Most of the volcanoes of our planet are located in the "ring of fire", which stretches along the shores of the entire Pacific Ocean. And there are about 1.5 thousand volcanoes on Earth, of which 540 are active.
Here is a list of the most dangerous ones.
1. Nyiragongo, 3470 m, Democratic Republic of the Congo
It 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 unusually fluid and its flows can reach speeds of 100 km / h. In 2002, an eruption killed 147 people and left 120,000 homeless. The last eruption to date occurred in 2016.
2. Taal, height 311 m, Philippines
It is one of the smallest active volcanoes on our planet. Since 1572, it has erupted 34 times. Located on the island of Luzon, on Lake Taal. The strongest eruption of this volcano in the 20th century occurred in 1911 - in 10 minutes, 1335 people and all living things died 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 all. Since 1832, 39 eruptions have been recorded. The last eruption took place in 1984, the last violent 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 happened in 1944.
5. Merapi, height 2 930 m, Indonesia
This active volcano in Indonesia is located on the island of Java near the city of Yogyakarta. "Merapi" translates as "mountain of fire". The volcano is young, so it puffs with enviable regularity. Large eruptions occur every 7 years on average. In 1930, about 1300 people died, in 1974 two villages were destroyed, in 2010 353 people died. The last eruption was in 2011.
6. St. Helens, altitude 2,550 m, USA
Located 154 km from Seattle and 85 km from Portland. The most famous eruption of this active volcano occurred in 1980, when 57 people died. The eruption was of a rare type - "directed blast". The process of the volcanic eruption and the spread of the ash cloud was captured by photographer Robert Landsburg, who died in this eruption, but preserved the film. The last activity to date was recorded in 2008.
7. Etna, height 3 350 m, Italy
Mount Etna is located on the east coast of Sicily. It is the tallest 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 volcano's central crater ejected a kilometer-high lava fountain. The last eruption was on 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 over the volcano. The eruptions were recorded on August 18, 2013, in March 2009. The last eruption was recorded on July 26, 2016.
9. Galeras, height 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 research in the crater, six volcanologists and three tourists died (then the eruption also began). Last recorded eruptions: January 2008, February 2009, January and August 2010
10. Popocatepetl, height 5426 m, Mexico
The name translates as "smoking hill". The volcano is located near Mexico City. Since 1519, it has erupted 20 times. The last eruption was recorded in 2015.
11. Unzen, height 1,500 m, Japan
The volcano is located on the Shimabara Peninsula. The eruption of the Unzen volcano in 1792 is one of the five most destructive eruptions in human history in terms of the number of human victims. The eruption caused a tsunami 55 meters high, which killed more than 15 thousand people. And in 1991, 43 people died during the eruption. There have been no eruptions 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 higher and was one large island. However, the most powerful eruption in 1883 destroyed the island and the volcano. Today Krakatoa is still active and small eruptions occur fairly regularly. The last activity was 2014.
13. Santa Maria, height 3 772 m, Guatemala
The first recorded eruption of this volcano took place in October 1902, before that 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. It is the largest active volcano in Russia. Over the past 270 years, more than 50 eruptions have been recorded, the last in April 2016.
15. Karymskaya Sopka, height 1468 m, Russia
Also located in Kamchatka. More than 20 eruptions have been recorded since 1852. Eruptions in recent years: 2005, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015. Very turbulent volcano.
19.02.2014
In countries with volcanoes, such as Indonesia, they are located in large provinces such as West Java, East Java or Central Java. One of the worst disasters is a volcanic eruption, which can claim hundreds or even thousands of lives. It is impossible to forget about the eruption of the Krakatoa volcano, the huge damage and thousands of victims. And here we present a list of the most dangerous and active volcanoes in the world. However, not all volcanoes are dangerous. is in great demand among travelers and wildlife lovers.
No. 10. Hawaii, Mauna Loa volcano
Mauna Loa is one of the five mountains that form the island of Hawaii. Despite the fact that it is not the tallest mountain, the eruption of the volcano poses a high danger, as its lava is basically a liquid consistency, which can lead to serious fires. Mauna LOA is the largest volcano in the world (by volume and area), with the volume of lava, it reaches 18,000 cubic miles. The last eruption took place on April 15, 1984.
No. 9. Philippines, Taal volcano
About 50 km (31 miles) from the capital city of Manila is one of the the most dangerous Volcanoes, Taal. This mountain is an island on Lake Taal, which is located inside a caldera formed as a result of very strong previous eruptions (this process is similar to Lake Toba). Taal Volcano is a complex of volcanoes on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Violent eruptions of this volcano have occurred several times, including one of the most powerful eruptions, which claimed more than a thousand people.
