New Delhi: There are over 1,500 active volcanoes worldwide, of which around 500 have erupted in historical times. Many of the active volcanoes are located along the Pacific Rim, popularly known as the Ring of Fire. Active volcanoes are the volcanoes that erupt or have erupted in modern times.
According to some scientists, a volcano is considered active if it erupted during the Holocene period, which means during historic times. It is estimated that more than 500 million people live near active volcanoes. In this article, we will look at nine active volcanoes worldwide.
World’s Most Active Volcanoes
Kilauea, Hawaii
Kīlauea is an active volcano in the Hawaiian Islands. It is a shield volcano, standing 1,277 metres high. Kīlauea has a large lake of lava, and its crater is called Pu’u ‘Ō’ō. The first eruption likely happened between 300,000 and 600,000 years ago. The first recorded eruptions were in 1823, and the most recent one occurred on March 3, 2018. The Hawaiian name “Kīlauea” means “spewing” or “much spreading”, reflecting the constant flow of lava. Kīlauea is part of a group of volcanoes in Hawaii, including Mauna Loa and Kohala. It is one of the youngest volcanoes and is said to be the home to the ancient volcano goddess Pele. Kīlauea has a magma plumbing system 60 km beneath the Earth’s crust.
Barren Island, India
Barren Island is India’s only active volcano. It is located in the Andaman Sea, about 138 km northeast of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The first recorded eruption of Barren Island was in 1787, with the latest eruption in 2020. The island attracts tourists who come to see its glowing red lava at night and its ash clouds during the day. It is also surrounded by water, which is great for scuba diving.
Mount Etna, Italy
Mount Etna is on the east coast of Sicily, southern Italy. It is the largest active volcano in Europe and erupts every few years. Its most destructive eruption began on March 11, 1669, destroying 10 villages and reaching Catania five weeks later. Many buildings were damaged, but few people died. Major eruptions also occurred in 1928, 1949, 1971, 1983, 1992, and 2001.
Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
Eyjafjallajökull is named for its combination of “island”, “mountain” and “glacier”. This volcano has formed through many eruptions, creating a distinctive cone shape with a glacier on top. Throughout Iceland’s history, Eyjafjallajökull has inspired both awe and fear, often appearing in folklore. The volcano gained attention in March 2010 when it erupted, causing significant disruptions to air travel across Europe due to ash clouds.
Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mount Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano in the Virunga Mountains, with an elevation of 11,385 ft. It is in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The main crater is about two kilometres wide and usually contains a lava lake. The crater has two cooled lava benches, one at about 10,417 ft and a lower one at 9,760 ft. At times, Nyiragongo’s lava lake has been the most voluminous in recent history, with maximum depths of about 10,660 ft before the January 1977 eruption.
Mount Vesuvius, Italy
Mount Vesuvius is a stratovolcano located near the Gulf of Naples, Italy, about 8 kilometres from Naples. It is the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted in the last 100 years, with its last major eruption in 1944. Mount Vesuvius is famous for its eruption in AD 79, which destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Mount Merapi, Indonesia
Mount Merapi, known as “Fire Mountain”, is an active stratovolcano on the border between Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is Indonesia’s most active volcano, with eruptions that have been regularly occurring since 1548. The volcano is about 28 km north of Yogyakarta, which has a population of 2.4 million. Many people live on the volcano’s slopes, with villages reaching 5,577 ft in elevation. Smoke often rises from its peak, and some eruptions have caused fatalities.
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano is an active andesitic stratovolcano in northwestern Costa Rica, about 90 km from San José in the Alajuela province. Arenal is at least 5,358 ft high and has a crater that is 460 ft in diameter. It is considered a young volcano, estimated to be less than 7,500 years old. Arenal is also known by several other names, including “Pan de Azúcar”, “Canaste”, “Volcan Costa Rica”, “Volcan Río Frío” and “Guatusos Peak”.
Villarrica, Chile
Villarrica is one of the most active volcanoes in Chile. It rises above the lake and town of the same name, located 750 km south of Santiago. It is also called Rucapillán, a Mapuche term meaning “great spirit’s house” or “the demon’s house”. Villarrica is one of three large stratovolcanoes that trend northwest to south.
This article explores eight of the world’s most active volcanoes, showcasing their unique characteristics and geological significance. From the fiery Kilauea in Hawaii to the iconic Mount Vesuvius in Italy and the ever-active Mount Merapi in Indonesia, we delve into their eruptive histories, geographical locations, and cultural impact. Discover the awe-inspiring power and potential dangers of these geological wonders. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
