Where volcanoes operate. Map of tectonic plates. The strongest eruption in history
All tourists and travelers are interested in learning about the most big volcano in the world. A volcano is a formation on the surface of the Earth, from which magma comes out, forming lava, stones and volcanic gases. There are a huge number of such formations on our planet. Some of them are considered active, as they were active in the historical period.
Many of the volcanoes are extinct and dormant. The latter include those whose eruption is already unlikely, while the former have the possibility of manifestation of activity. Some volcanoes reach incredible sizes and are distinguished by their extraordinary power and beauty.
Of great interest to all travelers are, of course, active volcanoes. They are extraordinarily beautiful and fascinate with their danger of eruption at any moment. Having seen such a phenomenon once, a person receives a lot of incredible impressions that remain in memory for a lifetime. Llullaillaco is considered the highest active volcano in the world. It is located in Argentina in the Peruvian Andes. The height of its peak is 6739 m. Last time the eruption occurred in 1877.
At the top of this volcano is eternal glaciation. It is shaped like a cone. This natural formation has been considered an archaeological site since 1999, as human mummies were found on its top. These were the children of the Incas. There is a possibility that they were sacrificed about 500 years ago.
Mauna Loa Volcano
In terms of volume, Mauna Loa is considered the largest active volcano. The height of its summit is 4169 m, and the volume is estimated at 75,000 km. It is located on the island of Hawaii in the United States. The last time the eruption occurred relatively recently - in 1984.
This volcano, more precisely, its summit and southeastern slope, is part of national park Hawaiian volcanoes. This park is included in famous List world heritage UNESCO. Mauna Loa is home to animals and plants called endemics. This means that they have a small habitat. Very often, such animals are considered rare, therefore they are listed in the Red Book.
Dangerous volcano Merapi
The most dangerous volcano in the world is Merapi. It is located in Indonesia on the island of Java. Large eruptions occur every 7 years. Small eruptions happen 2 times a year. This mountain destroyed many settlements. Back in 1006, he wiped out the Javanese-Indian kingdom from the face of the Earth, and in 1673 one of the most destructive eruptions occurred. It destroyed several cities and villages at once, which were located at the foot.
In 1930, the volcano also caused major damage. This eruption killed 1,300 people. After 44 years, Merapi destroyed 2 villages, and a year later - another village, 5 bridges, killing 29 people. Moreover, the eruptions overtook many scientists and tourists. The last action of the Merapi volcano was recorded in 2010. This time around 350,000 people were initially evacuated. Some residents did return. Among them, 353 people died, who fell into the flow of volcanic gases, ash and stones.
Volcano with the strongest eruption in history
This is an active volcano, which in the 19th century demonstrated the strongest eruption. The volcano is located in Indonesia. Now its height is 813 m. Before its famous eruption in 1883 it was much higher. Moreover, it was one big island. During the strongest action of the volcano, the main part of the island was destroyed.
The rumble from the eruption was heard even 5000 km from the volcano itself. The volcanic edifice spread over 500 km. The ash rose 30 km, and the gas-ash column - 70 km. Scientists estimated the strength of the explosion at 6 points. The result of this strong eruption 37,000 dead and 300 villages destroyed.
There are a lot of different volcanoes in the world, which differ either in their height, or volume, or actions. Some of them are the most dangerous or the oldest. Scientists have not yet compiled an accurate list of volcanoes by their size or degree of danger. Each of them is interesting and unique in its own way. There are volcanoes that are known to every traveler and tourist. The most popular of them are Vesuvius, Fujiyama, Etna. These are the active volcanoes of the world.
Vesuvius has been attracting tourists for many years. Those who visit Naples usually do not miss the opportunity to admire and even climb it famous volcano. Previously, it was possible to climb the mountain using a funicular, and then a regular lift. However, the transport was destroyed by the next eruptions. They did not restore it, so this moment The mountain can only be reached on foot along a hiking trail.
Mount Fuji is located Japanese island Honshu. He is popular tourist place. Residents consider it sacred. The mountain is also a place of religious pilgrimage for Buddhist and Shinto cults. A temple was built on top of it. In addition, there is a weather station and even Postal office. Scientists believe that Fuji is weak active volcano, since the last eruptions occurred at the beginning of the 18th century.
