The largest volcanoes on earth. The strongest eruption in history. The most dangerous volcanoes

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 coast Pacific Ocean 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 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 in the whole North America. It belongs to the stratovolcanoes, and its eruptions were recorded in 1537, 1566, 1569, 1613, 1630 and 1687. 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 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 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.

It is difficult to scare a Russian person with anything, especially bad roads. Even safe tracks take thousands of lives a year, let alone those a...

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; national park Los Nevados. 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.

The article talks about the highest volcanoes in the world. The Earth on its surface has placed more than one hundred volcanoes. In addition to small, inactive volcanoes, there are also powerful, high and huge ones. Everyone has something in common, most likely, this is the fact that they all rise above humanity to a great height and instill fear in many. After all, everyone knows that volcanoes can erupt, release steam and ash. Does everyone know what volcanoes are? Volcanoes are formations above cracks in the earth's crust, so to speak, geological formations that release ash, lava, loose rocks, vapors and gases to the surface of the earth.

If a volcano throws out ash, releases gas, and a person notices this, then it can be considered active. According to estimates, the largest number of active volcanoes is located on Malay Archipelago, which is considered the largest on planet Earth. It is located between the continents of Asia and Australia. The largest concentration of volcanoes in Russia are the Kuril Island and Kamchatka. In addition, there is data on those volcanoes, their number is 627 volcanoes, which for 10 years still showed signs of their life and dormancy. But still activity.

I would like to mention one of the majestic volcanoes, its name (translated from the Hawaiian language means "long road"). In Hawaii, this is what volcanoes belong to most of territory, in addition, it is the most active among all existing geological formations above cracks in the earth. When they began to record the activity of volcanoes, they noted that in 1843 he showed his activity 33 times. But in 1984, he proved for the last time that he was still alive. It was in that year that lava covered 30 thousand acres of the earth's surface, and the area of ​​the island of Hawaii increased by about 180 hectares. The volcano rises above sea level at 4169 meters. However, if measured overall height Mauna Low, starting from the bottom, the figure will be twice as large - 9 thousand meters. It should be noted that this is more than that of Mount Everest.

mauna low in addition to its superiority in power and height, it is also distinguished by its massiveness. The volume from the base to the top is 75 thousand cubic kilometers. There are legends about this volcano. For example, one of the legends says that Pele (the mistress of volcanoes) was expelled from her sister's house. The sister, in turn, was the mistress of the sea and water. And if Pele wanted to build a house for herself, then her sister, sending waves, destroyed all the works. Then the exile settled on the island and built a house for herself, which she called Mauna Low. It was so big that the waves couldn't reach it.

Some consider the highest active volcano. It is located in the Chilean-Argentine Andes. Differs in height at 6,723 meters. Last time erupted in 1877. However, the opinions of scientists differed on the question of which volcano is the highest of the active ones. Many give preference in this matter to the Cotopaxi volcano (South American Andes, Ecuador). Its height is less than that of Lullaillaco at 5,897 meters. Although a major eruption occurred in 1942. Ktopahi is considered very beautiful in Ecuador. It has a very graceful crater and very attractive and dense greenery at the foot. But it's not always gold that glitters. Cotopaxi is one of the most dangerous volcanoes. Beginning in 1742, large eruptions were recorded that destroyed the city of Latacunga (a nearby city from Cotopa in Ecuador).

The above volcanoes are probably not known to many. But the most popular volcanoes are Vesuvius, Fujiyama and Etna. It is located in southern Italy, not far from Naples. It is considered active, huge, with a height at 1,281 meters. Vesuvius is a representative of the three active volcanoes in the country. It is considered the most dangerous in the world. At present, 80 of its eruptions are known, and the most massive and extensive eruption occurs in 79 years (2 millennia ago). The eruption of 79 claimed the lives of cities such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. The last eruption occurred in 1944 and destroyed the cities of Massa and San Sabastiano.

The highest point in Africa and the highest volcano. At a distance of 300 kilometers south of the equator, this volcano is located on the territory of Tanzania. The summit of Kilimanjaro is considered Kibo, which reaches 5895 meters. However, the highest point is the peak of the volcano - Uhuru. According to scientists, the age of the volcano has reached more than a million years. A large accumulation of glaciers on the slopes of this geological formation can be considered surprising, because it is located close to the equator.

Asia can also surprise the eye with the presence of volcanoes. For example, located on the island of Honshu (Japan, 150 kilometers from Tokyo). For the locals this iconic volcano with regular conical outlines 3776 meters high. On this moment shows weak activity, its last eruption happened in 1707.