No. 8. Papua New Guinea, Ulavun volcano
Ulavun volcano is located in Papua New Guinea, in the Bismarck archipelago, and is one of the the most active and dangerous volcanoes New Guinea. Several eruptions have been recorded, one of the most violent in 1980, with the ash column from Ulawun reaching 60,000 feet in height, and pyroclastic flows engulfing the mountains on all sides.
No. 7. Congo, Nyiragongo volcano
Since 1882, it has erupted at least 34 times. One of the worst eruptions occurred on September 17, 2002, when the lava that flowed down the slopes of Nyiragongo covered about 40% of the city of Goma and left almost 120,000 people homeless. Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanoes in Africa, its activity never stops.
No. 6. Indonesia, Merapi volcano
Mount Merapi is a conical volcano located in Indonesia on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta. Most of the Merapi eruption, including lava, continues to descend, occasionally accompanied by hot smoke that can travel at speeds of up to 120 km per hour. This is the most active and dangerous volcanoes in Indonesia, they became active 10,000 years ago, and since 1548 their activity has not stopped.
No. 5. Colombia, Galeras volcano
This mountain the most active volcano in Colombia. Since 2000, its eruptions have occurred almost every year. This is dangerous because the frequency of eruptions is unpredictable. Volcano Galeras has been active for at least a million years. Its location close to the South Colombian border with Ecuador could lead to the descent of hot lava down the slope of Mount Galeras for 3.5 km. The last eruption on January 3, 2010 forced the government to evacuate 8,000 people.
No. 4. Japan, Sakurajima volcano
Sakurajima Volcano is located on the island of Kyushu in Japan and is one of the the most dangerous volcanoes... On March 10, 2009, a terrible eruption occurred when the volcano threw rocks and other rocks up to 2 miles away. The intensity of the Sakurajima eruption is one of the strongest not only in Japan, but also in the world. Over the past 45 years, 73 eruptions have been recorded.
No. 3. Mexico, Popocatepetl volcano
The active volcano Popokatepetl is located at an altitude of 5426 meters above sea level. Since December 1994, the volcano's dangerous activity continued, until in 2000 there was such a powerful eruption, which is only known to history. Since 1519, 20 eruptions have been recorded. The explosion was so powerful that it threw ash over a fairly long distance.
No. 2. Italy, Vesuvius volcano
Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano in the Gulf of Naples, Italy, about 9 miles east of Naples. Mount Vesuvius is the only volcano in Europe that has erupted in the past 100 years. This volcano could explode at any moment and severely punish people living in its vicinity. The eruption of lava from the volcano can reach great heights, so in March 1994 lava splashed to a height of up to 1000 meters. The famous eruption of 79 AD destroyed the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
No. 1. USA, Yellowstone volcano
Volcano Yellowstone - the most dangerous and active volcano in the world... Stones and rocks ejected from this volcano can fly up to 1000 km. The volcanic eruption of lava and ash from this mountain threatens the extinction of the living and can cause a massive disaster, because it will entail other volcanic activity, determined by tectonic fluctuations, which will cause other explosions.
In the past, people thought that volcanic eruptions were the punishment of the gods. Today we understand that this is not the case. Volcanic eruptions involve an excessive accumulation of very hot magma, which makes its way to the earth's surface through holes in the earth's crust, that is, through the craters of volcanoes. When this magma reaches the surface, the consequences are catastrophic.
We have collected especially for your attention ten of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, which can erupt at any time and create devastation around in a matter of hours.
Ten most dangerous volcanoes in the world
10. Taal Volcano, Philippines
This volcano cinder cone is located on the island of Luzon, in Lake Taal. It is located just 31 kilometers from the city of Manila, which has a population of around 1.6 million. Scientists believe that this volcano has erupted about 33 times. And it is reliably known that in 157 magma burned down the population who lived near an active volcano. It is also worth considering that the volcano requires study due to the high danger to humans and the environment.
9 Ulavun volcano, Papua New Guinea
Also, the locals also call this volcano "Father". Ulawun is a symmetrical volcano located on the island of New Britain. Its height reaches about 2334 meters, which is why it is among not only the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, but also the highest.
Ulavun is an active volcano. Since the 1700s, 22 eruptions have been recorded. Locals regularly watch tiny explosions occurring in the crater of the volcano with a splash of lava and ash.