A popular volcano located in Italy is. It has many craters, from time to time at least one of them erupts lava. Sometimes the actions of Etna are destructive in relation to the nearest settlements, but, despite this, new residents do not stop settling here. At the foot of the mountain is very fertile soil, which allows you to grow various vegetables and fruits.
Tourists have the opportunity to visit this extraordinary mountain. It must be climbed on foot. Before tourist base can be reached by bus. For lovers of souvenirs, there are shops on the mountain itself where you can buy some kind of souvenir or even a popular 70-degree liquor.
All these and many other volcanoes are extraordinarily beautiful and interesting for residents, travelers and tourists. Each mountain has its own history. Before climbing any volcano, it is necessary to find out the exact information about its activity and the possibility of an eruption, since such natural formations can begin their actions at any moment. Therefore, having decided to admire the extraordinary beauty of volcanoes, protect yourself from accidents.
Most of volcanoes of our planet is located in the "ring of fire", which stretches along the shores of the entire Pacific Ocean. And in total there are about 1.5 thousand volcanoes on Earth, of which 540 are active.
Here is a list of the most dangerous ones.
1. Nyiragongo, height 3470 m, Democratic Republic Congo
This is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Africa. Since 1882, 34 eruptions have been recorded here. The main crater is 250 meters deep and 2 km wide, and contains a lake of actively bubbling lava. This lava is unusually fluid and its flows can reach speeds of 100 km/h. In 2002, the eruption killed 147 people and left 120,000 homeless. Last eruption so far happened in 2016.
2. Taal, height 311 m, Philippines
This is one of the smallest active volcanoes on our planet. It has erupted 34 times since 1572. Located on the island of Luzon, on Lake Taal. The strongest eruption of this volcano in the 20th century occurred in 1911 - 1335 people died in 10 minutes and in general all living things at a distance of up to 10 km. In 1965, 200 people died. Last eruption - 1977
3. Mauna Loa, height 4169 m, Hawaii (USA)
There are many volcanoes in Hawaii, but this is the largest and most dangerous of all. Since 1832, 39 eruptions have been recorded. The last eruption occurred in 1984, the last strong eruption in 1950.
4. Vesuvius, height 1281 m, Italy
One of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world is located just 15 km east of Naples. The most famous historical eruption occurred in 79 AD. As a result of this catastrophe, two cities - Pompeii and Herculaneum - disappeared from the face of the Earth. IN modern history The last eruption of Vesuvius happened in 1944.
5. Merapi, height 2,930 m, Indonesia
This most active active volcano in Indonesia is located on the island of Java near the city of Yogyakarta. "Merapi" is translated as "mountain of fire". The volcano is young, so it puffs with enviable regularity. Large eruptions occur on average every 7 years. In 1930, about 1300 people died, in 1974 two villages were destroyed, in 2010 353 people died. Last eruption - 2011
6. St. Helens, height 2,550 m, USA
Located 154 km from Seattle and 85 km from Portland. Most famous eruption of this active volcano occurred in 1980, when 57 people died. The eruption was of a rare type - "directed explosion". The process of the volcanic eruption and the spread of the ash cloud was photographed by photographer Robert Landsburg, who died during this eruption, but kept the film. The last activity to date was recorded in 2008.
7. Etna, height 3,350 m, Italy
Mount Etna is located on the east coast of Sicily. It is the highest active volcano in Europe. During its existence, it erupted about 200 times. In 1992, one of the largest eruptions was recorded, during which the town of Zafferana barely escaped. On December 3, 2015, the central crater of the volcano threw a fountain of lava to a kilometer high. The last eruption is February 27, 2017.
8. Sakurajima, height 1117 m, Japan
The volcano is located on the Osumi Peninsula of Kyushu Island in the Japanese prefecture of Kagoshima. There is almost always a cloud of smoke above the volcano. The eruptions were recorded on August 18, 2013, in March 2009. The last eruption was recorded on July 26, 2016.
