What islands have active volcanoes. Extinct and dormant volcanoes

It will not be difficult for me to answer the question - before my eyes contour map with the boundaries of tectonic plates. :) However, I would like to clarify what a volcano is, where it is formed and where there are most of them.

On which continent there are no volcanoes

In order to make it clear which continent does not have volcanoes, it is necessary to determine what, in fact, volcanoes are and where they are. So, mountain, at the top of which there is a hole - crater, from where lava periodically erupts, and there is a volcano. But in what areas are they formed? According to research, the areas of risk are the places where the boundary between tectonic plates... If you open the atlas, where the boundaries of the plates are indicated, then you can easily make sure that Australia- the mainland, on the territory of which such areas are not observed.

Why is the volcano dangerous and useful?

The "awakened" volcano is extremely dangerous for several reasons, however "sleeping" poses a much greater danger. At any moment, it can simply explode, spewing out streams of lava over huge areas. In addition, if a volcano is located at the bottom or on an island, it is highly likely that this will cause tsunami... However, despite the fact that this phenomenon is very dangerous, volcanoes bring some benefit... For example:

come to the surface rare metals;
used in industry pumice- a porous substance of volcanic origin;
often volcanoes form strong rocks, which can be used in construction.

Countries with the most volcanoes

Everything on our planet about 500 active volcanoes, most of which are located at the junctions of sections of the bark. Here are the "record holders" among countries whose territory is rich in volcanoes:

Ecuador - 62;
Japan - 69;
Chile- about 100;
Indonesia - 125;
USA- more than 135.

Pacific ring of fire

This name was given to a vast area on which a huge number of volcanoes are concentrated... It stretches along the edge of the Pacific Ocean, where oceanic plates seem to go under the continental ones, forming long chains of volcanoes... Of all the earthquakes that have occurred on the planet, more than 93% have happened in this area. There are about350 volcanoes, which corresponds to 78% of the total number of active volcanoes in the world.

Climate 201

the western part of the mainland with a height of 400-500 m with low remnant mountains up to 1500 m; The central lowland in the central part with predominant heights of 100-200 m and the Great Dividing Range is a system of medium-altitude flat-topped mountains in the east of the mainland, consisting of a number of isolated ridges with steep eastern and gentle western slopes.

Australia is rich in minerals, especially ores of ferrous, non-ferrous and precious metals. Ore deposits are confined mainly to the outcrops of the crystalline basement of the ancient Australian platform. The largest deposits of iron ores are concentrated in the northwest (Hamersli ridge). There are uranium deposits in various parts of the mainland (on the Arnhemland Peninsula, etc.). Polymetallic ores are mined in the area of the city of Bro-ken-Hill, gold - in the south-west (Kalgoorlie, Coolgardi, etc.). The largest bauxite deposits are located in the north of Australia (Cape York Peninsula, Arnhemland), as well as in the southwest (Darling Ridge). The main energy resources are bituminous and brown coal, the deposits of which are confined to the Great Dividing Range. Oil and gas

Tectonic structure of Australia:

Precambrian platforms, basement protrusions: 1 - Archean age, 2 - Proterozoic: plates: 3 - with a relatively shallow foundation, 4 - with deep foundation; 5 - the area of Baikal folding; 6 - the area of Hercynian folding; 7 - Hercynian edge deflections; 8 - sedimentary cover of the Epipaleozoic platform; Cenozoic geosynclinal area: 9 - geo-anticlinal uplifts, 10 - geosynclinal troughs; // - intrusions; 12 - Big Barrier reef; 13 - large faults

found on the coast and in the shelf zone of the mainland (Bass Strait, northwestern Australia).

Climate

Most of Australia lies in tropical latitudes. The annual amount of solar radiation varies from 585 kJ / cm 2 in the south to 752 kJ / cm 2 in the northern and central parts of the continent.

Due to the position in tropical latitudes and flat terrain in Australia all year round high air temperatures are observed. Average January ranges from + 30 ° С in the northern parts of the mainland to + 18 ° С in the southeast. Most of Western and Central Australia is outlined by the January isotherm + 25 ° С. The highest temperatures in January are in the interior regions of the northwestern part of the continent (the absolute maximum is +53.1 ° C). Winter temperatures in the far north reach + 25, on most of the mainland they are + 10- + 15, and in the southeast they decrease in places to +5 - + 10 ° С. Freezing temperatures on the plains of Australia were not observed, only occasionally frosts occur at the heights of the central island mountains. Below the temperature in the Great Dividing Range, an absolute minimum of -22 ° C was noted here.

