The largest active volcanoes in the world on the map. Volcanoes

Active and extinct volcanoes have always attracted people. People settled on volcanic slopes to practice agriculture because the volcanic soil is very fertile.

Today, majestic geological formations attract crowds of tourists who want to admire their beauty.

Thirsty for extreme sports are not stopped even by the most dangerous natural objectsactive volcanoes.

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List of active volcanoes in the world

Today we will look at where there are active volcanoes in the world. Most of them are located along the coast. This zone is called the Pacific Ring of Fire. Second in volcanic activity zone - the Mediterranean belt.

In total, there are about 900 active volcanoes on land.

About 60 geological formations of the earth explode every year. Consider the most dangerous of the active, as well as a few impressive, but dormant.

Merapi, Indonesia

Merapi is the most impressive, nicknamed the "Mountain of Fire". It is located on about. Java, reaches a height of 2914 m. Large-scale emissions are carried out every 7 years, and small ones twice a year. Smoke constantly comes out of its crater. One of the most significant tragedies associated with activity broke out in 1006. Then a ferocious element destroyed the Javanese-Indian state of Mataram.

In 1673, another powerful eruption broke out, as a result of which the towns and villages located at the foot were destroyed. In 1930, volcanic eruptions killed 1,300 people.

The last release of Merapi occurred in 2010, when 350,000 people needed to be evacuated. Some of them decided to return and died in the lava flow. 353 people suffered then.

In that last catastrophe, Fire Mountain threw out a mixture of ash and gas at a speed of 100 km / h, while the temperature reached 1000 ° C.

Sakurajima, Japan

Sakurajima is located on about. Kyushu. Once the mountain stood separately, but in one of the eruptions, with the help of lava, it joined the Osumi Peninsula. It rises to a height of 1117 m. It consists of three peaks, the highest of which is the northern one.

The activity of Sakurajima increases every year, and until 1946 there were only 6 releases. It has been erupting continuously since 1955.

Note: one of the largest disasters occurred in 1914, when the elements claimed the lives of 35 people. In 2013, 1097 emissions of insignificant force were recorded, and in 2014 - 471.

Aso, Japan

Aso is another volcanic giant about. Kyushu. Its height is 1592 m. This is a caldera, in the middle of which there are 17 cones. The most active of them is Nakadake.

Aso last erupted lava in 2011. Since then, there have been about 2500 aftershocks. In 2016, the ejection process was accompanied by an earthquake.

It is worth noting: despite the danger associated with the extreme activity of Aso, about 50 thousand people live in the caldera, and the crater itself has become a popular object active tourism. In winter, skiing is possible on the slopes of Aso.

Nyiragongo, Republic of the Congo

Nyiragongo refers to mountain system Virunga is the most active in Africa. The height is 3470 m. In its crater there is a huge bubbling lava lake, the largest in the world. During an eruption, lava flows out almost completely, destroying everything around in a matter of hours. After that, it fills the crater again. Due to the military situation in the Republic of the Congo, the crater has not yet been sufficiently explored.

Since the end of the 19th century alone, 34 eruptions of the formidable Nyiragongo have been noted. Its lava is very liquid because it does not contain enough silicates. For this reason, it spreads rapidly, reaching a speed of 100 km / h. This feature makes Nyiragongo one of the most dangerous on the planet. In 1977, a huge mass of lava hit the nearby town. The cause was the rupture of the crater wall. The disaster claimed the lives of several hundred people.

In 2002, another large-scale eruption occurred, then 400 thousand people were evacuated, 147 of whom died. Despite the fact that this Nyiragongo is considered the most dangerous in the world, about half a million people live in nearby settlements.

Galeras, Colombia

It rises above the Colombian town of Pasto, with about 500 thousand inhabitants. Galeras reaches a height of 4276 m. In recent years, Galeras has been constantly active, throwing out volcanic ash.

One of the largest eruptions was recorded in 1993. The element led to the death of 6 volcanologists and 3 tourists in the crater. The disaster came unexpectedly, after a long lull.

One of the recent eruptions occurred in August 2010. Colombian authorities periodically evacuate local residents as Galeras is active.

