Large volcanoes: a list. The largest volcanoes in the world

For an ordinary person, the difference between "sleeping" and "extinct" volcanoes is not obvious. But the differences between them are quite significant, since the “sleeping” volcano can wake up sooner or later, arranging a catastrophic eruption. But extinct volcanoes in terms of prospects, they are much more reliable, they will never explode again, and therefore completely safe. Tour operators and amateurs who know about this active tourism particularly fond of such volcanoes. Below is a list of just some of the largest of a much longer list of extinct volcanoes on Earth.

1. Ojos del Salado, Chile and Argentina (6887 m)

This mountain is the second highest in South America, and among volcanoes - and the first in height. It is located on the Chilean-Argentine border, and the top went to the Argentines. West of the volcano to the very Pacific Ocean the rugged Atacama Desert. In the crater of the volcano, located on the eastern slope of the mountain, at an altitude of 6390 m, there is the highest mountain lake on the planet.
Since not a single case of the eruption of Ojos del Salado was recorded in the entire history of observations, it was classified as extinct. Although passive volcanic activity was sometimes noticed here. For example, in 1937, 1956 and 1993, weak steam and sulfur emissions occurred here. In 1937, climbers from Poland, Jan Szczepanski and Justin Vojznis, conquered this peak, who, during the ascent, discovered the remains of sacrificial altars made by the Incas at the top. Like many other mountains, this volcano was also revered by the Indians as a sacred mountain.

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2. Monte Pissis, Argentina (6795 m)

In Argentina, 550 km north of Aconcagua, in the province of La Rioja, there is another extinct volcano - Monte Pissis. Since it is located within the extremely dry Atacama Desert, snow only appears on its summit in winter. The mountain was named in 1885 in honor of the French geologist Pedro José Amadeo Piz, who worked on behalf of the Chilean government. For the first time this volcano was conquered in 1937 by Polish climbers Jan Szczepanski and Stefan Osiecki.

3. Sajama, Bolivia (6542 m)

In Bolivia, in the Central Andes, there is the highest peak of the Sajama country, which is an extinct stratovolcano. Spread around him national park Sajama is in the southwest of the country, about 20 kilometers from the Chilean border. Mankind does not remember the eruptions of this volcano, there are only scientists' assumptions that the last one could have been in the Holocene epoch. Above 6000 meters, eternal glaciation begins here, and below, in some places, semi-desert vegetation is found. The first ascent of the mountain was on the southeast ridge in 1939.

4. Chimborazo, Ecuador (6310 m)

The highest point in Ecuador is the extinct volcano Chimborazo. It is assumed that its last eruption occurred in the 5th-8th centuries. It is curious that it is the top of this volcano that is the point on the earth's surface, the most distant from the center of the planet. Until the beginning of the 19th century, people considered Chimborazo the highest peak planets. At the foot of the volcano is the source of the Guayas River. Its top is covered eternal ice, in some places they descend down the slope to a mark of 4600 m. Melt water from its top is the main source for the local population of the provinces of Chimborazo and Bolivar. V recent decades Due to global warming, the glacier has melted significantly. Until refrigerators were widely used here, the local population actively cut down ice, which they sold in the markets as a means of storing food and cooling rooms in cities, since it is incredibly hot for a person in summer.

The North American relief can be conditionally divided into several types: in the central and northern parts you can admire the delightful plains, ...

5. Marmolejo, Argentina and Chile (6109 m)

On the border between the Argentinean province of Mendoza and the Chilean metropolitan area is the stratovolcano Marmolejo. South of it is the active, younger San Jose volcano. The Marmolejo caldera is 4 kilometers wide and collapsed from the northwest, resulting in a massive landslide.

6. Cerro Nelli, Bolivia (5676 m)

In the Andes, in the Western Cordillera range, there is an extinct volcano Cerro Nelli, this is in the Bolivian province of Sud Lipes. The volcano is surrounded by lands that are part of the Andean National Fauna Reserve. E. Avaroa.