Almost all of Australia is dry. Only in the extreme north of the mainland and most of the eastern coast, more than 1000 mm of precipitation falls per year. The windward slopes of the Great Dividing Range receive in some places up to 1500 mm of precipitation, and the Cairns city area - over 2000 mm. However, such a significant

Cities and even entire states were destroyed. Today the volcanoes of the Earth 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 find out and understand what happens to the fire-breathing mountain during the eruption, how this process takes place, what precedes it, forces scientists to climb dangerous slopes, approaching craters where the elements are raging.

Today volcanologists have united into an international organization (IAVCEI). She carefully monitors possible eruptions that could pose a threat to human life. Today there is a list where there is the name of the volcanoes, their location and the likelihood of an upcoming eruption. This helps to prevent human casualties, if necessary, to evacuate people from danger zone and take emergency action.

Etna (Italy)

We decided to start our review from this mountain not by chance. The Etna volcano, 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, near Catania and Messina.

Its activity is explained by its location at the junction of the Eurasian and African.On this break there are other active mountains of the country - Vesuvius, Stromboli, Vulcano. Scientists claim that in ancient times (15-35 thousand years ago) Mount Etna, a photo of which is often printed in special editions, was distinguished by explosive eruptions that left vast layers of lava. In the 21st century, Etna eruptions occurred more than 10 times, fortunately, without human casualties.

It is difficult to pinpoint the height of this mountain, since its top point changes due to frequent eruptions. They usually happen after a few months. Etna covers a huge area (1250 sq. Km). After lateral eruptions at Etna, 400 craters appeared. 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 detect the increased activity of the mountain in time.

Sakurajima (Japan)

Experts consider the Earth's volcanoes active if they have been active in the last 3000 years. This japanese volcano active constantly since 1955. It belongs to the first category. In other words, the eruption can start at any time. A not very strong lava outburst was noted in February 2009. The residents of the city of Kagoshima are almost constantly accompanied by anxiety. Teachings, equipped shelters have become firmly established in 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 topography of the area. This happened in Japan, when in 1924 there was a violent 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. A huge amount of lava formed an isthmus that connected the mountain with the island of Kyushu. And another year after the eruption, lava slowly flowed out of the crater. The bottom of the bay rose in the center of the Aira caldera, located eight kilometers from Sakurajima.

Aso (Japan)

This popular tourist site for extreme lovers, it is actually a dangerous volcano, which in 2011 threw out a large amount of lava and ash, which covered an area of 100 kilometers. Since that moment, more than 2500 powerful tremors have been registered. This suggests that at any moment he can destroy the nearby village.

Vesuvius (Italy)

Wherever there are volcanoes - on continents or on islands, they are equally dangerous. Vesuvius is very powerful and therefore very dangerous. He is one of the three active. Scientists have information about 80 large eruptions of this mountain. The worst thing happened in 79. Then the cities of Pompey, 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 remember the names of volcanoes (at least some of them) from the school curriculum, we learn about others from the newspapers, and only specialists are aware of the third ones. Colima is perhaps the most dangerous and powerful in the world. It last erupted in June 2005. Then the column of ash ejected from 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 all. Its height is 4,625 m. It is considered extinct, and the other peak is an active volcano. It is called Volcan de Fuego de Colima - "Fiery volcano". Its height is 3 846 m. The locals called it the Mexican Vesuvius.

Since 1576, it has erupted over 40 times. 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 terrain 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 over 20 kilometers, and the diameter of 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 residents had to be urgently evacuated due to a violent eruption. The region has declared an emergency of the highest degree. The authorities sent more than 400 police officers to the area to provide assistance to the townspeople.

Scientists say that over the past 7 thousand years, the volcano has woken up at least 6 times. Moreover, all the eruptions were very powerful. When conducting research works 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 outburst.

Volcano Elbrus

On the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria is the highest point of Europe and, of course, Russia - Elbrus. With the northern part Greater Caucasus it is connected by the Lateral Ridge. Volcano Elbrus consists of two peaks, which have approximately the same height. Its eastern part reaches 5621 m, and its western part - 5642 m.

