Location of the largest volcanoes in the world. Large volcanoes in Russia. 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 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 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 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 on southern territory Peru. In winter, its top is covered with snow. Misty is an active volcano, in 1985 its last, rather weak eruption was noted. The shape of the cone suggests that Misty is an ordinary stratovolcano, the eruptions of which alternate with the outpouring of lava, then explosions with the release of pyroclastic flows and clouds of ash. The volcano has three concentric craters. According to research by volcanologists, five weak eruptions of this volcano have occurred over the past century. But in the XV century, the inhabitants of the city of Arequipa were forced to flee due to the strong eruption of Misti. Not far from the inner crater in 1998, 6 mummified bodies of the Incas and a number of artifacts were found.

6. Orizaba, Mexico (5675 m)

This Mexican volcano is the 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. 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)

most high mountain in the territory modern Russia Elbrus is a Caucasian stratovolcano. Its slopes are covered with glaciers, melt water from which feeds major rivers Stavropol Territory and Caucasus - Malka, Kuban and Baksan. These places are very well inhabited; transport infrastructure, so the surroundings of Elbrus are very popular with supporters various kinds active rest(tourists, climbers, skiers). True, even the scientists themselves cannot firmly say whether Elbrus is an extinct or still active volcano. Perhaps he will someday wake up from a long hibernation, or maybe a new volcano will grow somewhere nearby.
The fact that life is still glimmering in the depths of Elbrus is evidenced by the fact that in its vicinity there are many thermal springs, the most famous of them is Djila-Su, in which the water has a temperature of +24 degrees. If hot water constantly beating from under the ground - this means that deep in the depths of the volcanic processes continue. In addition, people measured the temperature of the soil at an altitude of 5621 m (almost at the top), and it turned out to be +21 degrees, despite the fact that the surrounding air was -20 degrees. Therefore, green moss grows here in some areas. This is also a clear indication of the weak activity of the volcano. A number of scientists suggest that in a few hundred, and perhaps thousands of years, Elbrus will wake up again.

8. Popocatepetl, Mexico (5426 m)

This is an active Mexican volcano, the name of which is formed by two words from the Nahuatl language: “popo” means “smoking”, and “tepetl” means “hill”. It is one of the most active Mexican volcanoes. After the beginning of the Spanish colonization of Mexico, he issued over 20 powerful eruptions. Many of its glaciers did not survive until the beginning of the new millennium, instead of them, in some places, layers of ice remained, to which lava had not yet crept up. It even changed local climate. Especially often the volcano began to erupt after 1994, and its last eruption occurred in 2015. A powerful eruption occurred in 2005, when volcanic bombs rose 3 kilometers into the air. May 2013 was also strong eruption, then the debris flew 700 m from the crater.

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9. Sangay, Ecuador (5230 m)

This active stratovolcano is located in South America, on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Ecuador. According to scientists, it appeared only 14 thousand years ago. In 1628, its first eruption was recorded, and the last one happened quite recently - in 2016. After 1934, the volcano began to erupt especially often. Its name can be translated as "awe-inspiring" or "frightening". At the top of the volcano there are three craters with diameters of 50-100 meters. However, they are all active.

10. Tolima, Colombia (5215 m)

The Tolima stratovolcano is located in the Colombian department of the same name; 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 word "volcano" originates from the name of the Roman god of fire, Vulcan. IN antique time volcanoes were called the forges of this god. The volcanic eruption was a sign that the god Vulcan was forging a new weapon.

To date, more than 600 volcanoes are active - most of them are concentrated at the junction of plates - in Kamchatka, in Central America, Chile.
As eye-catching as volcanoes are, one must not forget the immediate danger posed by them. Settlements that are located near the volcano are always ready for the fact that the eruption may be too strong, and the consequences are unpredictable.

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Cotopaxi is a volcano located in the Andes. It is the highest active volcano in the world (5897 m) and the second highest peak in Ecuador. Cotopaxi is distinguished by a riot of greenery at its foothills and graceful craters. It is also considered one of the most dangerous of the active volcanoes. There have been more than 50 eruptions since 1738. Its eruptions have led to the destruction neighboring city Lakatunga. The volcano has been relatively inactive since 1904. This is what makes Cotopaxi the most popular among climbers, cyclists and tourists.