7. Sapaleri, Argentina, Bolivia and Chile (5653 m)

Another Andean extinct volcano, Sapaleri is notable for the fact that it is divided into three states: the Argentine province of Jujuy, the Bolivian department of Potosi and the Chilean region of Antofagasta. Sapaleri Volcano has two peaks: northern and southern, and in its crater there is a small lake. The territories around the mountain are under protection: from the Bolivian side natural park E. Avaroa, from Chilean - national reserve Los Flamencos, and with the Agrentine - the protected area of ​​Vilam.

8. Altar, Ecuador (5321 m)

This ancient extinct volcano is located in the Ecuadorian province of Chimborazo. There are 8 more peaks around it, only slightly inferior in height to it. The Sangay National Park is located around the volcano, the capital Quito is located 170 km to the north, and Riobamba is 20 km west of this place. According to ancient Indian evidence, around 1460, the volcano was active, which lasted about 7 years. Then a new formation appeared on its caldera, which collapsed so that the base of the volcano passed over the old caldera. Although studies by volcanologists say that the eruption was more ancient. The body of the mountain is composed of basalts and andesites. Small lakes appeared near the volcano, the water in which has a different color, since there are different types of impurities in basalt rocks.

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9. Istaxihuatl, Mexico (5230 m)

The name of this extinct volcano in the Nahuatl language means the following: "istak" - "white", and "cihuatl" - "woman", it turns out "white woman". This mountain is the third highest in Mexico, second only to the volcanoes Orizaba (5636 m), and Popocatepetl (5426 m). The Mexicans call her simply Ista. The mountain has 4 peaks at once, the highest of which is Pecho (in Spanish “chest”). The silhouettes of these peaks, when viewed from the east or west, actually resemble the chest, head, feet, and knees of a sleeping woman. And the snow caps on the tops make it white. And nearby, as if guarding her dream, stands the volcano Popocatepetl, and at the same time tries to hide his lust, but periodically it breaks out in the form of eruptions. The mountain is located 70 kilometers southeast of the capital, from which you can see its peaks sparkling with snow. Since this mountain has always been close to the capitals (at the beginning of the Aztec empire, and then modern Mexico), its image often flashed in works of art. V modern history the first time this peak was conquered in 1889, although according to the archaeological finds made at the top, it became obvious that the Aztecs and even people of earlier civilizations climbed here.

10. Big Ararat, Turkey (5165 m)

On the territory of Turkey is now Armenian Highlands, in which the cones of the Ararat volcanic massif are located, one of which is the Great Ararat stratovolcano. Its height above the local highlands is 4365 meters. Not far from Big Ararat - just 11 kilometers away - there is a cone of Small Ararat.

Volcanoes are not only an exciting and dangerous sight. It is thanks to volcanic activity that life on planet Earth was born. The atmosphere and hydrosphere appeared due to the release of huge amounts of carbon dioxide and water vapor. To date, some fire-breathing mountains are inactive, while others cause trouble and anxiety to mankind.

Volcano Vesuvius. Italy

It is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Europe. It was he who in August 1979 destroyed several ancient Roman cities, including Pompeii. It wakes up about every 20 years. The last time was in 1944.

Volcano Yellowstone Caldera. USA

About a third of the territory of Yellowstone National Park is occupied by an active volcano. Inside his bubble of magma is constantly heating thermal springs, which is manifested in the formation of geysers and mud pots.

Volcano Krakatau. Indonesia

The last time it erupted was in 1883, as a result of which the island on which the volcano is located was destroyed. The process lasted from May to the end of August. The victims of the ash and tsunami were 36 thousand people and 259 settlements. Today, a 1.5 km zone around the island is closed to the public.

Volcano Mauna Loa. Hawaii

This is the second largest of the megavolcanoes, the top of which is covered with snow from January to March. Sometimes he wakes up and pours out lava flows.

Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania, Africa

The volcano consists of 3 extinct peaks. However, scientists have found that only at a depth of 400 m under the crater of the mountain is red-hot lava. In addition, the centuries-old ice cap that covered the peak has almost melted.

Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Iceland

Not so long ago, the volcano paralyzed the work of several European airports. The eruption was rated at 4 points on the VEI scale. Some researchers believe that the awakening of Eyyafyatlayokudl may be the trigger for the Katla eruption.

Volcano Cotopaxi. Ecuador

This is the most active volcano. After more than 150 years of silence, Cotopaxi came to life again in 2015. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Volcano Merapi. Java Island

One of the most active volcanoes erupts at least twice a year, and major eruptions occur every seven years. For local residents have to evacuate. The top of Merapi smokes non-stop.

Volcano Popocatepetl. Mexico

The most powerful eruption occurred in 2000. It was preceded by 15 years of increased activity of the fiery mountain. In March 2016, Popocatepetl raised a column of steam, gas and ash to a height of 2 km. At risk are the cities of Mexico City and Puebla.

August 18, 2016

Volcanic eruptions in the minds of people have always given rise to catastrophic associations...

Boiling red-hot lava, boundless clouds of volcanic ash eclipsing the Sun, dying people and entire cities are the plot of many paintings, books and films. These days, "infamous" volcanoes that continue to erupt are popular with thrill-seekers. We will talk about the five most famous active volcanoes on Earth.

Vesuvius

On the conscience of this relatively low (1300 meters above sea level) volcano on the shores of the picturesque Gulf of Naples- two destroyed ancient Roman cities, Pompeii and Herculaneum.

In the memory of the Italians, Vesuvius erupted several times, the last time - in 1944. Eruptions have always been accompanied by destruction and casualties, in 1805 even the city of Naples was destroyed. However, the area around the volcano is densely populated - volcanic ash fertilizes the ground.

Krakatoa

The only known volcano that managed to resurrect after it destroyed itself. In 1883, the most destructive eruption in the history of mankind occurred the Krakatoa volcano, located on the island of the same name between Java and Sumatra.

In the sea, 295 Indonesian cities and villages were washed away by a tsunami wave, killing 35 thousand people. Was destroyed and the island of Krakatau, and the volcano itself. However, in 1927, the volcano broke through the ocean and announced itself with a new eruption. The new volcano was named Anak-Krakatau, it is believed that it has a serious impact on the climate of the entire Earth. The last activity of the Krakatoa volcano was observed in 2014.

Fujiyama

The Japanese have a peculiar attitude towards Fujiyama, they do not experience mortal horror, rather the opposite. Followers of the Shinto religion consider Fujiyama a shrine, a symbol of the immortality of the soul, and even built a temple on its top, next to the post office and meteorological station. Fujiyama, along with tourists from all over the world, is visited annually by thousands of Shinto pilgrims.

Hekla

Since then, there have been about three dozen significant eruptions. All - completely different from one another and unpredictable. Some are short, a few days, others can last for months. And the eruption, which began in March 1947, ended only in April 1948. Icelanders believe that the longer the “hibernation” of the volcano lasts, the more catastrophic the consequences of the earthquake will be.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka

Outside the Caucasus, Klyuchevskaya Sopka is the most high mountain in Russia (4800 meters). And the highest active volcano on the Eurasian continent. Klyuchevskaya Sopka is the most active of the 29 active volcanoes in Kamchatka, the last eruption occurred in 2013.

Despite the restless and unpredictable nature of the volcano, climbers and mountain tourists often climb Klyuchevskaya Sopka. The volcano also attracts tourists with an amazing natural phenomenon - lenticular clouds. Large white clouds hang over the crater of Klyuchevskoy Sopka and remain motionless even with very strong winds.

In ancient times, volcanoes were the tools of the gods. Today, they pose a serious danger to settlements and entire countries. Not a single armament of the world has been given such power on our planet - to conquer and pacify a raging volcano.

Now the media, cinema and some writers are fantasizing about future events. famous park, the location of which is known to almost everyone who is interested in modern geography - we are talking about national park in the state of Wyoming. Undoubtedly, the most famous supervolcano in world history of the last two years is Yellowstone.

What is a volcano

For many decades, literature, especially in fantasy stories, attributed magical properties to a mountain that is capable of spewing fire. The most famous novel that described an active volcano is The Lord of the Rings (where it was called “lonely mountain”). The professor was right about this phenomenon.

