Active volcanoes of the world on a contour map. The history of the six most dangerous volcanoes in the world

The article talks about the highest volcanoes in the world. The Earth has hundreds of volcanoes on its surface. In addition to small, inactive volcanoes, there are also powerful, tall and huge ones. They all have something in common, most likely, this is that they all tower above humanity to great heights and instill fear in many. After all, everyone knows that volcanoes can erupt, release steam and ash. Does everyone know what volcanoes are? Volcanoes are formations above cracks in the earth's crust, so to speak, geological formations that release ash, lava, loose rocks, vapors and gases onto the surface of the earth.

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

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

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

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

The volcanoes described above are probably not known to many. But the most popular are the volcanoes Vesuvius, Fuji and Etna. Located in the south of Italy, near Naples. It is considered active, huge, with a height at 1,281 meters. Vesuvius is a representative of the country's trio of active volcanoes. He is considered the most dangerous in the world. At present, 80 of its eruptions are known, and the most massive and extensive eruption occurred in the year 79 (2 millennia ago). The eruption of 79 killed cities such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. The last eruption occurred in 1944 and destroyed the cities of Massa and San Sabastiano.

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

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

The most powerful volcanic eruption was recorded in 1883. The giant volcano demonstrated unprecedented activity on May 20. Peals were heard throughout the Indonesian capital. And Krakatau was located 50 kilometers from the city. For three months he frightened the entire population with his “cries” of cod. The surface of the earth has accumulated large layers of pumice. But on August 27, 1883, an eruption occurred that the world had never seen before. From the epicenter of the outbreak, the roar of the volcano spread over 5 thousand kilometers, everything was incinerated, because the ash rose to a height of 30 kilometers. The radius of expansion of the volcanic structure reached 500 kilometers. A column of gas and ash rose into the atmosphere (the height of the column was 70 kilometers). An area of ​​4 million square kilometers was covered by ash, that is, 18 cubic kilometers. The explosion was rated on a 6-point scale and reached the maximum level. To be clear, this is 200 thousand times more than the explosion that destroyed Hiroshima.

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

It is considered one of the highest volcanoes in Spain (translated from Spanish as “salty eyes”). It occupied the territory of the border between Argentina and Chile and rose above sea level at 6891 meters. Its peak is located in Chile. It is considered inactive because its activity has never been recorded. Although, there are times when the volcano seems to remind of itself. This concerns the release of water vapor and sulfur that occurred in 1993. It should be noted that some scientists still consider it to be valid. This led to it becoming the tallest active volcano, taking the place of Llullaillaco. But this fact is disputed and a unanimous decision has not yet been reached.

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

The beauty and grandeur of a large volcano has always attracted people. The power of the active giant is not exaggerated - the ash that envelops many kilometers and the fiery lava that burns everything in its path are described in many books and shown on TV. The larger and higher the volcano, the more destruction it can cause if it erupts.

IN modern world scientists can predict the activity of an active volcano, thereby avoiding many casualties, but the strength and duration of nature’s “fiery breath” is sometimes impossible to calculate. The highest, largest volcanoes created at the junction of tectonic plates are of greatest interest to people. This list contains exactly those that have greatest height above sea level.

Tungurahua

The height of the giant volcano, located on the territory of Ecuador, is 5023 m. above sea level. The name stands for “fire throat”. Since 1999, the volcano has become especially active, and therefore it was decided to evacuate all nearby villages. Major eruptions were recorded in 2012 and 2014, which is why local authorities introduced an orange alert level. Throwing ash to a height of almost 10 km. covered several large settlements, located at a distance of more than 150 km. Little Tungurahua activity still occurs today.

Another giant from Ecuador. In the local dialect it means “fear-inspiring.” This majestic and beautiful volcano has a height of 5230m. According to scientific data, the volcano with three craters, the diameter of which is more than 100 meters, was formed more than 14,000 years ago. The very first major eruption was recorded in 1628. Since the 30s of the last century, Sangai has been constantly erupting. Last activity was in 2007. Today, only a few travel companies offer to climb to the top of the volcano, since the volcano is considered active and erupts from time to time. Still, there are always people who like to add adrenaline to their lives. Part of the route is covered by car, the rest by special mules. Elevation takes 2-3 days.

The volcano with a height of 5426m is active. Location: Mexico. The difficult, funny name translates as “smoking hill.” Villages and cities with a total population of 20 million are densely located around the volcano. Human. The last mention of any volcanic activity was in 1994. But in 1947, a volcanic eruption threw out so much ash that it covered everything within a 30 km radius. It is very popular among tourists and lovers of real, virgin nature.