Popocatepetl, Mexico

Popocatepetl (also called Popo and Don Goyo) is an active volcano in Mexico. It reaches a height of 5426 m and is the second highest summit in the country. Popocatepetl gets its name from the Nahuatl words “popōca” (smoke) and tepētl (“mountain”), which means “Smoking Mountain” and fully justifies its name. Until the nineties, Popo was a favorite holiday destination - a snowboard center. In 1947, he began a new cycle of activity with a major eruption. Currently, scientists are carefully studying it. Inhabitants neighboring cities admire the snowy white mountain of Popocatepetl for most of the year.

Etna in Sicily

Etna (which means "mountain of fire" in Arabic) is the highest and most active volcano in Europe (3326 m). More than 200 eruptions have been recorded. Interestingly, Etna changes in height from eruption to eruption. For example, it is currently 21.6 m lower than in 1865. Approximately every 150 years, Etna destroys one of the neighboring villages, but despite this, the surrounding areas are densely populated. The fact is that volcanic ash makes the soil fertile. According to recent studies, the danger of an extensive eruption of Etna is currently growing. Due to constant activity, Etna was chosen as the 'Volcano of the Decade' by the UN

Fujiyama, Japan

Fujiyama is an active volcano and the most high peak Japan (3776 m). Its last eruption dates back to 1707 and 1708. Fujiyama is distinguished by its almost perfectly symmetrical cone, clearly visible from Tokyo on a clear day, which is one of the symbols of Japan.

Llaima, Chile

Llaima is the largest and most active volcano in Chile at 3125 m. The name "Llaima" from the Araucan language (the language of the Mapuche Indians) means "bloody veins" - they look like hot lava flows flowing from the volcano. The main eruptions date back to 1994, 2008 and 2009. Eruptions in 2008 forced the evacuation of people from nearby settlements. The column of ash from the eruption came to the east and reached Atlantic Ocean for 4 days.

Gunung Merapi, Indonesia

Gurung Merapi (i.e. Mountain of Fire) is an active conical volcano located on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta in the province of Indonesia. Its height is 2914 m. Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia with regular large eruptions every 7 years, and minor ones every 2 years. One of the most destructive eruptions was recorded in 1673, when several cities and many villages at the foot of the volcano were destroyed. In the 19th century, 9 eruptions were recorded, in the first half of the 20th century - 13. Despite the peaceful phases of inactivity, smoke from the top can be observed almost every day. He always reminds the inhabitants of the danger.

Piton de la Fournaise, Mascarene Islands V Indian Ocean

Piton de la Fournaise is a shield of an active volcano on the Reunion Islands in the Indian Ocean at 2631 m in height. It is currently known as the most active volcano in the world. Since the 17th century, more than 150 volcanic eruptions have been recorded. One of its latest eruptions lasted almost six months from August 2006 to January 2007. The next eruptions were observed in February 2007, September 2008, and the most recent from January 1 to 12, 2010. Piton de la Fournaise can be reached by paved road and this makes it popular with tourists.

Redoubt, Alaska

It is a stratovolcano with a crater located at an altitude of 2700 m. Its most active eruptions in the 20th century date back to 1902, 1966 and 1989. In the last eruption in 2009, 6 explosions were recorded that threw a column of ash over 9 miles into the air. It was the most big volcano ical emission for almost 20 years.

Ruapehu, New Zealand

Ruapehu is an active volcano in New Zealand, with an elevation of 2797 m. It is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the largest active volcano in New Zealand. Ruapehu gets its name from the Maori language, which means “explosion abyss”. The last eruption is dated September 25, 2007,. Despite the fact that the eruption began, like all the previous ones, suddenly, it is often visited by tourists.

Semeru, Java island

Semeru is the highest mountain on the island of Java and the most active. The height of Semeru is 3676 m. There is a lake of lava in the crater of the volcano. Since 1818, there have been about 55 eruptions (10 of which have resulted in loss of life). Since 1967, the volcano has been constantly active, spewing clouds of smoke, ash and pyroclastic material at intervals of 30-50 minutes. Semeru eruptions are currently occurring mainly in the southern crater of the volcano.