It is a cone-shaped stratovolcano. Its layers are formed by flows of tuff, lava, 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 of such a beautiful, "classic" cone-shaped shape. Typically, craters are rapidly eroded by erosion. The beauty of Elbrus is protected by its mantle of ice and snow. It does not go down even in summer, for which the volcano was nicknamed Minor Antarctica.

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

Today Elbrus is a unique natural area, the most 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 very country, located 50 kilometers from the capital - Mexico City. The city of twenty million is always prepared for an emergency evacuation. In addition, there are also two other large cities - Tlaxcala de Jikotencatl and Puebla. This restless volcano also makes their inhabitants nervous. Sulfur, gas, stones and dust are emitted almost every month. In the last decade alone, the volcano has erupted three times.

Mauna Loa volcano (USA, Hawaii)

It is the largest "fiery mountain" on the Earth in terms of volume. Together with the underwater part, it is 80,000 cubic meters. km! Southeast slope and summit are part of national park"Hawaiian volcanoes".

There is a volcanological station on Mauna Loa. Research and ongoing observations have been carried out since 1912. The solar and atmospheric observatories are also located here.

The last eruption 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. This does not make the mountain less dangerous. Its activities are monitored by specialists and promptly report an increase in activity.

Next on our list is the active volcano Nyiragongo, which is 3469 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. In part, it connects with the more ancient mountains 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)

Rounding out our list is a stratovolcano located in Pierce County, Washington, 87 km south of Seattle.

Rainier is part of the Volcanic Arc. Its height is 4 392 meters. Its summit is made up of two volcanic craters.

We have presented you the most famous volcanoes... Their list is, of course, incomplete, because, according to scientists, there are more than 600 active mountains alone. Moreover, every year 1-2 new volcanoes appear on Earth.

Despite their lethality, various volcanoes have long attracted people to them. Previously, people were attracted by fertile soils, enriched with minerals and trace elements due to the activity of volcanoes, now tourists are attracted by the beauty and majesty of these natural sites.

Where are the largest volcanoes on the world map?

Most of today's active volcanoes are located in Pacific volcanic ring- the area in which the largest number of eruptions and 90% of earthquakes occur on our planet.

The second most powerful seismic zone is the Mediterranean fold belt, stretching from the Indonesian islands to.

Strongest eruption in history

The most destructive eruption in its consequences is considered to be the catastrophe that occurred in 1883 during the explosion. volcano Krakatoa located in. During this cataclysm, more than 36 thousand people died, more than 165 cities and villages were completely destroyed, ash was emitted to a height of 70 kilometers.

The force of the explosion during the eruption exceeded the force of the explosion of a nuclear bomb over Hiroshima by 10 thousand times. Most of the deaths are the result of huge tsunami caused by the eruption. The island on which Krakatoa was located was almost completely destroyed during the disaster. The sound from the explosion spread to a distance of 5 thousand kilometers from the epicenter of the disaster.

Earth's greatest active volcanic mountains

The largest active volcanoes in the world in terms of volume:

Mauna loa, Hawaii, with a volume of 80 thousand cubic kilometers;
Kilimanjaro(Tanzania), which is considered dormant but has the potential to start activity, has a volume of 4,800 cubic kilometers;
Sierra Negra volcano located on Galapagos Islands(Ecuador) has a volume of 580 cubic kilometers.

Which country has the largest lava source?

In terms of size, there is no equal to Hawaiian Mauna Loa volcano, which has a volume of 80 thousand cubic kilometers. The title of the highest is contested by 2 volcanoes from South America:

Llullaillaco located on the border of Argentina and Chile with a height of over 6 thousand meters;
Cotopaxi located in Ecuador with a height of 5897 meters.

Description with titles

There are from 1000 to 1500 active volcanoes on our planet. Many of them are located near densely populated areas and pose a threat to human life. The most dangerous volcanoes, which are under special supervision, are included in List of Volcanoes of the UN Decade.

Merapi

Merapi, which translated from Indonesian means "Mountain of fire", recognized as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Asia. It is located in the south of the island of Java in Indonesia, and its peak rises to a height of 3 thousand meters.

Significant eruptions of Merapi occur with a frequency of about 7 years; during its history, Merapi has repeatedly caused the death of many people. In 1930, 1400 people became victims of the eruption, and in 2010 more than 350 thousand people had to be evacuated, 353 inhabitants of the island were killed.

