The volcanoes They are some of the most impressive and, at the same time, most dangerous geological manifestations our planet offers. Their study and classification have fascinated geologists, volcanologists, and amateurs for centuries, not only because of the threat they can pose in certain regions, but also because they are windows into the Earth's interior, capable of radically altering the landscape, influencing the climate, and, of course, expanding our knowledge of Earth's dynamics. In this article, we're going to delve into a exhaustive geological list with the different names, types, and classifications of volcanoes throughout the world, addressing scientific criteria, the different forms, and the areas most notable for their volcanic activity.
We will take a tour that covers from the Geological definition of a volcano, its formative processes, classifications according to activity, morphology and structure, until reaching a review of the most representative volcanoes of all continents, the regions where they are concentrated, and their importance in both human history and current ecosystems. Get ready to learn surprising facts, detailed lists, and clear examples that will allow you to understand the volcanic phenomenon like never before.
What is a volcano and how is it formed?
Un volcano It is a geological structure through which the magma from the interior of the Earth manages to break through to the surface, expelling materials in the form of lava, ash, gases and rocks. According to the National Geographic InstituteWhat we see on the surface is the visible result of a deep geodynamic process involving the movement and accumulation of magma over thousands and even millions of years.
The process of formation of a volcano begins with the existence of a source of magma, a consequence of the movement of tectonic plates or the presence of a hot spot. Through a hole called eruptive mouth, the volcanic material emerges forming what is known as volcanic building, in many cases with a conical silhouette, but not always. Paradigmatic examples of this formation are found in the Teide (Spain), the Etna (Italy) or the Mauna loa (Hawaii).
These processes not only generate spectacular landscapes, but are also deeply linked to the origin of entire archipelagos, such as the Canary Islands, Hawaii, and Iceland, and to the shaping of entire continents, thanks to the constant interaction of the Earth's crust and mantle.
Classification of volcanoes according to their activity
One of the most traditional ways of classifying volcanoes is based on their activity levelThis classification, although it presents nuances and controversies, is useful for risk management and eruption prediction. Three broad categories are generally recognized:
- Active volcanoes: These are volcanoes that have recorded some type of eruption or volcanic activity during the Holocene (approximately the last 10.000 years), or show clear signs of activity, such as fumaroles, gas emissions, increased temperature of the ground or nearby water, seismic activity, or surface deformations. An active volcano may currently be dormant, but has the ability to erupt at any timeAn example of this is the Kilauea in Hawaii, erupting almost constantly for several decades, or the Popocatepetl en Mexico City.
- Inactive or dormant volcanoes: They correspond to those that have not shown eruptive activity in recent times, but retain the potential to become active again in the future, since nothing guarantees that they are definitely 'off'Many dormant volcanoes have surprised visitors with eruptions after centuries of apparent tranquility.
- Extinct volcanoes: Its source of magma has been lost, so no future eruptive activity is expectedAlthough they did erupt in the past, they have been 'disconnected' and the likelihood of a new eruption is practically zero.
This classification is indicative and depends on the human time scale., which is insignificant compared to geological time. In fact, the distinction may change depending on the advancement of knowledge and new volcanic monitoring technologies.
Types of volcanoes according to morphology and structure
In addition to temporal criteria, volcanoes can be differentiated based on their appearance, their mode of formation, and the nature of their eruptions. Several major types are distinguished here:
- Shield volcanoes: They have broad shapes and low profiles, with gentle slopes. They are characterized by effusive eruptions and the emission of very fluid lava, which extends over great distances. A notable example is the Mauna loa in Hawaii.
- Cinder and slag cones: Small, with steep slopes, formed almost exclusively by the accumulation of pyroclastic fragments ejected during explosive eruptions. Representative of this type are the Paricutín (Mexico) and the jorullo (Mexico).
- Stratovolcanoes or composite volcanoes: These structures are the most emblematic, with a conical silhouette, and are formed by the superposition of layers of lava and fragmented materials. Their eruptions alternate between lava flows and violent explosions. Among the most famous are the Etna and the Vesuvius (Italy), the Fuji (Japan) and the Colima (Mexico).
- Monogenic volcanoes: They only experience one eruption, which usually lasts from weeks to years, generally generating small cinder cones.
- Polygenic volcanoes: They undergo numerous eruptions throughout their lives, creating complex and large structures, such as stratovolcanoes.
This morphological diversity It responds to the characteristics of the magma, regional tectonics, duration of activity, and interaction with the environment, whether on land or under the sea.
Global distribution of volcanoes
The presence of volcanoes on the Earth's surface is not random. About 70% of all active and dormant volcanoes are concentrated in the Pacific Ring of Fire., a horseshoe-shaped region spanning some 40.000 kilometers and connecting New Zealand, the Philippines, Japan, Kamchatka, Alaska, the west coast of North and South America, and all the way to southern Chile and Argentina, passing through Central America. Here, tectonic plates converge, collide, and generate subduction zones, which are conducive to the formation of magma. To learn more about the formation of these phenomena, you can consult our guide to the origin of volcanoes.
