Top 10 Largest Active Volcanoes In The World

Active volcanoes are those that have erupted within the past few thousand years or are currently showing signs of volcanic activity. These colossal mountains, often rising thousands of meters above sea level, have the power to shape landscapes, influence climate patterns, and even pose threats to human populations nearby.

These volcanic mountains, often referred to as stratovolcanoes or composite volcanoes, are formed by alternating layers of lava, ash, and other volcanic materials. Over time, repeated eruptions can build up massive cones that dominate the surrounding landscape.

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Examples of large active volcanoes include Mount Vesuvius in Italy, Mount Rainier in the United States, and Mount Fuji in Japan. The eruptions of large active volcanoes can have significant impacts on the environment.

Here we would like to share with you the top 10 largest active volcanos in the world.

10. Arenal Volcano (1,670 Meters)

The Arenal Volcano is a prominent and highly active volcano located in the northern part of Costa Rica, near the town of La Fortuna. It has captivated the attention of locals and tourists alike due to its imposing presence and frequent eruptions. Arenal Volcano stands as a magnificent example of the raw power and beauty of nature.

Rising to an elevation of approximately 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal Volcano dominates the surrounding landscape with its symmetrical cone shape. It is part of the Arenal Volcano National Park, a protected area that encompasses about 12,080 hectares (29,892 acres) of diverse ecosystems, including primary rainforests, secondary forests, and lava fields.

9. Mount Bromo (2,329 Meters)

Mount Bromo is a magnificent and highly active volcano situated in East Java, Indonesia. Revered for its awe-inspiring beauty and frequent eruptions, Mount Bromo has become an iconic landmark and a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Standing at an elevation of 2,329 meters (7,641 feet) above sea level, Mount Bromo is part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The volcano forms part of the larger Tengger Caldera, a massive crater with a diameter of approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

One of the defining features of Mount Bromo is its stunningly picturesque sunrise view. Many visitors wake up before dawn to make the journey to the popular viewpoint at Mount Penanjakan, where they can witness the sunrise illuminating the surrounding volcanoes.

8. Mayon Volcano (2,463 Meters)

Mayon Volcano is a spectacular and active stratovolcano located in the province of Albay in the Philippines.  It is not only a natural marvel but also holds cultural and historical significance for the people of the region.

Rising approximately 2,463 meters (8,081 feet) above sea level, Mayon Volcano dominates the landscape with its symmetrical and symphonically-shaped cone. Its stunning beauty has earned it the title of "The World's Most Perfect Cone".

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Mayon Volcano is part of the Mayon Volcano Natural Park, a protected area that spans around 5,775 hectares (14,276 acres) and includes the volcano, its surrounding forests, and diverse ecosystems.

 

7. Mount St. Helens (2,529 Meters)

Mount St. Helens is a renowned and active stratovolcano located in the state of Washington, United States. It gained worldwide recognition due to its catastrophic eruption in 1980, which dramatically reshaped the landscape and became a significant event in volcanic and geological studies.

Before the eruption, Mount St. Helens stood at an elevation of 2,949 meters (9,677 feet) and possessed a symmetrical cone shape. It now currently stands at 2529 meters (8,300 feet).

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens experienced a colossal eruption that ranks among the most significant volcanic events in the history of the United States. The eruption, triggered by a massive landslide, released a lateral blast that devastated the surrounding landscape and caused the collapse of the volcano's summit.

Today, Mount St. Helens remains an active volcano and is closely monitored by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

6. Etna (3,350 Meters)

Mount Etna is a magnificent and highly active stratovolcano situated on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy. It is one of the most iconic and well-known volcanoes in the world, renowned for its continuous volcanic activity and breathtaking beauty.

As the tallest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna stands proudly at an elevation of approximately 3,350 meters (10,990 feet). Its massive cone shape, formed by numerous eruptions over thousands of years, dominates the landscape and can be seen from miles away.

The volcanic soils are incredibly fertile, making the surrounding areas ideal for agriculture. The slopes of Mount Etna are adorned with vineyards, orchards, and crops, producing excellent wines, fruits, and vegetables that are cherished throughout Sicily.

5. Mount Semeru (3,676 Meters)

Mount Semeru, also known as Mahameru, is a magnificent and active stratovolcano located on the island of Java, Indonesia. It is the highest volcano on the island and one of the most revered and challenging peaks for climbers and adventurers in the region.

Standing at an elevation of 3,676 meters (12,060 feet), Mount Semeru dominates the landscape of East Java. Its imposing cone shape and frequent volcanic activity make it a prominent feature in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

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The volcano's name, Semeru, means "The Great One" in the local Javanese language, reflecting its grandeur and significance. As part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Mount Semeru is situated in an area prone to volcanic and seismic activity.

4. Mount Fuji (3,776 Meters)

Mount Fuji, also known as Fuji-san, is an iconic and majestic stratovolcano located on Honshu Island in Japan. Revered for its perfect conical shape and cultural significance, Mount Fuji is one of Japan's most recognizable landmarks and has captivated the imagination of people around the world.

Rising proudly to an elevation of 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), Mount Fuji is the highest peak in Japan and is a prominent feature of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.  It has been revered for centuries and is considered a sacred mountain. In Japanese folklore, the volcano is believed to be the dwelling place of deities, and its ascent is often regarded as a spiritual journey.

Mount Fuji's volcanic activity has been relatively calm in recent history. The last recorded eruption occurred in 1707, known as the Hoei Eruption, which resulted in the formation of the Hoei Crater on the volcano's flank.

3. Popocatépetl (5,426 Meters)

Popocatépetl, often referred to as Popo, is a magnificent and highly active stratovolcano located in Central Mexico. As the second tallest peak in the country, Popocatépetl holds great cultural and geological significance, with a history of eruptions dating back thousands of years.

Standing at an elevation of 5,426 meters (17,802 feet), Popocatépetl is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, a volcanic chain that stretches across Mexico. Its name is derived from the Nahuatl language, with "Popocatépetl" translating to "Smoking Mountain".

In Aztec mythology, it is considered one of the sacred mountains and was associated with various deities. The volcano's significance is still deeply ingrained in local traditions and legends.

2. Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 Meters)

Mount Kilimanjaro is a magnificent and iconic mountain located in Tanzania, East Africa. It is Africa's highest peak, standing tall at an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), making it one of the most sought-after destinations for adventurous trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a stratovolcano composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo, the central cone, is the highest and encompasses the famous Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the mountain.

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The mountain and its surrounding area are protected by Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite the peak of the mountain being dormant, some say that it may erupt again in the future.

1. Mauna Loa (4,169 Meters)

Mauna Loa is an awe-inspiring and massive shield volcano situated on the Big Island of Hawaii. As the largest active volcano on Earth, Mauna Loa commands attention with its enormous size, volcanic activity, and geological significance.

Rising to an impressive height of 4,169 meters (13,678 feet) above sea level, Mauna Loa stretches over 120 kilometers (75 miles) from its base to its summit. Its vast shield-like shape dominates the landscape, covering approximately 5,271 square kilometers (2,035 square miles) and accounting for about half of the entire land area of the Big Island.

While Mauna Loa is currently in a period of relative quiescence, it holds the record for the largest-volume volcanic eruption in recorded history. In 1950, it unleashed a colossal eruption that lasted for over three weeks, spewing out an estimated 1.3 cubic kilometers (0.3 cubic miles) of lava.

Source:

• Sinar Harian

• Selongkar10

Also read: How Volcanic Mountains Are Formed?