The strongest volcanic eruption was recorded in 1883. A giant volcano demonstrated unprecedented activity on May 20. Rumbles were heard throughout the capital of Indonesia. And Krakatau was 50 kilometers from the city. For three months, he frightened all the population with his "exclamations" of cod. The surface of the earth has accumulated large layers of pumice. But on August 27, 1883, such an eruption occurred, which the world had not yet seen. From the epicenter of the hearth, the rumble of the volcano spread to 5 thousand kilometers, everything was incinerated, because the ash rose to a height of 30 kilometers. The expansion radius of the volcanic structure has reached 500 kilometers. A gas-ash column rose into the atmosphere (the height of the column is 70 kilometers). The territory of 4 million square kilometers was covered with ash, that is, it is 18 cubic kilometers. The explosion was rated on a 6-point scale and took the maximum mark. To be clear, this is more than 200 thousand times the explosion that destroyed Hiroshima.

After such an eruption, the result was not long in coming, and he was very sad. Just imagine, almost 300 villages and cities in Indonesia were destroyed, 37 thousand dead people, most of which were swept by a tsunami 30 meters high.

One of the highest volcanoes in Spain is considered (translated from Spanish means "salty eyes"). He occupied the territory of the border of Argentina and Chile, rose above sea level at 6891 meters. Its summit is located in Chile. It is considered inactive, because its activity has never been recorded yet. Although, there are times when the volcano, as if, reminds of itself. This concerns the release of water vapor and sulfur, which occurred in 1993. It should be noted that, nevertheless, some scientists consider it to be valid. This led to it taking the place of the highest active volcano, taking the place of Llullaillaco. But this fact is disputed and has not yet come to a unanimous decision.

And here is another interesting fact, he says that Mount Elbrus in Russia is also a volcano ... How interesting our world is, and how little we know about it.

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 determine the exact height of this mountain, since its upper 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 extreme tourist site is actually a dangerous volcano that erupted in 2011. 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. ​​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'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 small town 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. 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, 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)

It is the largest in terms of fiery mountain» Earth. 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.

Vesuvius is an amazing volcano. Firstly, the leader in popularity, breaking all records of recognition, secondly, a long-liver (he declared himself even before ancient times and the famous Pompeii), thirdly, perhaps one of the most prolific volcanoes in eruptions, and, thirdly, fourth, the most unpredictable. None of the scientists can even guess when Vesuvius will once again begin to "play pranks." Only strong eruptions for the entire time of his “professional activity” it was recorded in the amount of 80 pieces, and even mediocre and weak ones are tired of counting. At the same time, Vesuvius is clearly not going to retire. At its top, tourists can safely bake eggs - the temperature of the soil is so high.

This is probably why the "anniversary of pranks" of this world-famous volcano, which lives in sunny Italy near Naples, can be celebrated almost every month. What we, in fact, are doing, dedicating our TOP-10 of the most famous volcanoes in the world to one of the dates of the eruption of Vesuvius.

Place 10. The most difficult to pronounce. I don’t know how big and powerful the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull is compared to Vesuvius, but it is reliably known that in 2010 it caused a lot of trouble to air carriers. Due to the wild amount of volcanic ash and steam, some flights were canceled and airports in Glasgow, Birmingham, London, Liverpool, Belfast Dublin, Stockholm and Oslo were stopped. But also this Icelandic volcano seemed a little. He created incredible amount problems for many announcers, who must have trained long and hard to pronounce his name on one breath.

Place 9. The coldest. Surprisingly, it is a fact: volcanoes are the most tenacious creatures, found almost everywhere. Here, it would seem, such a "hot thing" cannot live at minus fifty, but no! Volcanoes live quietly and on south pole, in Antarctica. The highest of the Antarctic volcanoes is Mount Sidley, "growth" of 4285 meters. By the way, it is also the most inaccessible volcano. People conquered it only in 1990.

Place 8. The most legendary. Two volcanoes are fighting for the title of the most legendary at once. One of them is Mexican Popocatepetl, who last went "to work" in 2007, and the other is European Elbrus. According to legend, Popocatepetl arose from ... strong love. The daughter of the Aztec ruler Istaxihuatl fell in love with a simple warrior Popocatepetl. However, the pope was against this unequal union and sent the young man to war, after which he spread the rumor about his imminent death. The daughter, unable to withstand the blow, committed suicide, and when Popokatepetl found out about this alive and unharmed, he decided that life without a sweetheart is not life. And he followed his beloved to another world. The gods, amazed by the power of the love of young people, decided to turn them into rocks so that they would stay next to each other forever. Well, on the top of Elbrus, myths and legends alternately settled either genies, or the famous bird Simurgh, or even left the chained Prometheus there.

