carefully monitors likely eruptions that could pose a threat to human life. To date, there is a list where there is the name of volcanoes, their location and the likelihood of the next eruption. This helps to prevent loss of life, evacuate people from the danger zone if necessary, and take emergency measures.
Etna (Italy)
We decided to start our review with this mountain not by chance. Mount 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, not far from Catania and Messina.
Its activity is explained by its location at the junction of the Eurasian and African. Other active mountains of the country are located at this break - Vesuvius, Stromboli, Vulcano. Scientists say that in ancient times (15-35 thousand years ago), Mount Etna, whose photos are often printed 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 human casualties.
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact height of this mountain, as its top point changes due to frequent eruptions. They usually happen after a few months. Etna occupies huge area(1250 sq. km). After lateral eruptions, Etna had 400 craters. On average, every three to four months, the volcano ejects lava. It is potentially dangerous in the event of a powerful eruption. Thanks to the latest scientific developments, scientists hope to determine the increased activity of the mountain in time.
Sakurajima (Japan)
Experts consider Earth's volcanoes active if they have been active in the last 3000 years. This japanese volcano active continuously since 1955. It belongs to the first category. In other words, an eruption can start at any time. A not very strong lava ejection was noted in February 2009. Anxiety accompanies the inhabitants of Kagoshima City almost constantly. Teachings, equipped shelters have firmly entered their everyday life.
Researchers have installed webcams over the crater, so Sakurajima is under constant surveillance. I must say that volcanoes on the islands can change the terrain. This happened in Japan, when in 1924 there was a strong eruption of Sakurajima. Powerful tremors warned the city of danger, most of the residents managed to leave their homes and evacuate.
After that, the volcano, bearing the name Sakurajima (which means "sakura island"), can no longer be called an island. A huge amount of lava formed an isthmus that connected the mountain with the island of Kyushu. And a year after the eruption, lava slowly flowed out of the crater. The bottom of the bay has risen in the center of the Aira caldera, located eight kilometers from Sakurajima.
Aso (Japan)
This popular tourist attraction for adventurers is actually dangerous volcano, which in 2011 threw away a large number of lava and ash that covered an area of 100 kilometers. Since that moment, more than 2,500 powerful tremors have been registered. This suggests that at any moment he can destroy the nearby village.
Vesuvius (Italy)
Wherever there are volcanoes - on the continents or on the islands, they are equally dangerous. Vesuvius is very powerful, and therefore very dangerous. It is one of the three active scientists have information about 80 major eruptions of this mountain. The worst thing happened in 1979. Then the cities of Pompeii, Stabia, Herculaneum were completely destroyed.
One of the last powerful eruptions was noted in 1944. The height of this mountain is 1281 m, the diameter of the crater is 750 m.
Colima (Mexico)
Many of us still remember the name of volcanoes (at least some of them) from the school curriculum, we learn about others from newspapers, and only specialists are aware of others. Colima is perhaps the most dangerous and powerful in the world. It last erupted in June 2005. Then a column of ash thrown out of the crater rose to a great height (more than 5 km). To local authorities had to evacuate the inhabitants 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. locals They called 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 the whole of Mexico.
Galeras (Colombia)
Often the name of volcanoes is directly related to the area on 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 crater is 320 meters. It is located in Colombia (South America).
At the foot of this giant mountain is the small town of Pasto. In August 2010, its residents had to be urgently evacuated due to the strongest eruption. The region has declared a state of emergency of the highest degree. More than 400 police officers were sent to the district to provide assistance to the townspeople.
Scientists say that over the past 7 thousand years, the volcano has woken up at least 6 times. And 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 the surrounding villages were evacuated due to the threat of a strong lava ejection.
Volcano Elbrus
On the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria is the highest point in Europe and, of course, Russia - Elbrus. WITH northern part Greater Caucasus it is connected by the Lateral Range. The Elbrus Volcano consists of two peaks that are approximately the same height. Its eastern part reaches 5621 m, and the western part - 5642 m.