Colima, Mexico

Spread Colima on the Pacific coast. Consists of 2 peaks, one of which is extinct. In 2016, Colima became active, releasing a column of ash.

The last time he reminded of himself was on January 19, 2017. At the time of the disaster, a cloud of ash and smoke rose 2 km.

Vesuvius, Italy

Vesuvius is the most famous volcanic giant in continental Europe. It is located in Italy, 15 km from.

Vesuvius has 3 cones. Strong eruptions alternate with periods of low-power activity. Throws out a huge amount of ash and gases. In 79, Vesuvius shook all of Italy, destroying the cities of Pompeii and Stabia. They were covered with a thick layer of ash, reaching up to 8 m. The city of Herculaneum was flooded with mud flows, as mud rains accompanied the eruption.

In 1631, an eruption was noted that claimed the lives of 4,000 people. It turned out to be weaker than in 79, but the slopes of Vesuvius have since been inhabited by more people, which led to such victims. The volcano after this event became lower by 168 m. The eruption of 1805 destroyed almost the entire Naples and claimed the lives of 26 thousand people.

The last time Vesuvius erupted lava flows in 1944, leveling the cities of San Sebastiano and Massa. The number of victims was 27 people. After that, the volcano subsided. A volcano observatory was built here to track its activities.

Etna, Italy

Etna is the highest volcano in Europe. It is located in the northern hemisphere in the east of Sicily. Its height changes after each eruption, now it is 3429 m above sea level.

Etna has, according to various estimates, 200-400 side craters. Every 3 months, one of them erupts. Quite often, this leads to the destruction of villages, spread out nearby.

Despite the dangers, the Sicilians densely populate the slopes of Etna. Here they even created national park.

Popocatepetl, Mexico

The second highest peak in Mexico, its name means "smoking hill". It is located 70 km from Mexico City. The height of the mountain is 5500 meters.

Over 500 years, Popocatepetl has erupted lava over 15 times, the last time it happened in 2015.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Russia

This is the most high peak Kamchatka. Its height ranges from 4750-4850 m above sea level. The slopes are covered with lateral craters, of which there are more than 80.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka reminds of itself every 3 years, each of its activity lasts several months and is sometimes accompanied by ashfalls. The most active year was 2016, when the volcano exploded 55 times.

The most destructive was the catastrophe of 1938, when Klyuchevskaya Sopka was active for 13 months.

Mauna Loa, Hawaii, USA

Mauna Loa can be found in the central part of the island of Hawaii. It rises to 4169 m above sea level. Mauna Loa is of the Hawaiian type.

Its characteristic feature is the outpouring of lava, passing without explosions and ash emissions. Lava erupts through the central vent, cracks and fractures.

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Cotopaxi belongs to the Andes mountain system. This is the second highest peak, rising to 5911 m.

The first eruption was recorded in 1534. The eruption had the most devastating consequences in 1768. Then the ejection of lava and sulfur was accompanied by an earthquake. The disaster destroyed the city of Latacunga with its surroundings. The eruption was so strong that traces of it were found in the Amazon basin.

Iceland

There are about three dozen volcanoes on the island of Iceland. Among them there are long-extinct ones, but there are also active ones.

This island is the only one in the world where so many geological formations are located. Icelandic territory is a real volcanic plateau.

Extinct and dormant volcanoes

Volcanoes that have lost their activity are extinct and dormant. It is safe to visit them, so these sites are more popular among travelers. On the map, such geological formations are marked with black asterisks, in contrast to active ones, marked with red asterisks.

What is the difference between an extinct and dormant volcano? Extinct ones do not show active activity for at least 1 million years. Presumably, their magma has already cooled down and will not be able to explode. True, volcanologists do not exclude that a new volcano may form in their place.

Aconcagua, Argentina

Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Andes. It rises to 6960.8 m. The mountain was formed at the junction of the Nazca and South American lithospheric plates. Today the slopes of the mountain are covered with glaciers.

Aconcagua is of interest to climbers as the highest peak South America, as well as the highest extinct volcano.

Kilimanjaro, Africa

If someone is asked to name the most high mountain Africa, he will name - the most famous mountain on the African mainland. It consists of 3 peaks, the highest of them is Kibo (5,891.8 m).

Kilimanjaro is considered dormant, now only gases and sulfur come out of its crater. It is expected to be active when the mountain collapses, leading to a massive eruption. Scientists consider the peak of Kibo to be the most formidable.

Yellowstone, USA

Yellowstone is located on the territory of the same name national park. The top belongs to the supervolcanoes, of which there are 20 on Earth. Yellowstone is extremely dangerous because it erupts with incredible force, and can affect the planet's climate.

Yellowstone has erupted three times. The last eruption took place 640 thousand years ago, at the same time a caldera cavity was formed.

At this volcano, lava accumulates in a special reservoir, where it melts the surrounding rocks, becoming thicker. This reservoir is very close to the surface, which worries volcanologists.

The eruption is stopped by water flows that cool the magma bubble and break out in the form of geysers. Since there is still a lot of energy left inside the bubble, it is expected to burst out in the near future.

The US authorities are taking all measures to prevent the eruption of Yellowstone, because it can kill 87 thousand people. One of the projects is the installation of a geothermal station, but this will require drilling wells that can provoke a catastrophe not only in the country, but throughout the planet.

Elbrus, Russia

The Caucasian peak is attractive for climbers today. Its height is 5621 m. This is a dormant formation in which volcanic processes occur. The last eruption took place presumably 1.7 thousand years ago, 500 years ago it released a column of ash.

The activity of Elbrus is evidenced by geothermal springs located nearby. Scientists disagree on when to expect the next eruption, but it is known for sure that it will lead to the convergence of the mudflow.

Big and Small Ararat, Turkey

Big Ararat (5165 m) is located on the Armenian Highlands, 11 km from it is Small Ararat (3927 m).

The eruptions of Greater Ararat have always been accompanied by destruction. The last tragedy erupted in 1840 and was accompanied by a strong earthquake. Then 10,000 people died.

Kazbek, Georgia

Kazbek is located in Georgia. The locals call it Mkinvartsveri, which translates as "ice mountain". The height of the giant is 5033.8 m.

Kazbek is not active today, but it is classified as potentially dangerous. It last erupted in 650 BC.

The mountain has very steep slopes, mudflow landslides are possible.

Conclusion

Volcanoes are among the most attractive tourist sites. Today, they are no longer so dangerous, since volcanologists can predict their activity. Research is being conducted on the use of the energy of geological formations for the benefit of mankind.

In an effort to go to the top of a volcano, especially an active one, it is necessary to collect information about its condition, listen to the forecasts of seismologists, since tragic incidents among tourists often occur.

We bring to your attention an interesting video about the active volcanoes of the world:

10 largest and most dangerous volcanoes on Earth.

A volcano is a geological formation that arose due to the movement of tectonic plates, their collision and the formation of faults. As a result of collisions of tectonic plates, faults are formed, and magma comes to the surface of the Earth. As a rule, volcanoes are a mountain, at the tip of which there is a crater, which is the place where the lava comes out.


Volcanoes are divided into:


- acting;
- sleeping;
- extinct;

Active volcanoes are those that have erupted in the short term (approximately 12,000 years)
Dormant volcanoes are called volcanoes that have not erupted in the near historical perspective, but their eruption is practically possible.
Extinct volcanoes include those that have not erupted in the near historical future, however, the top has the shape of a crater, but such volcanoes are unlikely to erupt.

List of the 10 most dangerous volcanoes in the world:

1. (Hawaiian Islands, USA)



Located in the islands of Hawaii, it is one of the five volcanoes that make up the islands of Hawaii. It is the largest volcano in the world in terms of volume. It contains over 32 cubic kilometers of magma.
The volcano formed about 700,000 years ago.
The last volcanic eruption occurred in March 1984, and it lasted more than 24 days, causing great damage to people and the surrounding area.

2. Taal Volcano (Philippines)




The volcano is located on the island of Luzon, belonging to Philippine Islands. The crater of the volcano rises 350 meters above the surface of Lake Taal and is located almost in the center of the lake.

The peculiarity of this volcano is that it is located in the crater of a very old extinct mega volcano, now this crater is filled with lake water.
In 1911, the most powerful eruption of this volcano occurred - then 1335 people died, within 10 minutes all life around the volcano died at a distance of 10 km.
The last eruption of this volcano was observed in 1965, which led to 200 human casualties.

3. Merapi Volcano (Java Island)




The name of the volcano in the literal sense is the Mountain of Fire. The volcano has been systematically erupting over the past 10,000 years. The volcano is located near the city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the population of the city is several thousand people.
It was the most active volcano among the 130 volcanoes in Indonesia. It was believed that the eruption of this volcano led to the decline of the Hindu Kingdom of Matarama. The peculiarity and horror of this volcano is the speed of magma propagation, which is more than 150 km / h. The last volcanic eruption occurred in 2006 and claimed 130 lives and made more than 300,000 people homeless.

4. Santa Maria Volcano (Guatemala)


It is one of the most active volcanoes of the 20th century.
It is located at a distance of 130 kilometers from the city of Guatemala, and is located in the so-called Pacific. Ring of Fire. The Santa Maria crater was formed after it erupted in 1902. About 6,000 people died then. The last eruption occurred in March 2011.

5. Volcano Ulavun (Papua - New Guinea)


Ulawun volcano, located in the region of New Guinea, began to erupt from the beginning of the 18th century. Since then, eruptions have been recorded 22 times.
In 1980, the largest volcanic eruption occurred. The ejected ash covered an area of ​​more than 20 square kilometers.
Now this volcano is the highest peak in the region.
The last volcanic eruption occurred in the year 2010.

6. Volcano Galeras (Colombia)




The Galeras volcano is located near the border of Ecuador in Colombia. One of the most active volcanoes in Colombia, it has been systematically erupting over the past 1000 years.
The first documented volcanic eruption occurred in 1580. This volcano is considered the most dangerous because of its sudden eruptions. Along the eastern slope of the volcano is the city of Paphos (Pasto). Paphos is a residence for 450,000 people.
In 1993, six seismologists and three tourists died during a volcanic eruption.
Since then, the volcano has erupted every year, claiming thousands of lives and making many people homeless. The last volcanic eruption occurred in January 2010.

7. Volcano Sakurajima (Japan)




Until 1914, this volcanic mountain was located on a separate island in the immediate vicinity of Kyushu. After a volcanic eruption in 1914, a lava flow connected the mountain to the Ozumi Peninsula (Japan). The volcano was named as Vesuvius of the East.
It serves as a threat to the 700,000 people of Kagoshima City.
Since the year 1955, eruptions have occurred every year.
The government even built a refugee camp for the people of Kagoshima so they could find shelter during the volcanic eruption.
The last volcanic eruption occurred on August 18, 2013.


8. Nyiragongo (DR Congo)




It is one of the most active, active volcanoes in the African region. The volcano is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The volcano has been monitored since 1882. Since the beginning of observations, 34 eruptions have been recorded.
The crater in the mountain serves as a holder for the magma fluid. In 1977, there was a major eruption, neighboring villages were burned by hot lava flows. The average speed of the lava flow was 60 kilometers per hour. Hundreds of people died. The most recent eruption occurred in the year 2002, leaving 120,000 people homeless.




This volcano is a caldera - the formation of a pronounced rounded shape with a flat bottom.
The volcano is located in the Yellow National Park of the United States.
This volcano has not erupted for 640,000 years.
The question arises: How can it be an active volcano?
There are claims that 640,000 years ago, this super volcano erupted.
This eruption changed the terrain and covered half of the US in ash.
According to various estimates, the volcanic eruption cycle is 700,000 - 600,000 years. Scientists expect this volcano to erupt at any time.
This volcano could destroy life on Earth.

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 an 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 extensive layers of lava. In the 21st century, Etna erupted more than 10 times, fortunately, without human casualties.

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact height of this mountain, as its top 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, 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 has been 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. Great amount 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 lovers, it is actually a dangerous volcano, which in 2011 threw out 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 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). 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 - " fiery volcano". Its height is 3,846 m. ​​The locals called it the Mexican Vesuvius.

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

Galeras (Colombia)

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

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

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

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

Volcano Elbrus

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

It is a cone-shaped stratovolcano. Its layers are formed by flows of tufa, lava, and ash. The last eruptions of Elbrus were recorded 2500 years ago. Over time, it took on its current form. Few volcanoes on Earth can boast such a beautiful, "classic" cone shape. As a rule, craters quickly collapse under the influence of erosion. The beauty of Elbrus is protected by its mantle of ice and snow. It does not descend even in summer, for which the volcano was nicknamed Little Antarctica.

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

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

Popocatepetl (Mexico)

This is the country's most located 50 kilometers from the capital - Mexico City. A city of twenty million is always prepared for an emergency evacuation. In addition, 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)

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

A volcano is a geological formation that is located on cracks in the 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 pose a serious danger to all living things.

Active volcanoes in Russia

Not all fire-breathing mountains are on land. Often they are located under water. This does not prevent their eruption at all. Fortunately, the most dangerous volcanoes are far beyond the borders of our country, however, we also have such dangerous hills. In this article, we will introduce you to the lava-spewing mountains located in our country and abroad, which can be life-threatening for people.

Klyuchevskiy Volcano

It is located on the Bering Sea. This is the most large volcano 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. A mountain of perfect cone shape. Active volcanoes constantly emit acrid smoke, which can be seen above the Klyuchevskoy crater. Sometimes you can see bursts of lava. Volcanologists believe that it appeared more than 5,000 years ago. It has come to life more than 50 times over the past three centuries. 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 also active volcanoes in Russia in Kamchatka. In the center of the peninsula is Ichinskaya Sopka. This volcano has three cones, they are covered with glaciers, except for one, which is active. Its height reaches 3621 meters.

Kronotskaya Sopka

The next lava-spewing mountain 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 the base. Near the volcano is the famous Valley of Geysers and Lake Kronotskoe.

Koryaksky volcano

Its highest cone reaches a height of 3456 meters. According to its type, it belongs to stratovolcanoes. Until now, the remains of lava and loose rocks have been found in the valley of the Koryakskaya Sopka.

Volcano Shiveluch

In the north of Kamchatka there is another volcano known to specialists. It is called Shiveluch. The mountain has two cones - Old Shiveluch and Young Shiveluch. The last one is still active. Its height is 3283 meters. This large volcano erupts quite frequently. The last time it 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 Avach is covered with glaciers, dense forests grow at its base. Its last eruption was recorded in 2001.

Volcano Shishel

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 that can destroy entire cities. In addition, suffocating volcanic gases, the threat of tsunamis, distortion of the terrain and cardinal climate change 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 over the crater appears almost every day, reminding local residents about an 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 lies in the fact that it is located near densely populated city Yogyakarta.

Sakurajima (Japan)

Often readers are interested in the most active volcanoes. It would be more correct to call them the most active. These include Sakurajima, which has been in a state of activity 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 the lava flows froze and connected it to the Osumi Peninsula. The people living in Kagoshima City are used to Sakurajima's behavior and are always ready to take shelter.

Cotopaxi (Ecuador)

The highest active volcanoes are in America. The record holder in this is Cotopaxi, located 50 km from the city of Quito. Its height is 5897 m, depth is 450 m, the crater is 550x800 m in size. 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, which is in constant activity. Its height is 3380 meters, its area is 1250 square kilometers.

Small eruptions occur after a few months. Despite this, the Sicilians densely populate the slopes of the volcano, since these places have 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 more large mountains, except for Etna. Vesuvius and Stromboli.

In 79, the strongest 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 have calculated that Vesuvius destroyed nearby cities 80 times. Many active volcanoes in the world 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 is a national park that tourists from all over the world like to visit.

Colima (Mexico)

The active volcanoes of this country in our article are Nevado de Colima. Most of the time the mountain is covered with snow. Colima is very active - since 1576 it has erupted 40 times. The strongest eruption occurred in the summer of 2005.

Residents of nearby villages had to be evacuated. A column of ash shot up to a height of 5 km, causing a cloud of dust and smoke behind it.