Place 7. Most Religious. Etna is a volcano, like Vesuvius, prolific. The eruptions alone exceeded almost two hundred. Almost every 150 years, Etna wakes up hungry and starts eating. nearby cities. However, people adore her not for her bloodthirstiness, but for her reverence for believers and her healing gift. Several facts of the miraculous healing of the sick who visited Etna are known, and after the stream of red-hot lava froze in reverence before the Catholic procession in 1928, the Sicilians made Etna one of the symbols of the island. Also, this volcano is famous for its blues festivals, which are arranged during his sleep.

Place 6. The fastest. Usually volcanoes are unpredictable, but sometimes scientists manage to find out in advance about the impending eruption. However, as in that parable about the boy and the wolves, some residents of nearby cities do not believe in such predictions. And very in vain. So on November 13, 1985, the Colombian volcano Nevado del Ruiz completely destroyed the city of Armero, located 50 kilometers from the “hot thing” with a height of 5400 meters. At the same time, everything about everything at the volcano took ... only 10 minutes! The death toll exceeded 20 thousand people. But scientists have warned...

Place 5. The most fabulous. Remember the tale of the "Frog Princess"? To defeat Koshchei the Immortal, Ivan Tsarevich had to get a needle that was in an egg, an egg in a duck, a duck in a hare, a hare in a chest, and a chest on a tree. It is on the principle of "thing in things" that it is difficult Russian volcano Krenitsyn. He is "registered" in Kuril Islands and is considered the largest in area, as it is located in Lake Koltsevoe (diameter about 7 kilometers), which is located in another, more ancient, crater. So you can admire its beauties only from a helicopter. By the way, the volcano got its name in honor of Russian navigator Pyotr Kuzmich Krenitsyn.

Place 4. The most influential. Indonesia is often referred to as the land of volcanoes. It was here that the most influential of them was born - Krakatoa, which blew up the world on August 15, 1883. Its eruption caused a shock wave that went around Earth, and a giant tsunami that wiped out 295 cities and towns in Java and Sumatra. As a result of his activities, more than 36 thousand people died, and hundreds of thousands were left homeless. The volcanic dust of Krakatoa surrounded the planet in a cloud, painting sunrises and sunsets in royal purple. Many scientists believe that it was this eruption that affected the ecology of the Earth.

Location 3. The most famous of the newcomers. By the way, today Vesuvius is far from the only popular volcano. It was pushed by the Russian Plosky Tolbachik, who began erupting back in November 2012. Since then, scientists from all over the world and just curious tourists flock to it in droves. The Kamchatka volcano also gave the world new copper minerals - melanotallite, ponomarevite, piipite, fedotovite, kamchatkit, klyuchevsky, alumoklyuchevskite and, of course, tolbachite.

Place 2. The highest. Well, what about in the TOP-10 without the highest?! They are rightfully a South American active volcano with a funny name for the Russians Llyulyaylyako. His absolute height- 6739 meters, relative - almost 2.5 kilometers. It would seem that this is all. An, no! Lullaillaco is known for its eternal ice cap, border state (located on the border of Chile and Argentina), dry neighbor (Atacama Desert) and archaeological finds. In 1999, the mummified bodies of three children, allegedly sacrificed 500 years ago, were discovered on the top of the volcano.

Place 1. The most romantic. Don't go to the fortuneteller here! Without words, it is clear that Mount Fuji will be recognized as the most romantic, refined, attractive, gentle and charming. It is to her that countless haiku, drawings, paintings and photographs are dedicated. Scientists consider Fuji to be an active volcano, although weakly active (the last eruption was recorded in 1707-1708). By the way, among the countless drawings of this beauty, there is not one where the eruption itself would be captured. Fuji's neighbors include not only a Shinto shrine, a weather station and Postal office, but also the gloomy suicide forest Aokigaharalocated right at the foot of the volcano. But such a neighborhood does not bother Fujiyama at all. The Japanese believe that the forest only gives a veil of mystery and mysticism to their favorite, attracting tourists from all countries. However, this does not prevent the inhabitants of the country rising sun place warning signs with the phone numbers of psychologists throughout Aokigahara. Yes, just in case.

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

Where are the largest volcanoes on the world map?

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

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

The strongest eruption in history

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

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

Earth's Greatest Active Volcanic Mountains

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

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

Which country has the largest source of lava?

Unmatched in size Hawaiian volcano Mauna Loa, which has a volume of 80 thousand cubic kilometers. The title of the highest is contested by 2 volcanoes from South America:

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

Description with titles

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

Merapi

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

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

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

Sakurajima

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

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

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

Sakurajima is also on the Volcanoes of the Decade list.

Aso

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

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

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

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Nyiragongo

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

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

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

Galeras

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

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

mauna loa

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

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

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

Colima

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

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

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Vesuvius

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

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

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

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

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

Etna

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

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

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

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

popocatepetl

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

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

Klyuchevskaya Sopka

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

Cotopaxi

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

Famous extinct giants

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

Supreme

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

sleeping giants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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