It is a cone-shaped stratovolcano. Its layers are formed by flows of tufa, 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 shape. As a rule, craters quickly collapse under the influence of erosion. The beauty of Elbrus is protected by its mantle of ice and snow. It does not descend even in summer, for which the volcano was nicknamed Little Antarctica.
Despite the fact that he reminded of himself for a long time, experts who observe his current state and degree of activity do not consider him extinct. They call the mountain "sleeping". The volcano is behaving actively (fortunately, not yet destructively). Hot masses are still stored in its depths. They "warm up" known sources. Their temperature reaches +52 °С and +60 ºС. Seep through the cracks to the surface
Today Elbrus is a unique natural area, a valuable scientific base. In Soviet times, scientific research was carried out here, and now there is a geophysical laboratory, the highest in Europe.
Popocatepetl (Mexico)
This is the country's most located 50 kilometers from the capital - Mexico City. A city of twenty million is always prepared for an emergency evacuation. In addition, there are also two major cities- Tlaxcala de Jicotencatl and Puebla. This restless volcano also makes their inhabitants 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 "fiery mountain" of the Earth in terms of volume. Together with the underwater part, it is 80,000 cubic meters. km! The southeast slope and summit are part of national park"Hawaiian Volcanoes".
There is a volcanological station on Mauna Loa. Research and ongoing observations have been carried out since 1912. There are also solar and atmospheric observatories.
The last eruption was noted in 1984. The height of the mountain above sea level is 4,169 meters.
Nyiragongo (Congo)
As already noted, the name of volcanoes may not always be known to ordinary citizens living on another continent. That doesn't make the mountain any less dangerous. Its activities are monitored by specialists and promptly report on an increase in activity.
Next on our list is the active volcano Nyiragongo, which is 3,469 meters high. It is located in the central part of the African continent, in the Virunga mountains. The volcano is considered the most dangerous in Africa. Partially, it connects with 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 overview list is completed by a stratovolcano located in Pierce County (Washington), 87 km south of Seattle.
Rainier is part of the Volcanic Arc. Its height is 4392 meters. Its summit is made up of two volcanic craters.
We have presented you the most famous volcanoes. Their list, 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.
Operating and extinct volcanoes always attracted people. People settled on the volcanic slopes to engage in agriculture, because the volcanic soil is very fertile.
Today, majestic geological formations attract crowds of tourists who want to admire their beauty.
Thirsty for extreme sports are not stopped even by the most dangerous natural objects- active volcanoes.
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List of active volcanoes in the world
Today we will look at where there are active volcanoes in the world. Most of them are located along the coast. This zone is called the Pacific Ring of Fire. Second in volcanic activity zone - the Mediterranean belt.
In total, there are about 900 active volcanoes on land.
About 60 geological formations of the earth explode every year. Consider the most dangerous of the active, as well as a few impressive, but dormant.
Merapi, Indonesia
Merapi is the most impressive, nicknamed the "Mountain of Fire". It is located on about. Java, reaches a height of 2914 m. Large-scale emissions are carried out every 7 years, and small ones twice a year. Smoke constantly comes out of its crater. One of the most significant tragedies associated with activity broke out in 1006. Then a ferocious element destroyed the Javanese-Indian state of Mataram.
In 1673, another powerful eruption broke out, as a result of which the towns and villages located at the foot were destroyed. In 1930, volcanic eruptions killed 1,300 people.
The last release of Merapi occurred in 2010, when 350,000 people needed to be evacuated. Some of them decided to return and died in the lava flow. 353 people suffered then.
That last disaster fire mountain threw out a mixture of ash and gas at a speed of 100 km / h, while the temperature reached 1000 ° C.
Sakurajima, Japan
Sakurajima is located on about. Kyushu. Once the mountain stood separately, but in one of the eruptions, with the help of lava, it joined the Osumi Peninsula. It rises to a height of 1117 m. It consists of three peaks, the highest of which is the northern one.
The activity of Sakurajima increases every year, and until 1946 there were only 6 releases. It has been erupting continuously since 1955.
Note: one of major disasters occurred in 1914, when the elements claimed the lives of 35 people. In 2013, 1097 emissions of insignificant force were recorded, and in 2014 - 471.