Near Merapi is located Yogyakarta city, in the agglomeration of which more than 2 million people live. For its activity and danger to the lives of people, Merapi is included in the list of the Volcanoes of the Decade.

Sakurajima

Sakurazdima volcano (Japan) is located on Kyushu island, its summit rises to a height of 1110 meters. The first eruption recorded by the chronicles took place in 963, and the most powerful one dates back to 1914, but thanks to the tremors preceding it, most of the local residents managed to evacuate, “only” 35 people died.

Since the middle of the 20th century, the volcano has been constantly active. Every year happen thousands of small explosions and ash emissions.

In 2013, there was a large ash ejection, reaching an altitude of 4000 meters.

Sakurajima is also on the Volcanoes of the Decade.

Aso

Volcano Aso is also located on Kyushu island in Japan. The highest point of Aso is located at an altitude of 1592 meters. During the observation of the volcano, there were about 165 large and medium eruptions, many of which resulted in human casualties.

The last time people died as a result of volcanic eruptions was in 1979, when 3 people died and 11 were injured. But Aso is dangerous not only for its eruptions, poisonous vapors of volcanic gas regularly poison tourists who are trying to conquer Aso. The last such incident occurred in 1997, when two climbers were killed.

The last eruption of Aso was noted in 2011; ash was emitted to a height of up to 2 kilometers.

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Nyiragongo

Nyiragongo is in the territory DR Congo in the Virunga mountain system (Africa). The crater of the volcano is home to the world's largest lava lake, the depth of which can reach 3 kilometers. In 1977, a rupture of the crater wall occurred, as a result of which there was a large runoff of lava into the surrounding area, as a result 70 people died.

During observations of Nyiragongo since 1882, it was recorded 34 major volcanic eruptions... A feature of the eruptions of Nyiragongo is the extremely fast flow of lava, reaching a speed of 100 kilometers per hour. During a major eruption in 2002, 400,000 residents of the city of Goma, located near the volcano, were evacuated. Nevertheless, 147 of them died as a result of this cataclysm, and the city itself received significant damage.

All these factors make Nyiragongo one of the the most dangerous volcanoes on the planet, for which he was rightly included in the list of the Volcanoes of the Decade.

Galeras

Volcano Galeras is located in Colombia near the town of Pasto, which has a population of over 400 thousand people. Its height is over 4200 meters. Because of its danger, Galeras was included in the list of the Decade Volcanoes that pose the greatest threat in the foreseeable future.

It is believed that over the past 7000 years, Galeras has experienced at least 6 major eruptions, in 1993 the last of them was recorded.

Mauna loa

The Mauna Loa volcano is located on Hawaiian Islands belonging to the United States of America. This giant volcano covers more than half of Hawaii's area, with a peak height of 4169 meters above sea level, but most of the volcano is located under water. Together with the underwater part, its height from the base to the top reaches 9170 meters, which exceeds the height of Everest.

The eruptions of Mauna Loa occur according to the so-called Hawaiian type with the outpouring of lava, but without explosions and large ash emissions. Observations of the volcano have been conducted only since 1832, but during this time, 39 major eruptions of Mauna Loa have been recorded. This volcano was included in the list of Volcanoes of the Decade due to the huge lava flows accompanying the eruption and the densely populated area in its immediate vicinity.

The top of the volcano and its slopes are included in the list World heritage UNESCO.

Colima

The most active volcano in Central America is located in the state of Jalisco. Thanks to her activity, Colima received the nickname "Little Vesuvius", its height exceeds 3800 meters.

Over the past 450 years, more than 40 large and medium volcanic eruptions have been recorded, the last of which occurred on September 12, 2016. More than 400 thousand people live near Colima, which makes it the most dangerous volcano in America... For this reason, the volcano was listed as a Volcano of the Decade.

Oh largest cities world you will recognize in - most populous, longest and others.

Vesuvius

Most famous volcano Mira is located on the Apennine Peninsula in. The lonely peak of Vesuvius, 1281 meters high, rises above the vast fields of the Campania province and is part of the Apennine mountain system.

Located just 15 kilometers from Naples, Vesuvius has repeatedly entered history with its catastrophic eruptions, only large ones were recorded about 80. In 79 AD, the most destructive eruption of Vesuvius during which famous cities died:

Pompeii;
Oplontis;
Herculaneum;
Stabia.