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Earth is a hot planet. Under the thin crust is a core of red-hot magma. In some places, through cracks in the earth's crust, the heat of the earth's core breaks out, bringing lava, gases and ash to the surface. Over time, huge masses of ejected matter accumulate at the sites of such emissions and special geological forms are formed - volcanoes.

The largest volcanoes are those that have formed cones that are especially large in volume, although not necessarily the highest, which means that they had especially big crater or have been operating for a very long time. For a person, those that continue to act are dangerous. Fortunately, discovered in 2013, the largest terrestrial volcano Tamu Massif has long been extinguished, otherwise its eruption would be detrimental to all life on our planet.

Volcanoes are considered active if they are known to have erupted within the last 10,000 years or have shown signs of volcanic activity such as emissions of gases and water vapor. The presence of volcanic activity means that a given volcano may erupt again, and therefore requires careful observation by volcanologists. There are 627 such volcanoes today. 4 of the 5 largest volcanoes on the planet are located in the Pacific Ocean (these are parts of the “Ring of Fire” of Pacific volcanoes and seismic zones), and 1 in Africa.

It is located in the central part of the Kamchatka Peninsula, has a volume of 480 cubic kilometers and is the largest of the active volcanoes in Kamchatka, as well as the second highest ( 3613 m above sea level), after Klyuchevskoy Sopka. The top of Ichinskaya Sopka is covered with eternal glaciers.

This is the youngest among the largest active volcanoes, its age is estimated at 10-15 thousand years. Its cone has a complex structure: a shield-type base, on which is a cone of a younger stratovolcano. The last eruption was recorded in 1740, since then volcanic activity has been weak: small amounts of high-temperature water vapor and volcanic gases are emitted.

The Galapagos Islands, like the Hawaiian Islands, arose as a result of volcanic activity. The largest volcano Sierra Negra ("black mountain") in 580 cubic meters. kilometers is located on Isabela Island. This is a shield volcano 1 124 m above sea level, and its crater has a diameter 11 km.

The last eruption of the Sierra Negra occurred in 2005. Then the volcano threw out such an amount of gases and ash that the volcanic cloud reached a height of 7 kilometers or more.

Volume - more 3,200 cu. kilometers. The second largest volcano on the island of Hawaii. Its highest point is 4,205 m above sea level. But if you count from the foot, which is under water, then its height reaches 10,203 m, which makes Mauna Kea the highest mountain on Earth. (For comparison, Everest has a height from its own foot to the top of 4,150 m). Unlike neighboring Mauna Loa, this is a stratovolcano, and its viscous lava has formed steep slopes. The last eruption occurred 4,500 years ago, and since then the state of the volcano has been considered “normal” on the danger scale.

Among the natives, "White Mountain" (as the name is translated) was considered sacred. Only the highest leaders had the right to climb to its top. The aborigines gathered fruits and hunted in dense forests on the slopes of the mountain, and made tools and weapons from volcanic basalt.

Altitude, dry climate and constant wind power make the summit of Mauna Kea one of the best areas on Earth for astronomical observations. Since 1964, 13 telescopes have been installed here. Observations are made on all frequencies, from visible light to radio waves, and the Mauna Kea Astronomical Park is one of the largest in the world. Nevertheless, protests against its location in a unique ecological zone and in a sacred place for indigenous people do not subside.

The volume of the cone - 4,800 cubic kilometers. This volcano erupted with thick and viscous lava, which led to the formation of an almost regular steep cone. This type is called a stratovolcano. highest mountain African continent ( 5 895 m above sea level), located in East Africa, between Kenya and northern Tanzania. In Swahili, its name means "white mountain": the top of this giant two-headed cone, the only one in the Earth's equatorial zone, is covered eternal ice. Many rivers originate in its glaciers, including the Nile - greatest river Africa. In recent decades, they are melting faster and steadily decreasing.

Europeans discovered this volcano in 1848, since then no activity has been recorded, but Aboriginal legends speak of its eruption about 200 years ago. In 2003, it was discovered that under one of its two peaks there is molten lava, and its upper level has risen to a distance of only 400 meters from the surface. There are also gas emissions, landslides and rock shifts.