8. Nyiragongo Volcano, Democratic Republic of the Congo
It is considered to be the most active volcano on the African continent. Nyiragongo Volcano is famous for its lava lakes, which mostly appear in the crater. This volcano is an active threat to people living in its vicinity.
One of the last violent eruptions in 1977 resulted in the deaths of several hundred people. The number of victims could have been much higher if people had not evacuated on time. The lava erupted by the volcano destroyed almost all the residential buildings located at the foot of Nyiragongo.
7. Volcano Merapi, Indonesia
Locals call this volcano "Burning Fire". It is also considered to be one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the world. Scientists claim that earlier this volcano's activity continued for more than 10,000 years in a row.
About 1,300 people died in the last major eruption of Mount Merapi in 1930. Since then, the government of the city of Yogyakarta, which is located on the slope of the volcano, has developed a special plan for the evacuation of citizens.
6. Volcano Galeras, Colombia
This volcano is located in the youngest part of Colombia. Galeras has been active for about 1 million years. On its slope is a city of 450,000 inhabitants called Pasto.
In modern times, the volcano became active in 1978, but then it showed little activity. Then, another ten years later, another eruption occurred. But, the worst thing is that since 2000, Galeras began to erupt regularly, albeit with little force.
5. Sakurajima volcano, Japan
It is a composite volcano located in Japan. Previously, Sakurajima was located on a separate island. He has a very high level of activity.
Every year, scientists record small eruptions from the crater of this volcano, in which ash is thrown into the atmosphere and scattered throughout the surrounding area. In the event of a more serious eruption, a large number of residents of the nearby city of Kagoshima will be in mortal danger.
4. Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico
The peak of this volcano is covered with a glacier. Popocatepetl is located just 35 miles from Mexico City. Also, within the radius of damage from a possible eruption, there are many people living in this area. Since 1519 Popocatepetl has erupted over 20 times.
The last time it erupted was in 2000. Then they managed to evacuate people in time and save thousands of lives that one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world could take.
3. Yellowstone Caldera, USA
Tourists from all over the world are drawn to the bubbling springs in Yellowstone National Park. The beauty of this park is breathtaking and inspires an incense for visitors. However, underneath this beauty lies a dangerous volcano that will burn to destroy the entire western United States.
The Yellowstone Caldera is truly enormous. People have never witnessed its eruption, but scientists managed to find out that the last eruption of this volcano occurred hundreds of thousands of years ago. Experts suggest that the volume of "splashed" lava to the surface of that time period was 25 thousand times more than the eruption of St. Helens in 1980.
2. Vesuvius volcano, Italy
Probably the most famous volcano in the world.It is located in the Campania region, Italy. The last eruption of Vesuvius took place in 1944, but fortunately there were no serious consequences. About three million people live in the immediate vicinity of the volcano's slope. The houses of these people are located 5 kilometers from Vesuvius. Therefore, it is also considered the most densely populated volcanic region in the entire world.
Vesuvius is the only volcano on the European continent that has been active in the last century. Its most famous eruption occurred in 79 AD, which resulted in the burial of the nearby cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under lava.
1. Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii
Mauna - Lao - the most dangerous volcano in the world and the biggest. It last erupted in 1984. Lava caused serious damage to the surrounding area. Nevertheless, there is very good news - the erupted Mauna-Lao lava is spreading very slowly over the vicinity, which gives additional time for evacuation.
Mauna Laon also poses another devastating environmental threat in the form of landslides. Although this is a very rare process, it is really worth fearing.
Similar materials
Active and extinct volcanoes have always attracted people. People settled on the volcanic slopes to engage in agriculture, because the volcanic soil is very fertile.
Today, the 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 objects - active volcanoes.
How many volcanoes are on Earth is not known for certain, despite the fact that volcanologists have been trying to establish their exact number since the emergence of such a science as volcanology - so far the bottom of the World Ocean has been studied too little, where many more unidentified ones may be hiding. The Smithsonian Institute has cataloged 1532 volcanoes. These data are considered the most complete to date.
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List of active volcanoes in the world
Today we will take a look at where there are active volcanoes in the world. Most of them are located along the coast. This area is called the Pacific Ring of Fire. The second most volcanic zone is the Mediterranean belt.
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 some of the impressive, but sleeping.
Merapi, Indonesia
Merapi is the most impressive, having received a nickname, which in Russian would sound like "Mountain of Fire". It is located on about. Java, reaches a height of 2914 m. Every 7 years, large-scale emissions are carried out, twice a year - small ones. Smoke is constantly coming out of its crater. One of the most significant tragedies associated with activity took place in 1006. Then a fierce 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 outbursts caused the death of 1,300 people.