No one can look at mountain ranges up to several hundred meters high, without respect for the abilities of our planet to create such magnificent and dangerous natural objects. There is a special charm in these giants, which can also be called magic.

So, if we discard the fantasies of writers and the folklore of ancestors, then everything will become easier. From the point of view of a geographical definition: a volcano (vulkan) is a break in the crust of any planetary mass, in our case the Earth, due to which volcanic ash and gas accumulated under pressure, together with magma, breaks out of the magma chamber, which is located under a solid surface. At this moment, an explosion occurs.

Causes

From the very first moments, the Earth was a volcanic field, on which trees, oceans, fields and rivers later appeared. Therefore, volcanism accompanies modern life.

How do they arise? On the planet earth, the main cause of formation is the earth's crust. The fact is that above the earth's core is the liquid part of the planet (magma), which is always moving. It is thanks to this phenomenon that there is a magnetic field on the surface - a natural protection from solar radiation.

However, the earth's surface itself, although solid, is not solid, but is divided into seventeen large tectonic plates. When moving, they converge and diverge, it is because of the movement at the points of contact of the plates that breaks occur, and volcanoes arise. It is not at all necessary that this happens on the continents; there are similar gaps at the bottom of many oceans.

The structure of the volcano

A similar object forms on the surface as the lava cools. It is impossible to see what is hidden under many tons of rock. However, thanks to volcanologists and scientists, it is possible to imagine how it works.

A drawing of such a representation is seen by high school students on the pages of a geographical textbook.

By itself, the device of the "fiery" mountain is simple and in the context it looks like this:

• crater - top;
• vent - a cavity inside a mountain, magma rises along it;
• the magma chamber is a pocket at the base.

Depending on the type and form of formation of the volcano, some element of the structure may be absent. This option is classical, and many volcanoes should be considered in this particular section.

Types of volcanoes

Classification is applicable in two directions: by type and form. Since the movement of lithospheric plates is different, the rate of cooling of magma also varies.

Let's look at the types first:

• operating;
• sleeping;
• extinct.

Volcanoes come in many forms:

The classification would not be complete if we do not take into account the relief forms of the crater of volcanoes:

• caldera;
• volcanic plugs;
• lava plateau;
• tuff cones.

Eruption

As ancient as the planet itself, a force that can rewrite the history of an entire country is an eruption. There are several factors that make such an event on earth the deadliest for the inhabitants of some cities. It is better not to get into a situation when a volcano erupts.

On average, 50 to 60 eruptions occur on the planet in one year. At the time of writing, about 20 ruptures are flooding the neighborhood with lava.

Perhaps the algorithm of actions is changing, but it depends on the accompanying weather conditions.

In any case, the eruption occurs in four stages:

1. Silence. Large eruptions show that, until the moment of the first explosion, it is usually quiet. Nothing indicates the coming danger. A series of small shocks can only be measured by instruments.
2. Ejection of lava and pyroclastite. A deadly mixture of gas and ash at a temperature of 100 degrees (reaches 800) Celsius is capable of destroying all life within a radius of hundreds of kilometers. An example is the eruption of Mount Helena in May of the eighties of the last century. Lava, the temperature of which can reach one and a half thousand degrees during the eruption, killed all life at a distance of six hundred kilometers.
3. Lahar. If you are not lucky, then it may rain at the site of the eruption, as it was in the Philippines. In such situations, a continuous stream is formed, consisting of 20% water, the remaining 80% is rock, ash and pumice.
4. "Concrete". The conditional name is the hardening of magma and ash that fell under the rain stream. Such a mixture destroyed more than one city.

The eruption is an extremely dangerous phenomenon, for half a century it has killed more than twenty scientists and several hundred civilians. Right now (as of this writing), the Hawaiian Kilauea continues to destroy the island.

The largest volcano in the world

Mauna Loa is the most high volcano on the ground. It is located on the island of the same name (Hawaii) and rises 9 thousand meters from the ocean floor.