It is believed that at least 16 thousand people died during this cataclysm.

In 1944, the last happened on this moment eruption of Vesuvius, during this natural disaster cities were destroyed Weight and San sebastiano, 27 people became victims. Since then, Vesuvius has not shown strong activity, but the danger of a new eruption always remains. Vesuvius is one of the main attractions of the Campania province and its visit is included in excursion tour when traveling to Naples.

Etna

Another famous volcano in Italy is located in the east of the island of Sicily and is highest volcano, rising to a height of 2329 meters. Etna eruptions are observed several times a year. Several large eruptions of this volcano have been recorded in history, leading to devastating consequences:

Destroyed in 122 AD Catania city;
In 1169, during a large-scale eruption, Etna died 15 thousand people;
In 1669 Catania suffered again, houses were destroyed 27 thousand people;
In 1928, the ancient Mascali city.

Despite the danger of the volcano, the inhabitants of the island continue to settle on its slopes. The reason for this is fertile soil enriched with minerals and trace elements contained in cooled lava flows and ash.

Etna is one of the main natural attractions of Sicily; tourists from all over the world come to see the volcano and climb to its top.

Popocatepetl

Volcano Popocatepetl, or El Popo as it is affectionately called locals, is located in Mexico, 70 kilometers from the capital of this country, Mexico City. The height of the volcano is almost 5500 meters. Over the past 500 years, Popocatepetl has erupted more than 15 times, with the last occurring as recently as 2015. An extinct volcano is located near Popocatepetl Istaxihuatl.

A trip to these volcanoes is an essential part of excursion program when visiting Mexico City.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka

The highest volcano in Eurasia is located on the Kamchatka Peninsula and is considered the most famous of the many volcanoes in Kamchatka. Nai highest point outside Caucasus mountains reaches a height of 4750 meters. It is the most active volcano in Eurasia, on average, its eruptions occur almost annually... The last significant eruption took place in 2013, the height of the ash ejection was 10-12 kilometers. The eruption was accompanied by mud streams and ash falls.

Cotopaxi

The active volcano Cotopaxi is located in South America on the territory of the state Ecuador as part of the Andes mountain system. The height of the Cotopaxi summit is 5897 meters. In the entire history of observations, 86 eruptions were recorded, the largest one leading to the complete destruction of the city of Latacunga in 1786. The last activity of Cotopaxi was noticed in 1942, after which the volcano is still dormant.

Famous extinct giants

In addition to active volcanoes, there are many extinct volcanoes on our planet that do not exhibit volcanic activity.

Supreme

The highest extinct volcano on the planet, Aconcagua, located in Argentina and included in mountain system Andes. Aconcagua is not only the tallest extinct volcano in the world, but also the highest peak in America, the Western and Southern Hemispheres. The height of Aconcagua exceeds 6950 meters.

Sleeping giants

Many extinct volcanoes are now considered just mountains, although some of them can potentially "wake up" and begin to show activity. Such volcanoes, which may become active in the future, are called "Sleeping".

Famous Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (Africa) it is a dormant volcano that is not active. Scientists believe that one day Kilimanjaro may wake up, then this potential volcano will become one of the highest in the world, because the height of Kilimanjaro is 5895 meters above sea level.

Colossal supervolcano Yellowstone was considered extinct, but scientists have found that it shows little activity, so now Yellowstone is classified as a dormant volcano. The last time the giant erupted was almost a million years ago.

It is believed that if Yellowstone wakes up, a potential eruption will become one of the largest catastrophes in the history of the Earth, every third inhabitant of the planet will die, and several US states will be completely destroyed.

Eruption of yellowstone will provoke many earthquakes, giant tsunami waves and eruptions of other volcanoes, which will affect almost every inhabitant of the planet. The ash ejected by the volcano will cover the earth's surface from the sun for a year and a half, and volcanic winter will come throughout the planet.

However, not all scientists believe that the consequences of this cataclysm will be so serious. In any case, the eruption of this volcano remains one of the main potential threats to humans.

