Hi from the Earth center. The Most Active Volcanoes in the World

Since ancient times, volcanoes have been identified with manifestations of supreme powers; their destructive power has simultaneously fascinated and frightened people. In minutes, an active volcano could destroy all life around it and area could change beyond recognition, but at the same time, millions of people in the world continue to live on volcanoes. By estimate, about 500 million people live close to active volcanoes; those inhabitants are daily exposed to great danger and risk of losing the most valuable things, their lives. However, volcanoes attract active tourists wishing to observe the great elements, photograph lava flows and sparking crater resembling a grand firework.

The largest active volcano in Europe is Mount Etna; it has formed about 3500 years ago. According to scientists, it has erupted at least 200 times during its existence. Small eruptions take place regularly attracting fans of extreme tourism to Sicily. Etna is about 3,330 meters high, but its height changes after violent eruptions.

One of the main distinguishing features of the largest volcano in Europe is presence of many side craters; lava erupts from them every 2-3 months. According to statistics, major eruption occurs every 150 years. Etna has destroyed many nearby villages and killed thousands of people during thousands of years. The slopes of the volcano and its immediate neighborhood currently feature numerous settlements; people consider them comfortable and attractive place to live.

Planters are attracted by fertile soil and favorable climate, ideal for growing grapes, olives and fruit. Unique black grapes used for several varieties of wine are grown on the slopes of Etna. According to experts, it’s distinguished by a unique taste and aroma. This Sicilian wine is largely popular mainly due to the unique volcanic soils. Every eruption of Etna is an incredibly interesting and attractive show for tourists; extreme sports fans are strongly recommended to walk along the slopes and watch the action of destructive element from afar. Next - Kilauea

Kilauea, USA

Hawaiian volcanoes are mentioned among the most active in the world. Despite the fact that Kilauea is the youngest among them, this doesn’t diminish its destructive force. Height of the volcano is 1,247 meters; its last eruption has begun January 3, 1983. It has reached peak relatively recently, in March 2011, but Kilauea still continues to erupt today. According to rough estimates of scientists, the crater of the volcano exudes 50,000 m3 of lava annually. Complete article

Piton de la Fournaise, France

One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Piton de la Fournaise, is found in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island. The height of this shield volcano is 2,631 meters. The official monitoring of its activity began in the 17th century. Since then, more than 150 major eruptions were captured; they happened every year between 2008 and 2010. As scientists found out, the age of an active volcano is at least 500,000 years. Complete article

Yasur, Vanuatu

One of the most powerful and destructive volcanoes on the planet can be found on Tanna Island that is a part of New Hebrides archipelago. We are talking about Yasur volcano. It has being continuously erupting, throwing lava flows every few hours, for more than 800 years already. Thus, it’s not surprising that every year thousands of tourists come to this small island in the Pacific Ocean to watch this fantastic show. At night, the Yasur volcano looks fantastic; incredible fireworks are both fascinating and terrifying. Complete article

Santa Maria, Guatemala

The active stratovolcano of Santa Maria is situated to the west of Guatemala, in the immediate vicinity to the city of Quetzaltenango. It’s about 3,770 meters high. According to scientists, the first eruption of Santa Maria volcano occurred about 30,000 years ago. First recorded eruption has been a little over a hundred years ago, in 1902; it has claimed the lives of six thousand people. Complete article

Mayon, Philippines

Active Mayon volcano is situated on Luzon Island, which is part of the Philippine archipelago. It features not only an increased pace of activity, but also a very unusual shape close to the perfect cone. The volcano has being officially monitored last 400 years, during this time more than 50 major eruptions have happened. Height of the volcano is about 2,460 meters, but it changes after each eruption. The length of volcano’s base is about 130 kilometers. Complete article

Krakatau, Indonesia

Krakatoa volcano situated in the Malay Archipelago has long been among the attractions of global significance. The volcano is relatively small and is 813 meters high; its height and shape have changed after a powerful eruption in 1883. After a series of explosions and eruptions of lava flows, some parts of the volcano went into the water. It has become much lower, but the activity of the volcano hasn’t stopped. Recent major eruptions were recorded in 1994 and 2008. The volcano entered a phase of increased activity on February 15, 2014. Complete article

Vesuvio, Italy

Vesuvius volcano situated in the immediate vicinity of Naples is the most important natural landmark of world importance. Its height is 1,281 meters. The structure of the volcano is very interesting; it features three nested cones. Inner third cone is temporary and only appears during violent eruptions. The last time it was detected in the crater of the volcano in 1906. Complete article

Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Russia

Kliuchevskoi volcano, which is also known under another name, Kluchevskaya Sopka, is situated in Russia, at Kamchatka Peninsula. Its height is about 4,850 meters, and age is more than 7,000 years. Volcano structure is quite complex, it has an almost perfect conical shape and more than 70 minor cones and craters. Active observance of the volcano has being carried for the last 300 years; about 50 major eruptions have been recorded during that time. Complete article

Mauna Loa, USA

Among active Hawaiian volcanoes Mauna Loa is the most notable; its height is 4,169 meters. Continual monitoring of its activity is conducted since 1912. Currently there is the large Volcano Observatory on the island. Over the past hundred years there have been two major eruptions, one of which occurred in 1950, and another one - in 1984. Complete article

Hekla, Iceland

One of the main national symbols of Iceland is Hekla volcano. Its height is 1,488 meters. Locals began to implement continuous monitoring of volcano activity in the second half of the 9th century. During that time, strong eruptions occurred more than 20 times. The increased activity of the volcano was recorded in the Middle Ages; during that period locals gave him a resounding informal name, ’Gateway to Hell.’ Complete article

Chaiten, Chile

In southern Chile, near the ghost town of the same name there is unique Chaiten volcano. For many years the volcano has been considered dormant; its sudden awakening took place in May 2008. As scientists found out later, it was the first volcanic eruption in the last 9,500 years. After its sudden awakening, Chaiten immediately became one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Complete article