The largest active volcano on Earth is located on the island of Hawaii. This volcano is a shield type: wide, with sloping slopes. Such volcanoes are formed as a result of a long-term eruption of liquid, flowing lava. The volume of its cone is approximately 75,000 cubic kilometers, of which 84% are underwater. Actually, the island itself appeared as a result of the eruptions of this and its neighboring volcanoes.

In the Aboriginal language, its name means " long mountain". Its mass is so huge that the earth's crust at its location bends inward for several kilometers.

Mauna Loa is one of the most active volcanoes. Its last eruption took place in 1984, and since then it has gradually shown more and more signs of activity, and its new eruption in the foreseeable future is considered highly likely.

Volcano. This word is enchanting and scary at the same time. People have always been drawn to something beautiful and dangerous, because beauty, accompanied by risk, becomes even more attractive, but at the same time, the history of the city of Pompeii immediately comes to mind. Volcanoes have not brought such terrible destruction for a long time, which are still stored on the pages of our history, because thanks to scientists who can tell which mountain is a volcano and which is not, people stopped settling at the foot dangerous mountains. But, nevertheless, volcanoes continue to exist and then fall into hibernation, then wake up from sleep to begin active life. Let's look at which volcanoes are the largest in the world.

10 biggest volcanoes in the world

1. Volcano Yellowstone. This volcano is located in the Yellowstone national park in USA. It is Yellowstone that can rightly be called the most big volcano in the world, as well as the most dangerous volcano in the world. The height of the volcano is 3142 meters above sea level, and the area of ​​the volcano is 4000 square kilometers. The area of ​​this volcano is twenty times the size of Washington, the capital of the United States of America. This volcano is still dormant, although it has begun to show signs of activity since the beginning of the twenty-first century. According to scientists, this volcano erupts approximately every 600 thousand years, and about 640 thousand years have passed since the last eruption.


2. Volcano Vesuvius. This is the highest active volcano in Eurasia at the moment. And he is also the most high volcano in Europe. It is located fifteen kilometers from Italian city. Its height is 1281 meters. Currently, Vesuvius is the only active volcano in Europe, and in addition, it is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes. Science is aware of more than eighty of its eruptions, one of which destroyed the famous ones.


3. Volcano Popocatepetl. This volcano is also active. It is located in the southern part of Mexico. The height of Popocateptl is 5452 meters. Over the past half century, its activity has been quite insignificant, and in general, about thirty-six major eruptions of this volcano are known to history. Popocatepetl can be called the largest active volcano on this moment.


4. Volcano Sakurajima. An active volcano located in Japan. Once it was on the island, but during one of the eruptions a huge amount of lava connected it to the mainland. The height of the volcano is 1118 meters above sea level. At the moment, Sakurajima is visited by many tourists every year, despite the fact that the volcano is almost constantly active - smoke comes out of its mouth, and sometimes small eruptions occur.


5. Volcano Galeras. This volcano is located in Colombia. The height of Galeras is 4267 meters above sea level. The activity of this volcano was noticed in 2006, at the same time people were evacuated from the settlements closest to it. In 2010, more were evacuated more people, as the volcano continues its vigorous activity. Although over the past few thousand years, Galeras, if erupted, is extremely insignificant.


6. Volcano Merapi. An active Indonesian volcano located in Java. Height above sea level - 2914 meters. This volcano is active almost constantly. Small eruptions occur several times a year, and large ones about once every ten years. Merapi claimed many lives of people, and in one of its largest eruptions, even changed the surrounding landscape.


7. Volcano Nyiragongo. This volcano is located in Africa, in the Virunga mountains. At the moment it is more in sleep mode, although minor activity is sometimes observed. The most terrible eruption of this volcano was recorded in 1977. In general, this volcano is interesting in that its lava is very liquid due to its composition, therefore, during an eruption, its speed can reach even one hundred kilometers per hour.


8. Volcano Ulavun. The volcano is located on the island New Guinea and is currently an active volcano. Its height is 2334 meters above sea level. This volcano erupts frequently. Once this volcano was located under water, and it came to the surface only in 1878.


9. Volcano Taal. This active volcano is located in the Philippines, on the island of Luzon. Taal is remarkable in that it is the smallest of all the currently dormant volcanoes in the world, and there is a lake in the Taal crater. Every year, Taal is visited by many tourists from all over the world.