The largest extinct volcano in Russia - 5642 meters. It is located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Refers to the list highest peaks six parts of the world. Scientists consider the activity of the volcano not so much complete as fading.
Most large volcano modernity cannot be visited and is very difficult to see as it is under water. Array Tamu is located at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean and is located approximately 1,600 kilometers east of the Japanese Islands. Its dimensions are 650 by 450 kilometers, in terms of its scale the massif is one of the largest not only on Earth, but throughout Solar system... The last volcanic eruption occurred 140 million years ago.
Dormant volcanoes Big and Small Ararat are now located on the territory and belong to the category of volcanoes that do not show volcanic activity. Peak Big Ararat reaching 5165 meters is the highest point in Turkey.
One of the highest peaks of the Caucasus, Mount Kazbek is also an extinct volcano. Kazbek is located on the border with Russia, the highest point of the mountain is located at an altitude of more than 5 kilometers. During research in one of the caves of Kazbek, volcanic ash was found from an eruption that supposedly occurred 40 thousand years ago.

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Watch a video about these and other volcanoes in the world:

Volcanoes- geological formations on the surface of the earth's crust, through which magma appears. The name comes from the Roman god of fire - Vulcan. Today there are over 1000 active volcanoes on the planet. Further we will introduce you to the classification of volcanoes, tell you where most of them are located and which are considered the highest and most famous.

Volcanoes: interesting facts

There is a large classification of volcanoes. So everybody volcanoes of the world are divided into 3 types:
By type (thyroid, stratovolcanoes, cinder cones, domed);
By location (sub-summer, terrestrial, underwater);
By activity (extinct, sleeping, active).

Each volcano consists of the following parts:
Main crater;
Side crater;
Vent.

Some volcanoes do not erupt lava. There are also mud volcanoes, geysers are also post-volcanic formations.

Where are the volcanoes of the world

Most of the volcanoes are located in the Andes, Indonesia, Iceland, Hawaii and Kamchatka. However, they are not located chaotically, but in strictly defined zones:
Most of the volcanoes are located in an area called the Pacific Volcanic Ring of Fire: in the Andes, Cordillera, Kamchatka, as well as in the Philippines and New Zealand. Almost all are located here active volcanoes the world from among the terrestrial - 328 out of 540.
Another location zone is the Mediterranean fold belt, which includes the Mediterranean Sea (Santorini, Etna, Vesuvius) and stretches to Indonesia, where almost all the powerful eruptions of the world took place: Tambor in 1815 and Krakatoa in 1883.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which forms entire volcanic islands. Striking examples: Canary Islands, Iceland.

Active volcanoes in the world

Most of the active volcanoes are located in the above zones. Volcanoes often erupt in Iceland, the highest volcano in Europe, Etna, periodically reminds of itself. Others that are particularly well known:
Popocatepetl, located near Mexico City;
Vesuvius;
Mauna Loa;
Nyiragongo (DR Congo), famous for its huge lake boiling lava located in the crater.

Extinct volcanoes of the world

Volcanoes often complete active eruptions. Some of them are considered extinct, others are considered dormant. Extinct volcanoes of the world located throughout the planet, including in the Andes, where the highest volcano in the world is located - (6893 meters), as well as the volcanic mountain Aconcagua ( main peak South America).

Often extinct volcanoes used as observatories, for example, Mauna Kea in the Hawaiian Islands, in the crater of which there are 13 telescopes. By the way, it is Mauna Kea that is recognized as the highest volcano in general, if you count the underwater part, then its height is 10 205 meters.

The most famous volcanoes in the world

Everyone has heard stories about terrible eruptions that destroyed entire cities and destroyed islands. Here we will tell you about:
Vesuvius, this small volcano in Italy (1281 m) destroyed the city of Pompeii. This moment is even captured in Bryullov's painting "The Last Day of Pompeii".
Etna - highest volcano in Europe, which periodically erupts. The last eruption took place in May 2015.
Krakatoa is a volcano in Indonesia, the eruption of which in 1883 was equal to the explosion of 10,000 atomic bombs. Now in its place rises new volcano- Anak-Krakatau.
Tambor. In 1815, the most powerful eruption of our time took place, as a result of which a volcanic winter began (atmospheric pollution by ash), and 1816 became a year without summer.
Santorini, who destroyed the Minoan civilization and destroyed whole island in the Mediterranean.
Mont Pele in Martinique, which destroyed the port of Saint Pierre in a matter of minutes. Killed 36,000 people
The Yellowstone Caldera is a potential supervolcano whose eruption could change the map of the world.
Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa.