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, such side factors as the suffocating effect of volcanic gases, the threat of a tsunami, isolation from sunlight, distortion of the terrain and local climate changes.
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 most big volcano c: 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. Lava of Nyiragongo 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.
A volcano is a geological formation that is located on cracks earth's crust. Through it, volcanic rocks, lava, ash, steam and poisonous gases come to the surface. Scientists are sure that every year 3 new volcanoes appear on our planet. Their total number is huge. More than 600 of them are active active volcanoes. They are located in different parts of the world and represent serious danger for all living things.
Active volcanoes in Russia
Not all fire-breathing mountains are on land. They are often located under water. This does not prevent their eruption at all. Fortunately, the most dangerous volcanoes are located far beyond the borders of our country, but we also have such dangerous hills. In this article, we will introduce you to lava-spewing mountains located in our country and abroad that can be dangerous to human life.
Klyuchevsky volcano
He is located at Bering Sea. This is the largest volcano in Russia. This is a whole complex consisting of 12 cones. The height of the volcano is 4750 meters. It has a crater with a diameter of more than half a kilometer. The mountain has a perfect cone shape. Active volcanoes constantly secrete acrid smoke, which can be seen above the Klyuchevsky crater. Sometimes you can see splashes of lava. Volcanologists believe that it appeared more than 5,000 years ago. Over the past three centuries he has been revived more than 50 times. The most powerful eruptions date back to the 19th century.
Volcano Tolbachik
The Klyuchevskaya group includes several volcanoes. One of them is Tolbachik. Its height is 3682 meters. Experts attribute it to the Hawaiian type of volcanoes. It has two cones - Sharp and Flat. Its diameter is about 2 kilometers. The last eruption was in 1976. It is considered the highest in Eurasia.
Ichinskaya Sopka
There are active volcanoes in Russia in Kamchatka. In the center of the peninsula is the Ichinskaya Sopka. This volcano has three cones, they are covered with glaciers, except one, which is active. Its height reaches 3621 meters.
Kronotskaya Sopka
The next mountain spewing lava is located in the east of Kamchatka. Its height is 3528 meters. It is believed that this is one of the largest volcanoes in Russia. It erupts quite rarely. At its very top you can see ice, and forests grow at its base. Near the volcano there is the famous Valley of Geysers and Kronotskoe Lake.
Koryaksky volcano
Its highest cone reaches a height of 3456 meters. By its type it belongs to stratovolcanoes. To this day, remains of lava and loose rocks are found in the valley of the Koryak Hill.
Volcano Shiveluch
In the north of Kamchatka there is another known to specialists volcano. It's called Shiveluch. The mountain has two cones - Old Shiveluch and Young Shiveluch. The last one is still active. Its height is 3283 meters. This one is big volcano erupts often. The last time this happened was in 1964. Volcanologists are sure that the age of this mountain is more than 60 thousand years.
Volcano Avacha
It is located near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Its height is 2741 meters, the diameter of the crater is four hundred meters. The top of Avacha is covered with glaciers, and dense forests grow at its base. Its last eruption was recorded in 2001.
Volcano Sishel
It is also located in the north of Kamchatka. Shield volcano with a height of 2525 meters. To this day it is considered active, but the date of the last eruption is not known for certain.
Active volcanoes of the world
These mountains, which spew fire and ash, are dangerous due to their direct impact - the release of thousands of tons of burning lava, which can destroy entire cities. In addition, suffocating volcanic gases, the threat of tsunamis, distortion of the terrain and dramatic climate changes pose a great danger.
Merali (Indonesia)
Active volcanoes on the islands of Indonesia are very dangerous. One of them is Merapi. It is the most active: powerful eruptions occur here every six to seven years, and small ones occur almost every year. Smoke appears over the crater almost every day, reminding local residents of the imminent threat.
Merali is famous for the largest eruption that occurred in 1006. The medieval state of Mataram suffered from it. The danger of the volcano is that it is located near the densely populated city of Yogyakarta.
Sakurajima (Japan)
Readers are often interested in the most active volcanoes. It would be more correct to call them the most active. These include Sakurajima, which has been active since 1955. The last eruption occurred in early 2009. Until last year (2014), the volcano was located on a separate island of the same name, but lava flows solidified and connected it to the Osumi Peninsula. People living in Kagoshima City are accustomed to Sakurajima's behavior and are always ready to take refuge in a shelter.
Cotopaxi (Ecuador)
The highest active volcanoes are in America. The record holder for this is Cotopaxi, located 50 km from the city of Quito. Its height is 5897 m, depth 450 m, crater size 550x800 m. At an altitude of 4700 m, the mountain is covered with eternal snow.
Etna (Italy)
This volcano is well known. It has not one main crater, but many small ones. Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and is constantly active. Its height is 3380 meters, area is 1250 square kilometers.
Small eruptions occur every few months. Despite this, Sicilians densely populate the slopes of the volcano, since in these places there are very fertile soil(due to the presence of minerals and trace elements). The last eruption occurred in May 2011, with minor emissions of dust and ash in April 2013.
Vesuvius (Italy)
The active volcanoes of Italy are two other large mountains besides Etna. These are Vesuvius and Stromboli.
In 79, a powerful eruption of Vesuvius destroyed the cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. Their inhabitants were buried under layers of pumice, lava and mud. The strongest eruption occurred in 1944. Then 60 people died, and the cities of Massa and San Sebastiano were completely destroyed. Scientists estimate that Vesuvius destroyed nearby cities 80 times. Many of the world's active volcanoes are not as well studied as this one. Due to this, researchers consider it the most predictable.
The territory of the volcano is protected. This national park, which tourists from all over the world love to visit.
Colima (Mexico)
The active volcanoes of this country are represented in our article by Nevado de Colima. Most of the time the mountain is covered with snow. Colima is very active - it has erupted 40 times since 1576. The strongest eruption occurred in the summer of 2005.
Residents of nearby villages had to be evacuated. The ash column shot up to a height of 5 km, causing a cloud of dust and smoke.
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 and, if necessary, evacuate people from danger zone 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 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 highest degree. 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. When conducting research work 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 is located highest point Europe and, of course, Russia - Elbrus. WITH northern part The Greater Caucasus is connected 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. Recent eruptions Elbrus was 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, the most valuable scientific base. IN Soviet time were held here Scientific research, and now houses 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, there are two more major cities- 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.
An interactive map of active (active) volcanoes allows you to see the degree of volcanic activity, the danger of eruptions, and the likelihood of eruptions online. The map is designed to help travelers and researchers who are going to visit a particular region of the world. Plan your expeditions taking into account existing threats and disasters.
The map is fully clickable, you can zoom in, zoom out, and select regions of interest on the planet. Clicking on the triangle displays information in English (in addition to the already existing mug service – ). Information is provided to English language, heights are in meters and feet
All dormant, awakening and active volcanoes are divided on the map into 4 threat categories:
1. Green triangle- there are no threats.
2. Yellow triangle– threat of increased activity.
3. Orange triangle– high activity. There is a possibility of an eruption.
4. Red triangle– an eruption with the release of ash, gases, magma.
Active volcano - news on the map
(To zoom in or out on the map, scroll the mouse wheel while holding down the CTRL key)
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How to survive a volcanic eruption
(Detailed article in our section “Survival” > “Survival in various disasters” > “How to survive natural disasters” > in the article.
Extinct supervolcanoes of the planet
Map of mantle hotspots
Tectonic plate map
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