9. Galeras, height 4276 m, Colombia
Over the past 7 thousand years, at least six large eruptions and many small ones have occurred on Galeras. In 1993, during the research work six volcanologists and three tourists died in the crater (then the eruption also began). Latest recorded eruptions: January 2008, February 2009, January and August 2010
10. Popocatepetl, height 5426 m, Mexico
The name translates as "smoking hill". The volcano is located near Mexico City. It has erupted 20 times since 1519. The last eruption was recorded in 2015.
11. Unzen, height 1,500 m, Japan
The volcano is located on the Shimabara Peninsula. 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. The eruption caused a tsunami 55 meters high, which killed more than 15 thousand people. And in 1991, 43 people died during the eruption. No eruptions have been observed since 1996.
12. Krakatoa, height 813 m, Indonesia 
This active volcano is located between the islands of Java and Sumatra. Before the historic eruption of 1883, the volcano was much higher and was one large island. However, the most powerful eruption of 1883 destroyed the island and the volcano. Today, Krakatau is still active and small eruptions occur fairly regularly. Last activity - 2014.
13. Santa Maria, height 3,772 m, Guatemala
The first recorded eruption of this volcano occurred in October 1902, before that he "rested" for 500 years. The explosion was heard 800 km away in Costa Rica, and the ash column rose 28 km. About 6 thousand people died. Today the volcano is active. The last eruption was recorded in 2011.
14. Klyuchevskaya Sopka, height 4835 m, Russia
The volcano is located in the east of Kamchatka, 60 km from the coast. It is the largest active volcano in Russia. Over the past 270 years, more than 50 eruptions have been recorded, the last in April 2016.
15. Karymskaya Sopka, height 1468 m, Russia
Also located in Kamchatka. More than 20 eruptions have been recorded since 1852. eruptions recent years: 2005, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 Very restless volcano.
There are more than 50 volcanoes in Ecuador, and only eight of them are active, that is, they are in a state of constant or periodic eruption. The largest of them, the Tungurahua volcano, is located a few tens of kilometers from Quito, the capital of Ecuador, with a population of just over 2 million people. The height of this volcano is 5016 km.
But Tungurahua - in the language of the indigenous Quechua Indians, it means "Fire Throat" - not the most "aggressive" volcano on the planet. Another Latin American country, Chile, is leading here, where the Calbuco volcano, located in the southeast of Lake Llanquihue and in the south of the country, is currently erupting. Chile is in the top five countries with the largest number active volcanoes.
Volcanologists point out that there are a great many factors accompanying the eruption of any volcano - the nature of the eruption itself, the proximity of the volcano to settlements, the strength of the eruption and so on, so it is simply impossible to make a list of the most dangerous. However, they agree, naming the five countries where the most active volcanoes on the planet are located, separately noting that due to the lack of monitoring and studying the history of many volcanoes, it is very difficult to determine which volcanoes are the most active. This is facilitated by the fact that the reports compiled by various organizations were sometimes incomplete and the conclusions in them did not coincide.
Chile. There are about 95 active volcanoes here. Currently, the most active are Villarica, in the south, whose most recent eruption occurred in March of this year, and Copahue, located on the border with Argentina, which is almost constantly emitting columns of gas and, periodically, ash. Other Chilean volcanoes have also been active more recently: Puyehue (2011) and Chaiten (2008). According to Amy Donovan, a volcanologist at the University of Cambridge (UK), it is also important to mention the Lascar volcano in Atacama, in the north of the country, where in 2006 new volcano ic process.
Indonesia. It is believed that about 120 active volcanoes are located in this country. Mount Merapi, 400 km from the capital Jakarta, is one of the most active volcanoes, the location of which allows you to observe it in close proximity. Mount Sinabung, in northern Sumatra, erupted in early April this year. Tambora, a super-volcano, triggered the largest eruption ever recorded in 1815, its ash plume reached over 30 km in height and this eruption affected crops almost throughout Europe, causing famine and disease.
USA. It is assumed that there are 130 active volcanoes, which are constantly monitored. Deciding whether or not to conduct costly monitoring of this or that volcano, says Donovan, is a difficult decision, because eruptions are very rare. Scientists can observe a volcano that hasn't erupted in thousands of years, but failure to monitor and "awaken" the volcano is fraught with many unpredictable consequences, especially if it is located close to human settlements.
