Active volcanoes: in pursuit of extreme sports

A volcanic eruption is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena that attracts human attention, despite 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, and volcanic bombs can easily destroy nearby human settlements.

1. Llullaillaco, 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 driest Atacama Desert in the world, on the high mountain plateau of Puna de Atacama. Its top is covered with eternal snow. Its last explosive eruption occurred in 1877, and it is now in the solfataric stage. Interestingly, in 1999, three mummified children’s bodies were found near the top of the volcano; it is believed 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, which has a height of 6092 meters. A high saddle stretches between the volcanoes. San Pedro last erupted in 1960. The documented first ascent of this peak in 1903 was made by the Frenchman George Corti and the Chilean Philemon Morales.

3. Cotopaxi, Ecuador (5897 m)

The active Cotopaxi volcano is the highest in Ecuador and the second highest peak in that country. This is one of the highest peaks of the western tip of the South American ridge of the Eastern Cordillera. This superactive volcano erupted approximately 50 times after 1738, but went quiet for a long time in 1877. Finally, after more than a century, Cotopaxi erupted again in 2015. Translated from the Quechua language, the name of the volcano can be translated as “smoking mountain.” Its first recorded eruption occurred in 1534, with major ones occurring in 1532, 1742, 1768, 1864 and 1877. Until 1940, there was little activity.
In 1768, the most destructive eruption of Cotopaxi occurred. A huge column of ash and steam rose from its mouth 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 volcano's explosion were later found hundreds of kilometers away, including on the shores of the 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 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 there is nothing indicating the proximity of an eruption. But there is an opinion that the dome of the volcano may collapse, and then a catastrophe similar to what happened during the eruption of Mount St. Helens could occur. In the past, ground shifts and landslides have already been observed on Kibo, after one of which a “western gap” was formed. Human history does not remember the eruptions of Kilimanjaro, although local legends speak of the prehistoric activity of the now dormant volcano.

5. Misti, Peru (5822 m)

This South American volcano is located in southern Peru. In winter, its top is covered with snow. Misti is an active volcano; its last, rather weak, eruption was noted in 1985. The shape of the cone suggests that Misti is an ordinary stratovolcano, the eruptions of which alternate between the outpouring of lava and explosions with the release of pyroclastic flows and clouds of ash. The volcano has three concentric craters. According to research by volcanologists, over the last century there have been five weak eruptions of this volcano. But in the 15th century, residents 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 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 populated, the transport infrastructure is developed here, so the surroundings of Elbrus are very popular among supporters of various types of active recreation (tourists, climbers, skiers). True, even 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 which is Jila-Su, in which the water has a temperature of +24 degrees. If hot water constantly comes out of the ground, this means that deep in the depths of the volcanic processes continue. In addition, people measured the soil temperature at an altitude of 5621 m (almost at the top), and it turned out to be +21 degrees, while the surrounding air was -20 degrees. That's why green moss grows in some areas here. This is also clear evidence of weak volcanic activity. 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, whose name is formed by two words from the Nahuatl language: “popoka” means “smoking”, and “tepetl” means “hill”. This is one of the most active Mexican volcanoes. After the beginning of the Spanish colonization of Mexico, it produced over 20 powerful eruptions. Many of its glaciers did not survive until the beginning of the new millennium; instead, in some places there were layers of ice that lava had not yet reached. This even changed the local climate. The volcano began to erupt especially often 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 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. Its first eruption was recorded in 1628, and the last one occurred quite recently - in 2016. After 1934, the volcano began to erupt especially frequently. Its name can be translated as “frightening” or “frightening.” At the top of the volcano there are three craters with diameters of 50-100 meters. Moreover, they are all active.

10. Tolima, Colombia (5215 m)

The Tolima stratovolcano is located in the Colombian department of the same name, surrounded by the Los Nevados National Park. This is also a fairly young volcano, about 40 thousand years old. A funnel-shaped crater with a depth of 200-300 m appeared in it quite recently - around 1926. During the Holocene era, this volcano experienced explosive eruptions that varied in power: there were both moderate and Plinian ones. The largest eruption occurred 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. This, in turn, is accompanied by noticeable seismicity and surface activity.

Cities and even entire states were destroyed. Today, the 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 the fire-breathing mountain during an eruption, how this process occurs, what precedes it, forces scientists to climb dangerous slopes, approaching the craters where the elements are raging.