The last release of Merapi occurred in 2010, when 350 thousand people had to be evacuated. Some of them decided to return and died in the lava flow. Then 353 people were injured.
In that last catastrophe, the Fiery 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.
Sakurajima's activity increases every year, and until 1946 there were only 6 emissions. Since 1955, it has been erupting constantly.
Note: one of the largest disasters occurred in 1914, when 35 people were killed. In 2013, 1,097 emissions of insignificant force were recorded, and in 2014 - 471.
Aso, Japan
Aso is another volcanic giant about. Kyushu. Its height is 1592 m. It is a caldera, in the middle of which there are 17 cones. The most active of them is Nakadake.
Aso last spewed lava in 2011. Since then, about 2500 aftershocks have occurred here. In 2016, the ejection process was accompanied by an earthquake.
Its useful to note: 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 of active tourism. In winter, skiing is available on the slopes of Aso.
Nyiragongo, Republic of the Congo
Nyiragongo belongs to the Virunga mountain system and is the most active in Africa. The height is 3470 m. In its crater there is a huge seething 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 recorded. 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 a nearby town. The reason was the rupture of the crater wall. The catastrophe 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 the 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 disaster led to the death of 6 volcanologists and 3 tourists in the crater. The catastrophe 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
Colima is located on the Pacific coast. Consists of 2 peaks, one of which is extinct. In 2016, Colima revived, releasing a column of ash.
The last time he reminded of himself was on January 19, 2017. At the time of the catastrophe, a cloud of ash and smoke rose 2 km.
Vesuvius, Italy
Vesuvius has 3 cones. Strong eruptions alternate with periods of low-intensity activity. Throws out a huge amount of ash and gases. In 79, Vesuvius shook all of Italy, destroying the cities of Pompey and Stabia. They were covered with a thick layer of ash, reaching up to 8 m. The city of Herculaneum was flooded with mud streams, since the eruption was accompanied by mud rains.
In 1631, an eruption was noted, which 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 a larger number of people, which led to such casualties. The volcano after this event became lower by 168 m. The eruption of 1805 destroyed almost all of Naples and claimed the lives of 26 thousand people.
Vesuvius last erupted in lava flows in 1944, razing the cities of San Sebastiano and Massa. The number of victims was 27 people. After that, the volcano died down. A volcanological observatory was built here to track his activities.
Etna, Italy
Etna is the highest volcano in Europe. It is located in the northern hemisphere in the east. Its height changes after each eruption, now it is equal to 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 the villages that are spread out nearby.
Despite the dangers, the Sicilians densely inhabit the slopes of Etna. They even created a national park here.
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.
Popocatepetl has erupted over 15 times in 500 years, most recently in 2015.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Russia
This is the highest peak. Its height ranges from 4750-4850 m above sea level. The slopes are covered with side craters, of which there are more than 80.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka reminds of itself every 3 years, each of its activities lasts several months and is sometimes accompanied by ash falls. The most active year was 2016, when the volcano exploded 55 times.
The most destructive was the catastrophe of 1938, when the activity of Klyuchevskaya Sopka lasted for 13 months.
Mauna Loa, Hawaii, USA
Mauna Loa can be found in the central part of the island of Hawaii. It rises 4169 m above sea level. Mauna Loa belongs to the Hawaiian type.
Its characteristic feature is the outpouring of lava, passing without explosions and ash emissions. Lava erupts through a central vent, cracks and fractures.
Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Cotopaxi belongs to the Andes mountain range. It 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 release of lava and sulfur was accompanied by an earthquake. The catastrophe destroyed the city of Latacunga and the surrounding area. 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. Among them there are already extinct ones, but there are also active ones.
This island is the only one in the world with so many geological formations. Icelandic territory is a real volcanic plateau.
Extinct and dormant volcanoes
Volcanoes that have lost activity are extinct and dormant. It is safe to visit them, which is why these sites are more popular with travelers. On the map, such inoperative geological formations are indicated by special icons: black asterisks, in contrast to active ones, marked with red asterisks. Even for the locations of these fiery mountains, there are letter designations "vlk" or "vk". For mud volcanoes, which send a message about their activity in the form of streams of not magma, but mud - "mud". Examples of dormant and extinct volcanoes - see below.
What is the difference between an extinct and a dormant volcano? The extinct ones have not been active 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. A 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 in South America, as well as the highest extinct volcano.