Hawaii is home to the Kilauea volcano, the most active on the island and one of the most active in the world as a whole, which erupted in 1993. The United States is also home to Mount Santa Helena, located in Washington County, whose famous devastating eruption in 1980 claimed 57 lives.
Japan. This is the center of the largest number of active volcanoes. According to Bill McGuire, emeritus professor of geophysics and climate cataclysms at University College London, there are about 66 of them, including the famous Fuji, which can start an eruption at any time. Sakurahima is another active colossus located in the south of Kuishu Island. In view of its danger, the authorities warned the population about the need to evacuate. Another volcano, Ontake - the second highest in the country, is located in central area. It erupted in September 2014, causing more than 30 deaths and dozens of Japanese injured.
Russia. Here, most of the active volcanoes are concentrated on the Kamchatka Peninsula, in the very east corner huge country. They form part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. It is difficult to strictly determine the exact number of volcanoes located on the Kamchatka Peninsula, from several hundred to more than a thousand. The volcanoes of Kamchatka are characterized by big variety shapes and sizes, they were formed in different periods and are currently active to varying degrees. Most of them are "dormant" volcanoes that are not currently active, however, some volcanoes are active. Currently, there are about 29 active volcanoes in Kamchatka.
Volcanoes are shrouded in mystery, in ancient times they were associated with mythology, with gods and goddesses who controlled their fiery power. For millennia, volcanoes have created new lands, destroyed cities, and changed the face of our planet.
Thousands of travelers and holidaymakers were forced to cancel their plans in 2010 after the eruption Icelandic volcano. Huge volcanic ash clouds closed air space a large part of continental Europe, which made serious adjustments to the flight schedule.
But there are some enthusiasts for whom volcanoes and travel are always a combination. They are adventurous and will do anything to get to the next active volcano to photograph fiery lava flows and stay surrounded by danger for a while.
Although there are thousands of volcanoes on Earth, only about 500 of them are active at the moment. And at the moment, approximately 500 million people live in close proximity to active volcanoes.
1. Volcano Kilauea (Kilauea Volcano), Hawaii
The volcano is located in the southeastern part big island. The first recorded eruption was in 1790. The current eruption began in 1983 and is still ongoing. The volcano is located on the territory. Here you can see dramatic landscapes of burning lava flows flowing straight into the sea.
Mount Etna is located on the island in. This is the largest active volcano in Europe, it was formed around 1500 BC. e. and has since erupted about 200 times. Small eruptions occur regularly. Throughout its history, the volcano has killed thousands of people, but this does not stop the Italians. The volcanic soil is excellent for growing olives and grapes, which is why they re-settle on the slopes of Etna.
The shield volcano Piton de la Fournaise is located in Indian Ocean on the east side of Reunion Island, it is the island's main attraction. The volcano has been active for more than 530 thousand years. Since the 17th century, there have been more than 150 eruptions, the last of which was recorded in December 2010.
The volcanic island of Stromboli is part of the Aeolian Islands located off the coast in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The ancient Greeks considered these places the home of the god of the winds, Eola. The island was formed as a result volcanic activity on seabed millions of years ago. For the past few thousand years, the Stromboli volcano has been erupting almost continuously.
The Yasru volcano is located on the island of Tanna, located in the southern part of the New Hebrides archipelago in pacific ocean. Part of the Pacific Volcanic Ring of Fire. It has been continuously erupting for more than 800 years with a frequency of several times per hour. Volcano Yasru is popular tourist destination, looks like a fantastic fiery firework at night.
The volcano is located on the former island of the same name in Kagoshima Prefecture. The top of the mountain is divided into three peaks, the southern peak of Minamidake is active. Most powerful eruption happened in 1914, then the island of Sakurajima connected with the mainland and became a peninsula. Since 1955, the volcano has been erupting almost continuously.