Aso, Japan
Aso is another volcanic giant about. Kyushu. Its height is 1592 m. This is a caldera, in the middle of which there are 17 cones. The most active of them is Nakadake.
Aso last erupted lava in 2011. Since then, there have been about 2500 aftershocks. In 2016, the ejection process was accompanied by an earthquake.
It is worth noting: despite the danger associated with the extreme activity of Aso, about 50 thousand people live in the caldera, and the crater itself has become a popular object of active tourism. In winter, skiing is possible on the slopes of Aso.
Nyiragongo, Republic of the Congo
Nyiragongo refers to mountain system Virunga is the most active in Africa. The height is 3470 m. In its crater there is a huge bubbling lava lake, the largest in the world. During an eruption, lava flows out almost completely, destroying everything around in a matter of hours. After that, it fills the crater again. Due to the military situation in the Republic of the Congo, the crater has not yet been sufficiently explored.
Since the end of the 19th century alone, 34 eruptions of the formidable Nyiragongo have been noted. Its lava is very liquid because it does not contain enough silicates. For this reason, it spreads rapidly, reaching a speed of 100 km / h. This feature makes Nyiragongo one of the most dangerous on the planet. In 1977, a huge mass of lava hit the nearby town. The cause was the rupture of the crater wall. The disaster claimed the lives of several hundred people.
In 2002, another large-scale eruption occurred, then 400 thousand people were evacuated, 147 of whom died. Despite the fact that this Nyiragongo is considered the most dangerous in the world, about half a million people live in nearby settlements.
Galeras, Colombia
It rises above the Colombian town of Pasto, with about 500 thousand inhabitants. Galeras reaches a height of 4276 m. In recent years, Galeras has been constantly active, throwing out volcanic ash.
One of the largest eruptions was recorded in 1993. The element led to the death of 6 volcanologists and 3 tourists in the crater. The disaster came unexpectedly, after a long lull.
One of the recent eruptions occurred in August 2010. Colombian authorities periodically evacuate local residents as Galeras is active.
Colima, Mexico
Spread Colima on the coast Pacific Ocean. Consists of 2 peaks, one of which is extinct. In 2016, Colima became active, releasing a column of ash.
The last time he reminded of himself was on January 19, 2017. At the time of the disaster, a cloud of ash and smoke rose 2 km.
Vesuvius, Italy
Vesuvius is the most famous volcanic giant in continental Europe. It is located in Italy, 15 km from.
Vesuvius has 3 cones. Strong eruptions alternate with periods of low-power activity. Throws out a huge amount of ash and gases. In 79, Vesuvius shook all of Italy, destroying the cities of Pompeii and Stabia. They were covered with a thick layer of ash, reaching up to 8 m. The city of Herculaneum was flooded with mud flows, as mud rains accompanied the eruption.
In 1631, an eruption was noted that claimed the lives of 4,000 people. It turned out to be weaker than in 79, but the slopes of Vesuvius have since been inhabited large quantity man, which led to such victims. The volcano after this event became lower by 168 m. The eruption of 1805 destroyed almost the entire Naples and claimed the lives of 26 thousand people.
The last time Vesuvius erupted lava flows in 1944, leveling the cities of San Sebastiano and Massa. The number of victims was 27 people. After that, the volcano subsided. A volcano observatory was built here to track its activities.
Etna, Italy
Etna is the highest volcano in Europe. It is located in the northern hemisphere in the east of Sicily. Its height changes after each eruption, now it is 3429 m above sea level.
Etna has, according to various estimates, 200-400 side craters. Every 3 months, one of them erupts. Quite often, this leads to the destruction of villages, spread out nearby.
Despite the dangers, the Sicilians densely populate the slopes of Etna. Here they even created national park.
Popocatepetl, Mexico
The second highest peak in Mexico, its name means "smoking hill". It is located 70 km from Mexico City. The height of the mountain is 5500 meters.
Over 500 years, Popocatepetl has erupted lava over 15 times, the last time it happened in 2015.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Russia
This is the highest peak of Kamchatka. Its height ranges from 4750-4850 m above sea level. The slopes are covered with lateral craters, of which there are more than 80.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka reminds of itself every 3 years, each of its activity lasts several months and is sometimes accompanied by ashfalls. by the most active year turned out to be 2016, when the volcano exploded 55 times.
The most devastating was the catastrophe of 1938, when activity Klyuchevskoy Sopka lasted 13 months.
Mauna Loa, Hawaii, USA
Mauna Loa can be found in the central part of the island of Hawaii. It rises to 4169 m above sea level. Mauna Loa is of the Hawaiian type.
Its characteristic feature is the outpouring of lava, passing without explosions and ash emissions. Lava erupts through the central vent, cracks and fractures.
Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Cotopaxi belongs to the Andes mountain system. This is the second highest peak, rising to 5911 m.
The first eruption was recorded in 1534. The eruption had the most devastating consequences in 1768. Then the ejection of lava and sulfur was accompanied by an earthquake. The disaster destroyed the city of Latacunga with its surroundings. The eruption was so strong that traces of it were found in the Amazon basin.
Iceland
There are about three dozen volcanoes on the island of Iceland. Among them there are long-extinct ones, but there are also active ones.
This island is the only one in the world where so many geological formations are located. Icelandic territory is a real volcanic plateau.
Extinct and dormant volcanoes
Volcanoes that have lost their activity are extinct and dormant. It is safe to visit them, so these sites are more popular among travelers. On the map, such geological formations are marked with black asterisks, in contrast to active ones, marked with red asterisks.
What is the difference between an extinct and dormant volcano? Extinct ones do not show active activity for at least 1 million years. Presumably, their magma has already cooled down and will not be able to explode. True, volcanologists do not exclude that a new volcano may form in their place.
Aconcagua, Argentina
Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Andes. It rises to 6960.8 m. The mountain was formed at the junction of the Nazca and South American lithospheric plates. Today the slopes of the mountain are covered with glaciers.
Aconcagua is of interest to climbers as the highest peak in South America, as well as the highest extinct volcano.
Kilimanjaro, Africa
If someone is asked to name the most high mountain Africa, then he will name - the most famous mountain on the African mainland. It consists of 3 peaks, the highest of them is Kibo (5,891.8 m).
Kilimanjaro is considered dormant, now only gases and sulfur come out of its crater. It is expected to be active when the mountain collapses, leading to massive eruption. Scientists consider the peak of Kibo to be the most formidable.
Yellowstone, USA
Yellowstone is located on the territory of the national park of the same name. The top belongs to the supervolcanoes, of which there are 20 on Earth. Yellowstone is extremely dangerous because it erupts with incredible force, and can affect the planet's climate.
Yellowstone has erupted three times. The last eruption took place 640 thousand years ago, at the same time a caldera cavity was formed.
At this volcano, lava accumulates in a special reservoir, where it melts the surrounding rocks, becoming thicker. This reservoir is very close to the surface, which worries volcanologists.
The eruption is stopped by water flows that cool the magma bubble and break out in the form of geysers. Since there is still a lot of energy left inside the bubble, it is expected to burst out in the near future.
The US authorities are taking all measures to prevent the eruption of Yellowstone, because it can kill 87 thousand people. One of the projects is the installation of a geothermal station, but this will require drilling wells that can provoke a catastrophe not only in the country, but on the entire planet.
Elbrus, Russia
The Caucasian peak is attractive for climbers today. Its height is 5621 m. This is a dormant formation in which volcanic processes occur. The last eruption took place presumably 1.7 thousand years ago, 500 years ago it released a column of ash.
The activity of Elbrus is evidenced by geothermal springs located nearby. Scientists disagree on when to expect the next eruption, but it is known for sure that it will lead to the convergence of the mudflow.
Big and Small Ararat, Turkey
Big Ararat (5165 m) is located on the Armenian Highlands, 11 km from it is Small Ararat (3927 m).
The eruptions of Greater Ararat have always been accompanied by destruction. The last tragedy broke out in 1840 and was accompanied by a strong earthquake. Then 10,000 people died.
Kazbek, Georgia
Kazbek is located in Georgia. The locals call it Mkinvartsveri, which translates as " ice mountain". The height of the giant is 5033.8 m.
Kazbek is not active today, but it is classified as potentially dangerous. It last erupted in 650 BC.
The mountain has very steep slopes, mudflow landslides are possible.
Conclusion
Volcanoes are among the most attractive tourist sites. Today, they are no longer so dangerous, since volcanologists can predict their activity. Research is being conducted on the use of the energy of geological formations for the benefit of mankind.
In an effort to go to the top of a volcano, especially an active one, it is necessary to collect information about its condition, listen to the forecasts of seismologists, since tragic incidents among tourists often occur.
We bring to your attention interesting video about the active volcanoes of the world:
Volcanic eruption is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena, which attracts the attention of a person, despite the considerable danger. A particularly impressive picture is obtained when observing a night eruption. But for the surrounding wildlife, volcanoes initially bring death. Flowing lava, pyroclastic flows, volcanic bombs can easily destroy nearby human settlements.
1. Lullaillaco, Argentina and Chile (6739 m)
This active volcano is located on the Chilean-Argentine border, in the Peruvian Andes, in the ridge Western Cordillera. Like several other very high volcanoes, it is located in perhaps the world's driest Atacama Desert, on the high plateau of Puna de Atacama. Its top is covered with eternal snows. In 1877, its last explosive eruption took place, and now it is in the solfataric stage. Interestingly, in 1999, three mummified children's bodies were found near the top of the volcano, it is assumed that the Incas sacrificed them here about 500 years ago.
2. San Pedro, Chile (6145 m)
This active Andean volcano is located in northern Chile, closer to the Bolivian border. It is located on the edge of the Atacama Desert, northeast of the city of Calama, in the province of El Loa. This stratovolcano is mainly composed of basalts, dacites and andesites. East of San Pedro is a similar volcano, San Pablo, with a height of 6092 meters. A high saddle stretched between the volcanoes. San Pedro last erupted in 1960. The documented first ascent of this peak in 1903 was made by Frenchman George Corti and Chilean Philemon Morales.
3. Cotopaxi, Ecuador (5897 m)
The active volcano Cotopaxi is the highest in Ecuador and the second highest peak in this country. This is one of the highest peaks western tip of the South American Eastern Cordillera. After 1738, this hyperactive volcano erupted about 50 times, but in 1877 it calmed down for a long time. Finally, after more than a century in 2015, a new eruption of Cotopaxi occurred. Translated from the Quechua language, the name of the volcano can be translated as "smoking mountain". In 1534, the first of its recorded eruptions occurred, and the largest ones occurred in 1532, 1742, 1768, 1864 and 1877. Until 1940, its insignificant activity was observed.
In 1768, the most destructive eruption of Cotopaxi occurred. A huge column of ash and steam rose from its vent in early April, and on April 4, emissions of lava, sulfur, and pyroclastic flows began. As a result of a strong earthquake, the city of Latacunga and nearby settlements were completely destroyed. The products of the explosion of the volcano were later found hundreds of kilometers away, including on the Pacific coast and in the Amazon basin.
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4. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (5895 m)
Africa's highest peak, Kilimanjaro, is a potential stratovolcano. The mountain is located in the northeast of Tanzania near the Masai plateau, which itself is raised 900 m above sea level. Volcanologists discovered in 2003 that magma is under the crater main summit Kibo volcano at a depth of only 400 m. Now the volcano is only emitting gases and so far nothing indicates the proximity of the eruption. But there is an opinion that the dome of the volcano may collapse, and then a catastrophe may occur, like that that happened during the eruption of Mount Saint Helena. In the past, Kibo has already experienced ground shifts and collapses, after one of which a "western gap" was formed. Human history does not remember the eruptions of Kilimanjaro, although local legends speak of prehistoric activity of the now dormant volcano.
5. Misty, Peru (5822 m)
This South American volcano is located on southern territory Peru. In winter, its top is covered with snow. Misty is an active volcano, in 1985 its last, rather weak eruption was noted. The shape of the cone suggests that Misty is an ordinary stratovolcano, the eruptions of which alternate with the outpouring of lava, then explosions with the release of pyroclastic flows and clouds of ash. The volcano has three concentric craters. According to research by volcanologists, five weak eruptions of this volcano have occurred over the past century. But in the XV century, the inhabitants of the city of Arequipa were forced to flee due to the strong eruption of Misti. Not far from the inner crater in 1998, 6 mummified bodies of the Incas and a number of artifacts were found.
6. Orizaba, Mexico (5675 m)
This Mexican volcano is the most high point country and the third in the whole North America. It belongs to the stratovolcanoes, and its eruptions were recorded in 1537, 1566, 1569, 1613, 1630 and 1687. The last eruption occurred in 1846, which proves that this volcano is one of the most active. From its top you can clearly see the city of Orizaba with a population of more than 117 thousand people and the valley below.
The North American relief can be conditionally divided into several types: in the central and northern parts you can admire the delightful plains, ...
7. Elbrus, Russia (5642 m)
most high mountain in the territory modern Russia Elbrus is a Caucasian stratovolcano. Its slopes are covered with glaciers, melt water from which feeds major rivers Stavropol Territory and Caucasus - Malka, Kuban and Baksan. These places are very well inhabited; transport infrastructure, so the surroundings of Elbrus are very popular with supporters various kinds active rest(tourists, climbers, skiers). True, even the scientists themselves cannot firmly say whether Elbrus is an extinct or still active volcano. Perhaps he will someday wake up from a long hibernation, or maybe a new volcano will grow somewhere nearby.
The fact that life is still glimmering in the depths of Elbrus is evidenced by the fact that in its vicinity there are many thermal springs, the most famous of them is Djila-Su, in which the water has a temperature of +24 degrees. If hot water constantly beating from under the ground - this means that deep in the depths of the volcanic processes continue. In addition, people measured the temperature of the soil at an altitude of 5621 m (almost at the top), and it turned out to be +21 degrees, despite the fact that the surrounding air was -20 degrees. Therefore, green moss grows here in some areas. This is also a clear indication of the weak activity of the volcano. A number of scientists suggest that in a few hundred, and perhaps thousands of years, Elbrus will wake up again.
8. Popocatepetl, Mexico (5426 m)
This is an active Mexican volcano, the name of which is formed by two words from the Nahuatl language: “popo” means “smoking”, and “tepetl” means “hill”. It is one of the most active Mexican volcanoes. After the beginning of the Spanish colonization of Mexico, he issued over 20 powerful eruptions. Many of its glaciers did not survive until the beginning of the new millennium, instead of them, in some places, layers of ice remained, to which lava had not yet crept up. It even changed local climate. Especially often the volcano began to erupt after 1994, and its last eruption occurred in 2015. powerful eruption happened in 2005, when volcanic bombs rose 3 kilometers into the air. May 2013 was also strong eruption, then the debris flew 700 m from the crater.
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9. Sangay, Ecuador (5230 m)
This active stratovolcano is located in South America, on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Ecuador. According to scientists, it appeared only 14 thousand years ago. In 1628, its first eruption was recorded, and the last one happened quite recently - in 2016. After 1934, the volcano began to erupt especially often. Its name can be translated as "awe-inspiring" or "frightening". At the top of the volcano there are three craters with diameters of 50-100 meters. However, they are all active.
10. Tolima, Colombia (5215 m)
The Tolima stratovolcano is located in the Colombian department of the same name, and the Los Nevados National Park is located around it. It is also a fairly young volcano, which is about 40 thousand years old. A funnel-shaped crater, having a depth of 200-300 m, appeared in him quite recently - around 1926. In the Holocene epoch, explosive eruptions occurred near this volcano, differing in power: there were both moderate and Plinian eruptions. The largest eruption happened here about 3600 years ago. As for the last two centuries, only small volcanic explosions have been recorded. Over the past decades appearance The volcano is mainly changed due to the movement of glaciers along its slopes. It, in turn, is accompanied by noticeable seismicity and surface activity.