His last awakening took place in the 84th year of the last century. However, in 2004 he showed the first signs of awakening.

If there is the largest, then there is also the smallest?

Yes, it is located in Mexico in the town of Pueblo and is called Catscomate, its height is only 13 meters.

active volcanoes

If you open a world map, then with a sufficient level of knowledge, you can find about 600 active volcanoes. Approximately four hundred of them are found in the "ring of fire" of the Pacific Ocean.

Eruption of the Guatemalan volcano Fuego

Perhaps someone will be interested list of active volcanoes:

• in the territory of Guatemala - Fuego;
• on the Hawaiian Islands– Kilauea;
• within the borders of Iceland - Lakagigar;
• on the canary islands– La Palma;
• in the Hawaiian Islands - Loihi;
• on the Antarctic island - Erebus;
• Greek Nisyros;
• the Italian volcano Etna;
• on the Caribbean island Montserrat - Soufrière Hills;
• Italian mountain in the Tyrrhenian Sea - Stromboli;
• and the most eminent Italian - Mount Vesuvius.

Extinct volcanoes of the world

Volcanologists sometimes cannot say for sure whether natural object dormant or dormant. In most cases, the zero activity of a particular mountain does not guarantee safety. More than once, the giants who had fallen asleep for many years suddenly showed signs of activation. This was the case with the volcano near the city of Manila, but there are many similar examples.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Below are just some of the extinct volcanoes known to our scientists:

• Kilimanjaro (Tanzania);
• Mt Warning (in Australia);
• Chaine des Puys (in France);
• Elbrus (Russia).

The most dangerous volcanoes in the world

Eruption even small volcano looks impressive, one has only to imagine what a monstrous force lurks there, in the depths of the mountain. However, there are clear data that volcanologists use.

Through long observations, a special classification of potentially dangerous volcanic mountains was created. The indicator determines the impact of the eruption on the surrounding areas.

The most powerful explosion can follow from the eruption of a mountain of colossal proportions. Volcanologists call this kind of "fiery" mountains a supervolcano. On the scale of activity, such formations should occupy a level not lower than the eighth.

Taupo volcano in New Zealand

There are four of them in total:

1. Indonesian supervolcano of Sumatra-Toba island.
2. Taupo is located in New Zealand.
3. Serra Galan in the Andes mountains.
4. Yellowstone in the North American park of the same name in Wyoming.

We have collected the most interesting facts:

• the largest (in terms of duration) is the Pinatubo eruption of 91 years (20th century), which lasted more than a year and lowered the earth's temperature by half a degree (Celsius);
• the mountain described above threw 5 km 3 of ash to a height of thirty-five kilometers;
• the largest explosion occurred in Alaska (1912), when the Novarupta volcano became more active, reaching a level of six points on the VEI scale;
• the most dangerous is Kilauea, which has been erupting for thirty years since 1983. Active on this moment. Killed more than 100 people, more than a thousand remain under threat (2018);
• the deepest eruption to date occurred at a depth of 1200 meters - Mount West Mata, near the island of Fiji, the basin of the Lau River;
• the temperature in the pyroclastic flow can be over 500 degrees Celsius;
• the last supervolcano erupted on the planet about 74,000 years ago (Indonesia). Therefore, it can be said that not a single person has yet experienced such a catastrophe;
• Klyuchevsky on the Kamchatka Peninsula is considered the largest active volcano northern hemisphere;
• ash and gases erupted by volcanoes can color sunsets;
• the volcano with the coldest lava (500 degrees) is called Ol Doinyo Langai and is located in Tanzania.

How many volcanoes are on earth

There are not too many gaps in Russia earth's crust. From the school geography course it is known about the Klyuchevskoy volcano.

In addition to him, there are about six hundred active ones on the beautiful planet, as well as a thousand extinct and sleeping ones. It is difficult to establish the exact number, but their number does not exceed two thousand.

Conclusion

Mankind should respect nature and remember that it is armed with more than one and a half thousand volcanoes. And let as few people as possible witness such a powerful phenomenon as an eruption.