7. Santa Maria Volcano ( Santa Maria Volcano), Guatemala
Large active stratovolcano located on Pacific coast, rises to an impressive height of 3772 meters. Activity began about 30 thousand years ago. For many millennia until the 20th century, eruptions were small and frequent. In 1902, a powerful volcanic explosion occurred that destroyed part of the mountain and caused serious damage to southwestern Guatemala.
The crater of the Chaiten volcano is a caldera with a diameter of 3 km., Inside which there are several volcanic lakes. The volcano is located at an altitude of 1122 meters, 10 km., Northeast of the city of Chaiten, near Corcovado Bay in the south. A strong eruption began in the spring of 2008, and it continues to this day with varying intensity. Prior to this, the volcano had not been active for almost 10,000 years.
Mayon is an active stratovolcano in Albay Province. It is the most active volcano on Philippine Islands, over the past 400 years it has erupted more than 50 times. The first major eruption was recorded in 1616. Mayon has been erupting weakly since January 2011, which could be a sign of a major eruption in the near future. The volcano is known for its nearly perfect cone shape.
It is an active volcano located 48 km from east coast north island in the Gulf of Plenty (Gulf of Plenty). The seamount stretches from the seabed 1600 meters, and the round top of the volcano rises above sea level to a height of 321 meters. Thanks to the opportunity to visit the base of the crater without spending energy on climbing, White Island is very popular with tourists and explorers.
11. Soufriere Hills Volcano ( Soufriere Hills), the island of Montserrat
Active stratovolcano, which is part of the Small Antilles. For a long time he was dormant. The eruption has been ongoing since 1995 and has already destroyed the city of Plymouth and caused mass evacuations. More than half of the population has left the island.
12. Volcano Popocatepetl ( Popocatepetl), Mexico
Popocatepetl Volcano is the second highest peak in. Popocatepetl is connected to the Istaxihuatl volcano mountain pass Paso de Cortes ( Paso de Cortes). Only 40 km. from the volcano is the city of Puebla, historical Center which is listed in . The last major eruption was in 1947. Since 1994, the volcano has periodically erupted jets of gas and ash.
Volcanoes- geological formations on the surface of the earth's crust, through which magma appears. The name comes from the Roman god of fire - Vulcan. Today there are more than 1000 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 everything volcanoes of the world are divided into 3 types:
By appearance (thyroid, stratovolcanoes, cinder cones, domes);
By location (podlenikovye, terrestrial, underwater);
By activity (extinct, dormant, active).
Each volcano consists of the following parts:
Main crater;
Side crater;
Vent. 
Some volcanoes do not erupt lava. There are also mud volcanoes, geysers also belong to post-volcanic formations.
Where are the volcanoes of the world
Most of the 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 a zone called the Pacific Ring of Fire: in the Andes, Cordillera, Kamchatka, as well as in the Philippines and New Zealand. Nearly all are located here. active volcanoes terrestrial world - 328 out of 540.
Another location zone is the Mediterranean fold belt, which includes the Mediterranean Sea (Santorini, Etna, Vesuvius) and stretches to Indonesia, where almost all the powerful eruptions of the world took place: Tambora in 1815 and Krakatoa in 1883.
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, periodically reminds of itself the highest volcano in Europe - Etna. Others that are particularly well known are:
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 complete active eruptions. Some of them are considered extinct, others are considered dormant. Extinct volcanoes of the world are located throughout the planet, including in the Andes, where the highest volcano in the world is located - (6893 meters), as well as Mount 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 we consider the underwater part, then its height is 10,205 meters.
The most famous volcanoes in the world
Everyone heard stories about terrible eruptions that destroyed entire cities and destroyed islands. Here we will talk about:
Vesuvius, this small 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 - highest volcano in Europe, which periodically erupts. The last eruption took place in May 2015.
Krakatau is a volcano in Indonesia that erupted in 1883 with the explosion of 10,000 atomic bombs. Now in its place rises a new volcano - Anak-Krakatau.
Tambor. In 1815, the most powerful eruption of our time took place, as a result of which a volcanic winter came (the pollution of the atmosphere with ash), and 1816 became a year without a summer.
Santorini that destroyed Minoan civilization and destroyed whole island in the Mediterranean.
Mont Pele on 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.