10. Volcano Mauna Loa. Mauna Loa is an active volcano in Hawaii, USA. The height of this volcano is 4169 above sea level. This volcano can be considered the highest volcano on earth, if we take into account its underwater part, the height of which reaches 4500 meters. Last time this volcano seriously erupted in 1950.

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 tourist facility for extreme people - actually dangerous volcano, which in 2011 threw away a large number of lava and ash that covered an area of ​​100 kilometers. Since that moment, more than 2,500 powerful tremors have been registered. This suggests that at any moment he can destroy the nearby village.

Vesuvius (Italy)

Wherever there are volcanoes - on the continents or on the islands, they are equally dangerous. Vesuvius is very powerful, and therefore very dangerous. It is one of the three active scientists have information about 80 major eruptions of this mountain. The worst thing happened in 1979. Then the cities of Pompeii, Stabia, Herculaneum were completely destroyed.

One of the last powerful eruptions was noted in 1944. The height of this mountain is 1281 m, the diameter of the crater is 750 m.

Colima (Mexico)

Many of us still remember the name of volcanoes (at least some of them) from the school curriculum, we learn about others from newspapers, and only specialists are aware of others. Colima is perhaps the most dangerous and powerful in the world. It last erupted in June 2005. Then a column of ash thrown out of the crater rose to a great height (more than 5 km). To local authorities had to evacuate the inhabitants of nearby villages.

This fire-breathing mountain consists of 2 conical peaks. Nevado de Colima is the highest of them. Its height is 4,625 m. It is considered extinct, and the other peak is an active volcano. It is called Volcán de Fuego de Colima - "Fire Volcano". Its height is 3,846 m. locals They called it the Mexican Vesuvius.

It has erupted more than 40 times since 1576. And today it is extremely dangerous not only for residents of nearby cities, but for the whole of Mexico.

Galeras (Colombia)

Often the name of volcanoes is directly related to the area on which the mountain is located. But the name Galeras has nothing to do with the nearby town of Pasto.

It's huge and powerful volcano. Its height reaches 4276 meters. The diameter of the base is more than 20 kilometers, and the crater is 320 meters. It is located in Colombia (South America).

At the foot of this giant mountain is small town Pasto. In August 2010, its residents had to be urgently evacuated due to the strongest eruption. The region has declared a state of emergency of the highest degree. More than 400 police officers were sent to the district to provide assistance to the townspeople.

Scientists say that over the past 7 thousand years, the volcano has woken up at least 6 times. And all the eruptions were very powerful. When conducting research work in 1993, six geologists died in the crater. At this time, another eruption began. In 2006, residents of the surrounding villages were evacuated due to the threat of a strong lava ejection.

Volcano Elbrus

On the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria is highest point 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. Recent eruptions Elbrus recorded 2500 years ago. Over time, it took on its current form. Few volcanoes on Earth can boast such a beautiful, "classic" cone shape. As a rule, craters quickly collapse under the influence of erosion. The beauty of Elbrus is protected by its mantle of ice and snow. It does not descend even in summer, for which the volcano was nicknamed Little Antarctica.

Despite the fact that he reminded of himself for a long time, experts who observe his current state and degree of activity do not consider him extinct. They call the mountain "sleeping". The volcano is behaving actively (fortunately, not yet destructively). Hot masses are still stored in its depths. They "warm up" known sources. Their temperature reaches +52 °С and +60 ºС. Seep through the cracks to the surface

Today Elbrus is a unique natural area, a valuable scientific base. In Soviet times, scientific research was carried out here, and now there is a geophysical laboratory, the highest in Europe.

Popocatepetl (Mexico)

This is the country's most located 50 kilometers from the capital - Mexico City. A city of twenty million is always prepared for an emergency evacuation. In addition, there are also two major cities- Tlaxcala de Jicotencatl and Puebla. This restless volcano also makes their inhabitants nervous. Emissions of sulfur, gas, stones and dust occur almost every month. In the last decade alone, the volcano has erupted three times.

Mauna Loa Volcano (USA, Hawaii)

It is the largest in terms of fiery mountain» Earth. 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, only active mountains there are more than 600. In addition, every year 1-2 new volcanoes appear on Earth.