Kilimanjaro, Africa
If someone is asked to name the highest mountain in Africa, he will name it - the most famous mountain on the African mainland. Consists of 3 peaks, the highest of them is Kibo (5,891.8 m).
Kilimanjaro is considered asleep, now only gases and sulfur are escaping from its crater. It is expected to be active when the mountain collapses, leading to a massive eruption. The most formidable scientists consider the top of Kibo.
Yellowstone, USA
Yellowstone is located in the national park of the same name. The summit belongs to supervolcanoes, of which there are 20 on Earth. Yellowstone is extremely dangerous because it erupts with incredible force and can affect the climate of the planet.
Yellowstone has erupted three times. The last eruption took place 640 thousand years ago, at the same time the caldera depression 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 streams of water that cool the magma bubble and burst outward 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 disaster not only in the country, but throughout the planet.
Elbrus, Russia
The Caucasian peak is attractive for climbers today. Its height is 5621 m. It is a dormant formation in which volcanic processes take place. The last eruption took place supposedly 1.7 thousand years ago, 500 years ago, he released a column of ash.
The activity of Elbrus is evidenced by the geothermal springs located nearby. Scientists disagree on when to expect the next eruption, but it is known for sure that it will cause the mudflow to converge.
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 Big Ararat have always been accompanied by destruction. The last tragedy broke out in 1840 and was accompanied by a strong earthquake. Then 10,000 people died.
Kazbek, Georgia
Kazbek is located in Georgia. Locals call it Mkinvartsveri, which translates as "ice mountain". The height of the giant is 5033.8 m.
Kazbek is not active today, but he belongs to the potentially dangerous. It last erupted in 650 BC.
The mountain has very steep slopes, mudslides are possible.
Conclusion
Volcanoes are among the most attractive tourist sites. Today they are no longer so dangerous, since their activity can be predicted by volcanologists. 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 cases among tourists often occur.
We bring to your attention an interesting video about active volcanoes in the world:
A truly amazing sight is a volcanic eruption. But what is a volcano like? How does a volcanic eruption take place? Why do some of them spew huge flows of lava at different intervals, while others sleep peacefully for centuries?
What is a volcano?
Outwardly, the volcano resembles a mountain. There is a geological fault inside it. In science, a volcano is usually called a formation from a geological rock located on the surface of the earth. Through it, magma erupts outward, which is very hot. It is magma that subsequently forms volcanic gases and rocks, as well as lava. Most of the volcanoes on earth were formed several centuries ago. Today, new volcanoes appear on the planet occasionally. But this happens much less often than before.
How do volcanoes form?
If we briefly explain the essence of the formation of a volcano, it will look like this. Under the earth's crust there is a special layer under strong pressure, consisting of molten rocks, and it is called magma. If cracks suddenly begin to appear in the earth's crust, then hills are formed on the surface of the earth. It is through them that magma comes out under strong pressure. On the surface of the earth, it begins to disintegrate into hot lava, which then solidifies, causing the volcanic mountain to become larger and larger. The emerging volcano becomes such a vulnerable spot on the surface that it spews volcanic gases with high frequency to the surface.
What is a volcano made of?
In order to understand how magma erupts, you need to know what a volcano is made of. Its main components are: a volcanic chamber, a vent and craters. What is a volcanic hearth? This is where magma is formed. But not everyone knows what a volcano's mouth and crater are? A vent is a special channel that unites the hearth with the surface of the earth. A crater is a small bowl-shaped depression on the surface of a volcano. Its size can reach several kilometers.
What is a volcanic eruption?
Magma is constantly under strong pressure. Therefore, there is a cloud of gases above it at any time. Gradually, they push the red-hot magma to the surface of the earth through the mouth of the volcano. This is what causes the eruption. However, one small description of the eruption process is not enough. To see this spectacle, you can use the video, which you need to watch after you have learned what the volcano consists of. Likewise, on the video you can find out which volcanoes do not exist at the present time and how the volcanoes that are active today look like.
Why are volcanoes dangerous?
Active volcanoes are dangerous for a number of reasons. The dormant volcano itself is very dangerous. He can "wake up" at any time and begin to spew lava flows spreading over many kilometers. Therefore, you should not settle near such volcanoes. If an erupting volcano is located on the island, a dangerous phenomenon such as a tsunami may occur.
Despite their danger, volcanoes can serve humanity well.
Why are volcanoes useful?
- During the eruption, a large number of metals appear that can be used in industry.
- The volcano gives rise to the strongest rocks that can be used for construction.
- The pumice stone from the eruption is used for industrial purposes, as well as in the manufacture of rubber bands and toothpaste.
