Online map of active volcanoes in the world. The most powerful volcanoes in the world

Most of the volcanoes on our planet are 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 of the 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. The last eruption to date occurred 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. The 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 research work in the crater, six volcanologists and three tourists died (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 of recent years: 2005, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 A very restless volcano.

10 largest and most dangerous volcanoes on Earth.

A volcano is a geological formation that arose due to the movement of tectonic plates, their collision and the formation of faults. As a result of collisions of tectonic plates, faults are formed, and magma comes to the surface of the Earth. As a rule, volcanoes are a mountain, at the tip of which there is a crater, which is the place where the lava comes out.

Volcanoes are divided into:

- operating;
- sleeping;
- extinct;

Active volcanoes are those that have erupted in the short term (approximately 12,000 years)
Dormant volcanoes are called volcanoes that have not erupted in the near historical perspective, but their eruption is practically possible.
Extinct volcanoes include those that have not erupted in the near historical future, however, the top has the shape of a crater, but such volcanoes are unlikely to erupt.

List of the 10 most dangerous volcanoes in the world:

1. (Hawaii, USA)

2. Taal Volcano (Philippines)

3. Merapi Volcano (Java Island)

4. Santa Maria Volcano (Guatemala)

It is one of the most active volcanoes of the 20th century.
It is located at a distance of 130 kilometers from the city of Guatemala, and is located in the so-called Pacific. Ring of Fire. The Santa Maria crater was formed after it erupted in 1902. About 6,000 people died then. The last eruption occurred in March 2011.

5. Volcano Ulawun (Papua New Guinea)

Ulawun volcano, located in the region of New Guinea, began to erupt from the beginning of the 18th century. Since then, eruptions have been recorded 22 times.
In 1980, the largest volcanic eruption occurred. The ejected ash covered an area of ​​more than 20 square kilometers.
Now this volcano is the highest peak in the region.
The last volcanic eruption occurred in the year 2010.

6. Volcano Galeras (Colombia)

7. Volcano Sakurajima (Japan)

8. Nyiragongo (DR Congo)

A volcanic eruption is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena that 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 Western Cordillera range. 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 of the western tip of the South American ridge of the 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 located under the crater of the main peak of the 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 can collapse, and then a catastrophe can occur, similar to the one that happened during the eruption of the volcano of St. 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 in southern 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 highest point in the country and the third highest point in all of 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.

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7. Elbrus, Russia (5642 m)

The highest mountain on the territory of modern Russia is the Caucasian stratovolcano Elbrus. Its slopes are covered with glaciers, melt water from which feeds the largest rivers of the Stavropol Territory and the Caucasus - Malka, Kuban and Baksan. These places are very well inhabited, the transport infrastructure is developed here, so the Elbrus surroundings are very popular with supporters of various types of outdoor activities (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 bowels of Elbrus is evidenced by the fact that there are many thermal springs in its vicinity, the most famous of them is Djila-Su, in which the water has a temperature of +24 degrees. If hot water is constantly beating out of the ground, this means that volcanic processes continue deep in the bowels. 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 the local climate. Especially often the volcano began to erupt after 1994, and its last eruption occurred in 2015. A powerful eruption occurred in 2005, when volcanic bombs rose 3 kilometers into the air. In May 2013 there was also a 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, the appearance of the volcano has mainly changed due to the movement of glaciers along its slopes. It, in turn, is accompanied by noticeable seismicity and surface activity.

Volcanoes are not only an exciting and dangerous sight. It is thanks to volcanic activity that life on planet Earth was born. The atmosphere and hydrosphere appeared due to the release of huge amounts of carbon dioxide and water vapor. To date, some fire-breathing mountains are inactive, while others cause trouble and anxiety to mankind.

Volcano Vesuvius. Italy

It is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Europe. It was he who in August 1979 destroyed several ancient Roman cities, including Pompeii. It wakes up about every 20 years. The last time was in 1944.

Volcano Yellowstone Caldera. USA

About a third of the territory of Yellowstone National Park is occupied by an active volcano. Inside its bubble of magma constantly heats the thermal springs, which is manifested in the formation of geysers and mud pots.

Volcano Krakatau. Indonesia

The last time it erupted was in 1883, as a result of which the island on which the volcano is located was destroyed. The process lasted from May to the end of August. The victims of the ash and tsunami were 36 thousand people and 259 settlements. Today, a 1.5 km zone around the island is closed to the public.

Volcano Mauna Loa. Hawaii

This is the second largest of the megavolcanoes, the top of which is covered with snow from January to March. Sometimes he wakes up and pours out lava flows.

Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania, Africa

The volcano consists of 3 extinct peaks. However, scientists have discovered that only at a depth of 400 m under the crater of the mountain is red-hot lava. In addition, the centuries-old ice cap that covered the peak has almost melted.

Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Iceland

Not so long ago, the volcano paralyzed the work of several European airports. The eruption was rated at 4 points on the VEI scale. Some researchers believe that the awakening of Eyyafyatlayokudl may be the trigger for the Katla eruption.

Volcano Cotopaxi. Ecuador

This is the most active volcano. After more than 150 years of silence, Cotopaxi came to life again in 2015. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Volcano Merapi. Java island

One of the most active volcanoes erupts at least twice a year, with major eruptions occurring every seven years. Local residents have to evacuate. The top of Merapi smokes non-stop.

Volcano Popocatepetl. Mexico

The most powerful eruption occurred in 2000. It was preceded by 15 years of increased activity of the fiery mountain. In March 2016, Popocatepetl raised a column of steam, gas and ash to a height of 2 km. At risk are the cities of Mexico City and Puebla.

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 an 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 a 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 has been 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 site for extreme sports is actually a dangerous volcano, which in 2011 threw out a large amount 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). Local authorities had to evacuate residents of nearby villages.

This fire-breathing mountain consists of 2 conical peaks. Nevado de Colima is the highest of them. Its height is 4,625 m. It is considered extinct, and the other peak is an active volcano. It is called Volcán de Fuego de Colima - "Fire Volcano". Its height is 3,846 m. ​​The locals 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 is a 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 inhabitants 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. During 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. It is connected with the northern part of the Greater Caucasus 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, two more large cities are located here - Tlaxcala de Hicotencatl 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 southeastern slope and summit are part of the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park.

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, there are more than 600 active mountains alone. In addition, 1-2 new volcanoes appear on Earth every year.