Active volcano with a height of 5822m. located in Peru. The volcano has three huge craters, the largest diameter is 130m. Particularly strong activity in the 15th century brought a lot of trouble to the nearby city of Arequipa, later called the “white city”. The local population calls the mountain sacred, the mountain of the gods. In 1998, archaeologists discovered several Incan mummies and valuable artifacts at the foot of the volcano. There are many associated with the volcano mystical stories. Periodic explosive eruptions over the past hundred years have not scared away, but rather attracted a lot of tourists. Peak tourist season falls in May-September, when the top of the volcano is not covered with snow. For the most fearless, there is a descent into one of the craters.

The most high point Africa (5895m above sea level) belongs to an active volcano. Kilimanjaro is mentioned in many feature films and literature and is considered one of the most beautiful and popular.

There are no officially recorded eruptions of the giant giant, but local residents claim that 200 years ago the volcano behaved quite aggressively. Kilimanjaro is in great demand among tourists, as climbing the mountain is quite simple and does not require special skills. Unfortunately, the famous “snow cap” in Lately is melting a lot, over the last 100 glaciers have shrunk by 80%, which is certainly alarming.

Volcano with a height of 5911m. is included in the list of the largest active volcanoes on the planet. Since 1738, the volcano has erupted just under 50 times, and the last strong eruption was recorded last year on August 15. From the archives of descriptions of the Cotopaxi volcano, a destructive eruption of 1768 is mentioned - “in the middle of spring, a huge column of steam and ash rose from the breathing crater of the volcano, and a few days later fiery lava poured out. At the same time, a terrible earthquake began. The nearby town of Latacunga was completely destroyed." Today Cotopaxi is called " business card Ecuador." Hundreds of avid climbers come here to conquer the top of the volcano. But local authorities do not welcome this; due to the constant melting of glaciers, many accidents have been recorded.

San Pedro

A giant active volcano sits on the edge of the Atacama Desert in Chile. The height of the volcano above sea level is 6145m. The last activity was observed in 1960. Tourist routes does not have. Every moment can create a real danger for residents of nearby villages.

Height – 6310m. The highest point in Ecuador. Today it is considered extinct, but around the 5th-7th century AD it erupted tons of fiery lava. The entire top of the volcano is covered with glaciers. As a result of the effects of global warming, the glacier has greatly decreased in size. In clear weather, the volcano can be seen 150 km away. Chimborazo is very popular among tourists and climbers. Some of them claim that in some places they can hear seething inside the volcano. You can conquer the top of Chimborazo at any time of the year, since the air temperature on the slopes remains the same in winter and summer.

The leader among active volcanoes. Height above sea level 6739m. The eruption recorded in 1877 was the last. The top of the volcano is covered with glaciers, and it itself is located among the driest desert on earth - the Atacama. Unique excavations carried out at the top of the volcano helped determine that the found corpses of Incan children buried more than 500 years ago speak about the sacredness of this mountain. Local Indians nicknamed the volcano “deceiver”, not trusting its calmness. The snow line of the volcano is located at the highest point in the world, reaching a height of 6.5 tons. meters. The lucky ones who managed to climb to the top of the volcano are given the opportunity to enjoy the enchanting and majestic views of mountain ranges and unique landscapes.

The highest volcano on earth geographically covers both Chile and Argentina. The height of the champion of our rating is 6887m. above sea level. The volcano is also unique in that it is located in the crater itself, at an altitude of 6390m. The highest lake in the world is located. Throughout the history of observation, the volcano has not shown much activity, although several emissions of sulfur and water vapor were recorded in the last century. On the Chilean side, near the volcano is the city of Copiano. The city completely breathes with tourist life, welcoming every year a large number of climbers and ordinary travelers. At the foot of the very top, which can only be reached by the most experienced tourists, traces of Inca habitation were found. This find again recalls the special attitude of the ancient Indians to the greatness and sacredness of nature.

The record for the most terrible, destructive volcanic eruption belongs to Tambora, located in Indonesia. In 1815 after powerful explosion, the eruption lasted almost two weeks. Within a radius of 500 kilometers there was pitch darkness for four days due to the ejected ash. More than 70,000 people died in that disaster, according to the Indonesian government.

On the territory of our country, the champion in height is the Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano. Its height is 4835m. above sea level. The last small eruption was recorded in August 2013.

The volcano is a wonder of the world created by nature itself. You can constantly admire the majestic mountain, with its snow-capped peaks and bottomless craters. The possible danger posed by an active volcano has long been a subject of curiosity and popularity among tourists. But beauty and power natural phenomena should be respected; it was not for nothing that the ancient Indians called volcanoes “sacred mountains.”

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, height 3470 m, Democratic Republic 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 east coast 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, during the research work Six volcanologists and three tourists died 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. Eruptions recent years: 2005, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015. Very restless volcano.

The volcano is one of the most beautiful, unexpected and terrible mysteries of nature. There are more than two hundred of them on Earth, and each one amazes with its height and power. Even volcanoes that are considered extinct cannot be trusted, because one day they may “wake up” and start erupting lava. Which of all active volcanoes is considered the highest? Where are they most? We will talk about this and much more in this article.

The area with the most active volcanoes

A volcano is a crack in the earth’s crust through which ash, steam, fiery lava, and gases are ejected. Appearance The volcano resembles a mountain. Why are volcanoes divided into active and extinct?

If the slightest activity of a giant mountain has been recorded in the history of mankind, then the volcano is considered active. It doesn't have to erupt. By activity we mean even if it simply emits steam and ash once every hundred years.

Many active volcanoes are located in the Malay Archipelago, which is geographically adjacent to Asia and Australia. Russia also has a dangerous zone of active volcanoes. It is located in Kamchatka with capture Kuril Islands. According to scientists, at least 60 volcanoes show signs of activity there every year.

The largest volcano in the world

Mauna Loa is the name of the giant, which in size surpassed all other volcanoes in the world. It is located in Hawaii. Translated from local language The volcano is called Long Mountain.

The giant's activity was first recorded in 1843. Since then, it has erupted 33 times, making it perhaps the most active volcano on the planet. The last eruption occurred in 1984. Then lava covered 30 thousand acres of land. After the eruption, the territory of Hawaii increased by almost 200 hectares.

Above sea level, Mauna Lao has a height of 4,169 m, and if you count the height from the very center, you get almost 9 thousand m. This is even higher than the highest high mountain world - Everest.

Mauna Lao is not only the largest, but also the most powerful volcano. 75 thousand cubic km - this is its total volume.

Tallest active volcano in the world

In this part even scientists' opinions divided. As for the height above sea level, there is no doubt, the highest is the Llullaillaco volcano - 6,723 m. It is located in the Andes between Chile and Argentina. Its last eruption was recorded in 1877.

Another part of the scientists gives the laurels of championship to another volcano located in the Andes, but on the territory of Ecuador - Cotopaxi. Its height above sea level is slightly lower than its competitor - 5,897 m. However, its last eruption was in 1942. And it was much more powerful than the eruption of Llullaillaco.

All scientists agree on one thing - Cotopaxi is the most beautiful volcano. It has an elegant crater and incredibly beautiful greenery at the foot. However, such beauty is very deceptive. Over the past 300 years, 10 powerful eruptions have been recorded. All 10 times, the city of Latacunga, which is located near the foot of the giant, was completely destroyed.

The most famous volcanoes in the world

Despite the fact that the previous volcanoes are the largest and most beautiful, few have heard of them. But there are two leaders that are known to everyone since school lessons - Fuji, Vesuvius and Kilimanjaro.

Fuji is located in Asia, on the island of Honshu, not far from the Japanese capital. Since ancient times, local residents have elevated the volcano to a cult. It rises 3,776 m above sea level and has beautiful contours. The last powerful eruption was recorded in 1707.

Vesuvius is an active volcano in southern Italy. By the way, this is one of the three active volcanoes in the country. Although Vesuvius is not as high as other volcanoes (only 1,281 m above sea level), it is considered one of the most dangerous. It was he who completely destroyed Pompeii, as well as Herculaneum and Stabiae. Its last eruption occurred in 1944. Then the cities of San Sebastiano and Massa were completely destroyed by lava.

Kilimanjaro is not only the highest African volcano, but also the highest point on the continent. Scientists believe that the history of Kilimanjaro goes back two million years. The volcano is located 300 m south of the Equator. Despite this, a large number of glaciers have accumulated at its foot.

The tallest extinct volcano in the world

The tallest extinct volcano is also located on the territory of two countries - Chile and Argentina. The peak of the Ojos del Salado volcano (translated from Spanish as “Salty Eyes”) is located on the Chilean side. The height of the peak is 6,891 m above sea level.

In the entire history of human existence, Ojos del Salado has never erupted. There were several cases where it emitted water vapor and sulfur. The last time such a case was seen was in 1993.

This fact made many scientists think about whether Ojos del Salado should be included in the ranks of active volcanoes? If this happens, it will become the tallest active volcano in the world.