Today, volcanological scientists have united into an international organization (IAVCEI). It carefully monitors possible eruptions that could pose a threat to human life. Today there is a list that contains the names of volcanoes, their location and the likelihood of an upcoming eruption. This helps prevent loss of life, evacuate people from the danger zone if necessary, and take emergency measures.

Etna (Italy)

It was not by chance that we decided to start our review with this mountain. Volcano 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, near Catania and Messina.

Its activity is explained by its location at the junction of the Eurasian and African mountains. Other active mountains of the country are located at this break - Vesuvius, Stromboli, Vulcano. Scientists claim that in ancient times (15-35 thousand years ago), the Etna volcano, photos of which are often published 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 loss of life.

It is difficult to accurately determine the height of this mountain, since its highest 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, the volcano ejects lava every three to four months. It is potentially dangerous in the event of a powerful eruption. Thanks to the latest scientific developments, scientists hope to detect the increased activity of the mountain in time.

Sakurajima (Japan)

Experts consider Earth's volcanoes active if they have been active in the last 3,000 years. This Japanese volcano has been continuously active since 1955. It belongs to the first category. In other words, an eruption could start at any time. A not very strong lava eruption was observed in February 2009. Residents of the city of Kagoshima are almost constantly accompanied by anxiety. Teachings and equipped shelters have become firmly established in their everyday life.

Researchers have installed web cameras above the crater, so Sakurajima is under constant surveillance. It must be said that volcanoes on the islands can change the terrain. This happened in Japan when Sakurajima erupted in 1924. Powerful tremors warned the city of danger; most residents managed to leave their homes and evacuate.

After this, the volcano named 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 for another year after the eruption, lava slowly flowed out of the crater. The bottom of the bay rose in the center of the Aira caldera, located eight kilometers from Sakurajima.

Aso (Japan)

This popular tourist attraction for extreme sports enthusiasts is actually a dangerous volcano, which in 2011 emitted a large amount of lava and ash, covering 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 a nearby village.

Vesuvius (Italy)

Wherever volcanoes are located - on continents or on islands, they are equally dangerous. Vesuvius is very powerful, and therefore very dangerous. It is one of the three active ones. Scientists have information about 80 major eruptions of this mountain. The worst thing happened in 79. Then the cities of Pompeii, Stabia, and Herculaneum were completely destroyed.

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

Colima (Mexico)

Many of us remember the names of volcanoes (at least some of them) from our school curriculum, we learn about others from newspapers, and only specialists know about others. Colima is perhaps the most dangerous and powerful in the world. It last erupted in June 2005. Then a column of ash ejected from 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. ​​Local residents nicknamed 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 all of Mexico.

Galeras (Colombia)

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

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

At the foot of this giant mountain lies the small town of Pasto. In August 2010, its residents had to be urgently evacuated due to a violent eruption. A state of emergency has been declared in the region. Authorities sent more than 400 police officers to the area to provide assistance to citizens.

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

Elbrus Volcano

On the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria there is the highest point in Europe and, of course, Russia - Elbrus. It is connected to the northern part of the Greater Caucasus by the Lateral Ridge. Elbrus volcano consists of two peaks that are approximately the same height. Its eastern part reaches 5621 m, and the western part - 5642 m.

This is a cone-shaped stratovolcano. Its layers are formed by flows of tuff, 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-shaped shape. As a rule, craters are quickly destroyed by erosion. The beauty of Elbrus is protected by its mantle of ice and snow. It doesn’t go down even in summer, which is why the volcano is nicknamed Little Antarctica.

Despite the fact that it has been reminiscent of itself for quite a long time, experts observing its current condition and level of activity do not consider it to be extinct. They call the mountain "sleeping". The volcano is active (fortunately, not destructive yet). Hot masses are still stored in its depths. They “warm up” known sources. Their temperature reaches +52 °С and +60 ºС. Leaks through cracks onto the surface

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

Popocatepetl (Mexico)

This is the very country, located 50 kilometers from the capital - Mexico City. The city of twenty million is always prepared for emergency evacuation. In addition, two more large cities are located here - Tlaxcala de Xicotencatl and Puebla. This restless volcano also makes their residents 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 “fire mountain” on Earth by volume. Together with the underwater part, it is 80,000 cubic meters. km! The southeast slope and summit are part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

There is a volcanological station on Mauna Loa. Research and constant observations have been carried out since 1912. The solar and atmospheric observatories are also located here.

The last eruption occurred in 1984. The height of the mountain above sea level is 4,169 meters.

Nyiragongo (Congo)

As already noted, the names of volcanoes may not always be known to ordinary citizens living on another continent. This does not make the mountain any less dangerous. Specialists monitor its activities and promptly report increases in activity.

Next on our list is the active volcano Nyiragongo, whose height is 3469 meters. It is located in the central part of the African continent, in the Virunga Mountains. The volcano is considered the most dangerous in Africa. It is partially connected to 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 review list ends with a stratovolcano located in Pierce County (Washington), 87 km south of Seattle.

Rainier is part of the Volcanic Arc. Its height is 4,392 meters. Its top is made up of two volcanic craters.

We have presented you with the most famous volcanoes. The list of them, of course, is incomplete, because, according to scientists, there are more than 600 active mountains alone. In addition, every year 1-2 new volcanoes appear on Earth.

The volcano map shows the most dangerous volcanoes on Earth, which are currently being closely monitored. The following is a description of them with a forecast of possible activity and its consequences. Additionally, volcanoes are marked with a red ring, the eruption of which could have catastrophic consequences for the entire world.

Vesuvius (Italy)

Its proximity to Naples (15 km) makes this volcano deadly for more than three million Italians. It begins its sad fame in the year 79, when the cities of Herculaneum, Stabiae and Pompeii were destroyed during an eruption. Eruptions alternate with fairly long periods of calm. During the XVII – XX centuries. Vesuvius erupted with a period of 30-60 years. The last eruption was recorded in 1944. Scientists are unanimous in the opinion that the “killer of Pompeii” will one day wake up; only the timing and strength of the eruption remain unclear. But this doesn’t seem to bother the frivolous Neapolitans at all.

Galeras (Colombia)

Located near the town of Pasto. The most active volcano in the region. Its activity began about 5 thousand years ago and does not subside to this day. Dangerous eruptions occurred in 2008, 2009, and 2010, and each time thousands of people living nearby had to be evacuated.

Galunggung (Indonesia)

Located on the western tip of the island of Java. Its eruptions are very powerful. In 1822, it claimed the lives of 4,000 people, and in 1982 forced the country's authorities to evacuate about 35,000 residents. The last time it erupted was in 1990. It is included in the list of the most dangerous volcanoes on the planet.

Yellowstone Volcano (USA)

It is located in the state of Wyoming, and, fortunately, it is calm today. It has been active several times over the past 2 million years, and its last eruption was more than half a million years ago. The next eruption is expected no earlier than in several tens of thousands of years. This volcano is so huge that if it awakens, the United States will be almost completely destroyed, and the Earth will be covered for a long time with an impenetrable curtain of volcanic ash.

Katla (Iceland)

Located in the very south of Iceland. Over the last thousand years, it has erupted, according to various sources, from 14 to 16 times and caused significant melting of glaciers, leading to the flooding of nearby settlements. It is located near the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which recently erupted and blocked air traffic in Europe. Experts believe that the eruption of the latter is the starting mechanism for the awakening of the Katla volcano, the destructive potential of which is much greater. The conclusions are also confirmed by the fact that recently the level of magma in the depths of the volcano has risen noticeably. In this regard, an eruption is expected that will be many times more powerful than the Eyjafjallajökull eruption. If it happens, the consequences could be catastrophic for the entire planet - in addition to the formation of a huge cloud of volcanic ash, there will be melting of glaciers and extensive flooding.

Colima (Mexico)

Located in the state of Jalisco in western Mexico. The last major eruption, accompanied by the evacuation of the local population, was registered in 2005. In recent years, the activity of the Colima volcano has been increasing. It is also called the “Mexican Vesuvius”.

Koryakskaya Sopka (RF)

Located 35 km. North of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Powerful eruptions occurred before our era, as well as in 1895 and 1956. May pose a threat to the population of Kamchatka. It is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world and is under the close supervision of specialists.

Cumbre Vieija (Canary Islands)

Located on the island of La Palma, part of the Canary Islands. As a result of numerous volcanic eruptions, the coast of the island has undergone significant erosion. One of the slopes of Cumbre Vieiha is unstable and could collapse as a result of a powerful eruption or a series of small eruptions. The fall of a rock weighing 500 billion tons into the ocean will create a tsunami that will destroy almost the entire east coast of the United States and cause irreparable damage to the countries of the Caribbean. Fortunately, the volcano has not yet shown alarming activity, and the danger of a supertsunami is still hypothetical.

Mauna Loa (USA)

Located on the island of Hawaii. It is the largest volcano on the planet by volume (80,000 cubic kilometers). The nearby Kilaue Volcano is considered one of the most beautiful volcanoes on Earth.

Merapi (Indonesia)

The largest active volcano in Indonesia and one of the youngest in Java. It erupts approximately twice a year, with a fairly violent eruption every seven years. It poses a great danger to nearby populated areas. In 1673 it destroyed several cities, in 1930 it caused the death of 1,300 people, in 1974-75. destroyed three villages.

Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia)

Located in the departments of Tolima and Caldas. The largest active volcano in the Andes. Remains active for about two million years. In 1985, its eruption caused the death of more than 20,000 people. The approaching eruption was announced in advance, but no one heeded the warning due to several false alarms the day before.

Niragongo (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Located in the Virunga Mountains on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The most active and dangerous volcano in Africa. Although Niragongo is currently relatively calm, his awakening could be disastrous. Its potential is enormous, and in the event of an eruption, not only Africa, but also Europe and part of Asia may be under the shadow of volcanic ash for a long time.

Pinatubo (Philippines)

Located on the island of Luzon, almost 100 km. From Manila. Until 1991 it was considered extinct. Its awakening was unexpected and rapid - during the eruption in 1991, a US Air Force base was destroyed and about 1,000 people died. The main danger of this volcano is the large-scale release of volcanic ash. In a matter of days, the 1991 eruption released about 10 cubic kilometers of rock into the atmosphere. Then, for several months, the Earth's stratosphere was filled with sulfuric acid aerosol, which led to the formation of a giant ozone hole over Antarctica and a drop in temperature by 0.5 degrees Celsius.

Popocatepetl (Mexico)

Located near Mexico City. During the entire period of the presence of Europeans in America, it showed rather weak activity, but in recent years it has become more active. It poses a huge potential danger due to the proximity of a metropolis of twenty million.

Rainier (USA)

Located 85 kilometers southeast of the city of Seattle. The last eruption was a century and a half ago, but recently the volcano has become more active. If an eruption occurs, the lives of about 200,000 people will be at risk.

Sakurajima (Japan)

Located in Kagoshima Prefecture on the island (originally) Sakurajima. As a result of the 1914 eruption, the strait was filled with lava, and Sakurajima became a peninsula. Its location near the city of Kagoshima, with a population of almost a million, makes this volcano one of the most dangerous on the planet. Probably for the same reason it is called “eastern Vesuvius”. Monitoring it and predicting its activity is one of the main tasks of Japanese geologists.

Santa Maria (Guatemala)

Located near the city of Quetzaltenango. A young and large volcano, whose activity has been growing recently. A major eruption occurred in 1902 and caused the death of 6,000 people. The roar of the explosion was heard at a distance of 800 km.

Tambora (Indonesia)

Located on the island of Sumbawa. It is famous for the fact that its eruption in the spring of 1815 was the largest in the last several thousand years, both in terms of the number of erupted rocks and the number of victims. The eruption released 140 billion tons of solids into the atmosphere and killed 10,000 people. The total number of deaths eventually reached 100,000. In fact, this volcano destroyed the developed and ancient Tambora culture that existed on the island. The ejected ash plunged an area of ​​more than 500 km into complete darkness for three days. from the eruption site. But the consequences extended much further. In Europe and America, extremely low temperatures set in in 1816, and the snow melted only in the summer, which is why the year was called “the year without summer.” Naturally, this led to crop failures and numerous deaths from starvation throughout the world.

Ulawun (Papua New Guinea)

Located in the eastern part of the island of New Britain. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea, one of the most frequently erupting, which is actually remarkable. It has been known as an active volcano since 1700. In 1937, during an eruption, the capital of the country, located more than 100 km away, was practically covered with ash.

Unzen (Japan)

Located on the Shimabara Peninsula in the southwestern part of Kyushu. Currently, it is weakly active and is considered the most dangerous due to its history. Its eruption in 1792 is one of the most destructive eruptions in the world. The tsunami generated by it, 23 m high, claimed the lives of about 15,000 people.

Etna (Italy)

Located on the eastern tip of the island of Sicily. The most active and highest volcano in Europe. It erupts small amounts of lava about four times a year and, on average, completely destroys one or more nearby settlements every century and a half. The danger is the tendency of local residents to settle close to Etna due to the extreme fertility of the soil formed as a result of constant eruptions. Numerous lovers of high yields risk one day suddenly dying.

Most of the volcanoes on our planet are located in the “ring of fire”, which stretches along the shores of the entire Pacific Ocean. There are about 1.5 thousand volcanoes on Earth, of which 540 are active.

Here is a list of the most dangerous of them.

1. Nyiragongo, altitude 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 extremely fluid and its flows can reach speeds of 100 km/h. In 2002, an eruption killed 147 people and left 120,000 people 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 Taal Lake. The most powerful eruption of this volcano in the 20th century occurred in 1911 - in 10 minutes, 1335 people died 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 4,169 m, Hawaii (USA)


There are many volcanoes in Hawaii, but this is the largest and most dangerous of them all. Since 1832, 39 eruptions have been recorded. The last eruption occurred in 1984, the last major eruption in 1950.

4. Vesuvius, height 1,281 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 disaster, two cities - Pompeii and Herculaneum - disappeared from the face of the Earth. In modern history, the last eruption of Vesuvius occurred in 1944.

5. Merapi, altitude 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. Major eruptions occur on average every 7 years. In 1930, about 1,300 people died, in 1974, two villages were destroyed, and in 2010, 353 people died. Last eruption - 2011

6. St. Helens, altitude 2,550 m, USA


Located 154 km from Seattle and 85 km from Portland. This active volcano's most famous eruption occurred in 1980, killing 57 people. The eruption was of a rare type - a “directed explosion”. The process of the volcanic eruption and the spread of the ash cloud was filmed by photographer Robert Landsburg, who died in this eruption, but saved the film. The last activity to date was recorded in 2008.

7. Etna, height 3,350 m, Italy


Volcano Etna is located on the east coast of Sicily. This is the highest active volcano in Europe. Throughout its existence, it has 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 ejected a fountain of lava to a kilometer height. The last eruption was February 27, 2017.

8. Sakurajima, height 1,117 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. Eruptions were recorded on August 18, 2013, in March 2009. The last eruption was recorded on July 26, 2016.

9. Galeras, altitude 4,276 m, Colombia


Over the past 7 thousand years, at least six large eruptions and many small ones have occurred on Galeras. In 1993, six volcanologists and three tourists died while conducting research in the crater (then the eruption also began). Latest recorded eruptions: January 2008, February 2009, January and August 2010

10. Popocatepetl, altitude 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, altitude 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 casualties. The eruption caused a tsunami 55 meters high, which killed more than 15 thousand people. And in 1991, 43 people died during an 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 taller and consisted of one large island. However, a powerful eruption in 1883 destroyed the island and the volcano. Today Krakatoa is still active and small eruptions occur quite regularly. Last activity - 2014.

13. Santa Maria, altitude 3,772 m, Guatemala


The first recorded eruption of this volcano occurred in October 1902, before which it “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. This is the largest active volcano in Russia. Over the past 270 years, more than 50 eruptions have been recorded, the last one in April 2016.

15. Karymskaya Sopka, height 1468 m, Russia


Also located in Kamchatka. Since 1852, more than 20 eruptions have been recorded. Recent eruptions: 2005, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015. A very turbulent volcano.

Volcanic eruptions are dangerous primarily due to their direct impact - the release of tons of burning lava, under which entire cities can perish. But, in addition to this, side factors such as the suffocating effects of volcanic gases, the threat of tsunamis, isolation from sunlight, distortion of the terrain and local climate changes also pose a danger.

Merapi, Indonesia

Merapi is one of the largest volcanoes on the Indonesian islands. It is also one of the most active: large eruptions occur once every seven to eight years, and small ones - once every two years. At the same time, smoke appears from the top of the volcano almost every day, not allowing local residents to forget about the threat. Merapi is also famous for the fact that in 1006 the entire medieval Javanese-Indian state of Mataram was seriously damaged by his activities. The volcano is especially dangerous because it is located near the large Indonesian city of Yogyakarta, which is home to about 400 thousand people.

Sakurajima, Japan

Sakurajima has been in constant volcanic activity since 1955, with its last eruption occurring in early 2009. Until 1914, the volcano was located on a separate island of the same name, but frozen lava flows connected the island with the Osumi Peninsula. Residents of the city of Kagoshima are already accustomed to the restless behavior of the volcano and are constantly ready to take refuge in shelters.

Aso Volcano, Japan

The last time volcanic activity was recorded at the volcano was quite recently, in 2011. Then the ash cloud spread over an area of ​​more than 100 km. From that time to the present, about 2,500 tremors have been recorded, which indicates the activity of the volcano and its readiness to erupt. Despite the immediate danger, about 50 thousand people live in the immediate vicinity, and the crater is a popular tourist attraction for daredevils. In winter, the slopes are covered with snow and people go skiing and sledding in the valley.

Popocatepetl, Mexico

One of the largest volcanoes in Mexico is located literally fifty kilometers from. This is a city with a population of 20 million people who are in constant readiness to evacuate. In addition to Mexico City, major cities such as Puebla and Tlaxcala de Xicotencatl are located nearby. Popocatepetl also gives them a reason to be nervous: emissions of gas, sulfur, dust and stones occur literally every month. In recent decades, the volcano has erupted in 2000, 2005 and 2012. Many climbers strive to climb to its peak. Popocatepetl is famous for the fact that in 1955 it was conquered by Ernesto Che Guevara.

Etna, Italy

This Sicilian volcano is interesting because it has not only one main wide crater, but also many small craters on the slopes. Etna is constantly active, with small eruptions occurring every few months. This does not prevent the Sicilians from densely populating the slopes of the volcano, since the presence of minerals and trace elements makes the soil very fertile. The last major eruption was in May 2011, and minor emissions of ash and dust occurred in April 2013. By the way, Etna is the largest volcano in the world: it is two and a half times larger than Vesuvius.

Vesuvius, Italy

Vesuvius is one of Italy's three active volcanoes, along with Mount Etna and Stromboli. They are even jokingly called the “hot Italian family.” In 79, the eruption of Vesuvius destroyed the city of Pompeii and all its inhabitants, who were buried under layers of lava, pumice and mud. One of the last major eruptions, in 1944, killed about 60 people and almost completely destroyed the nearby towns of San Sebastiano and Massa. According to scientists, Vesuvius destroyed nearby cities about 80 times! By the way, this volcano has set many records. Firstly, this is the only active volcano on the mainland, secondly, it is the most studied and predictable, and thirdly, the territory of the volcano is a nature reserve and a national park where excursions are held. You can only go up on foot, since the lift and funicular have not yet been restored.

Colima, Mexico

The volcanic mountain consists of two peaks: the already extinct Nevado de Colima, which is covered with snow most of the time, and the active Colima volcano. Colima is particularly active: it has erupted more than 40 times since 1576. A strong eruption occurred in the summer of 2005, when authorities had to evacuate people from nearby villages. Then a column of ash was thrown to a height of about 5 km, spreading a cloud of smoke and dust behind it. Now the volcano is fraught with danger not only for local residents, but also for the entire country.

Mauna Loa, Hawaii, USA

Scientists have been monitoring the volcano since 1912 - there is a volcanological station on its slopes, as well as solar and atmospheric observatories. The height of the volcano reaches 4169 m. The last strong eruption of Mauna Loa destroyed several villages in 1950. Until 2002, the seismic activity of the volcano was low, until an increase was recorded, which indicates the possibility of eruptions in the near future.

Galeras, Colombia

The Galeras volcano is very powerful: its diameter at the base exceeds 20 km, and the width of the crater is about 320 m. The volcano is very dangerous - every few years, due to its activity, the population of the nearby town of Pasto has to be evacuated. The last such evacuation took place in 2010, when about 9 thousand people found themselves in shelters due to the threat of a strong eruption. Thus, the restless Galeras keeps local residents in constant suspense.

Nyiragongo, Republic of Congo

The Nyiragongo volcano is considered the most dangerous in all: it accounts for about half of all cases of volcanic activity recorded on the continent. Since 1882, there have been 34 eruptions. Nyiragongo lava has a special chemical composition, so it is unusually liquid and flowing. The speed of erupted lava can reach 100 km/h. In the main crater of the volcano there is a lava lake, the temperature of which heats up to 982 Cº, and the bursts reach a height of 7 to 30 m. The last largest eruption occurred in 2002, then 147 people died, 14 thousand buildings were destroyed, and 350 thousand people left homeless.

It is worth noting that scientists have been studying the activity of volcanoes for many years and modern technology recognizes the beginning of their seismic activity. Many volcanoes have webcams that allow you to monitor what is happening in real time. People living nearby are already accustomed to this behavior of volcanoes and know what to do when an eruption begins, and emergency services have the means to evacuate local residents. So every year the likelihood of casualties from volcanic eruptions becomes less and less.