In addition, there are volcanoes associated with hot spots, where the Earth's mantle pushes against the lithosphere, forming volcanic chains like those in Hawaii and Yellowstone. In places like the Canary Islands and Madeira, these mechanisms can combine, giving rise to a rich succession of volcanoes of varying ages and activity.
At present, it is estimated that There are about 1.350 active volcanoes on Earth, although if we count the inactive and extinct ones, the number rises to more than 2.500, according to the most recent records of the Global Volcanism Program.
Iconic volcanoes: most relevant names and locations
The planet is home to thousands of volcanoes, some of them with their own names due to their eruptive history, danger, or peculiarities. The following list includes some of the best-known active and extinct volcanoes by continent, along with their main characteristics and data of interest:
America
- Popocatepetl (Mexico, 5.426 m): Stratovolcano with continuous activity and high danger due to its proximity to Mexico City.
- Colima (Mexico, 3.820 m): One of the most active in Latin America.
- Citlaltépetl or Orizaba Peak (Mexico, 5.636 m).
- Villarrica (Chile, 2.847 m): Famous for its lava lake in the crater.
- Cotopaxi (Ecuador, 5.897 m): Part of Cotopaxi National Park.
- Sangay (Ecuador, 5.230 m).
- Santa Helena (USA, 2.549 m): Eruption in 1980 was of great impact.
- Cleveland (Aleutian Islands, USA, 1.730 m).
- salty eyes (Chile/Argentina, 6.893 m): Considered the highest active volcano in the world.
- San Cristobal (Nicaragua, 1.745 m): The highest in Nicaragua.
- Fire volcano (Guatemala, 3.763 m): High eruptive frequency.
- telica (Nicaragua, 1.635 m).
Europe
- Etna (Italy, 3.329 m): The most active in Europe and highly studied.
- Vesuvius (Italy, 1.282 m): Famous for the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD
- Stromboli (Italy): Its eruption is a common spectacle in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
- Hekla (Iceland, 1.491 m): Historically active and protagonist of Norse mythology.
- geldingardalur (Iceland): Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, recent eruption in 2021.
Asia
- Fuji (Japan): Icon of Japanese culture.
- sakurajima (Japan): Highly active and close to urban areas.
- karymsky (Russia, Kamchatka Peninsula, 1.536 m).
- Shiveluch (Russia, 3.283 m): Frequently eruptive.
- Sinabung (Indonesia, 2.460 m): It reappeared in activity in 2010 after centuries.
- Semer (Indonesia, 3.676 m): Also very active.
- Aso (Japan, 1.592 m).
- Language (Philippines): Dangerous due to its proximity to inhabited areas and explosive capacity.
- Merap (Indonesia): A constant threat to Yogyakarta.
- Krakatoa (Indonesia): Famous for its destructive eruption of 1883.
- great (Indonesia): Sacred in Bali.
Africa
- nyiragongo (DR Congo, 3.471 m): It stands out for its lava lake and its danger to the city of Goma.
- Nyamuragira (DR Congo): Also very active.
Oceania
- Mount Yasur (Vanuatu): Considered the most accessible active volcano in the world.
- Rabaul (Papua New Guinea, 688 m): Destroyed the city of the same name in 1994.
Supervolcanoes
- Yellowstone (United States): One of the most closely watched supervolcanoes due to its potential to cause devastating changes on a global scale.
- Aira boiler (Japan): Origin of major eruptions and source of Sakurajima.
The impact of volcanoes on life and society
History is littered with volcanic eruptions that have changed the course of entire civilizations. An example of this was the eruption of the Vesuvius that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum. Other equally devastating episodes were that of Krakatoa in 1883, which caused tsunamis and global climate changes, or that of Santa Helena in 1980, which transformed the relief in North America. Volcanoes can be a direct threat for millions of people, as occurs in densely populated areas near the Popocatepetl, Merap, Language o nyiragongo.
However, they also have a key role in creating fertile soils, the emergence of new lands, and the maintenance of unique ecosystems. Volcanic gases and ash can influence the climate, reduce global temperatures, and even contribute to the formation of minerals and natural resources of great economic value.
Volcanoes in Spain: a special case
In Spain there are nearly a hundred volcanoes, many of them concentrated in the Canary IslandsThis archipelago is of entirely volcanic origin and is still active in several places. Teide (3.715 m) in Tenerife, is the highest peak in the country and a world geological reference, while the Cumbre Vieja Volcano (La Palma) was the scene of the last major eruption on the Iberian Peninsula in 2021.
The peninsular volcanic zones They include La Garrotxa (Girona), with more than 40 volcanic cones, and the Calatrava volcanic field (Ciudad Real), whose last eruptive episode dates back to 3.600 BC. Although the probability of new eruptions on the Peninsula is low, the scientific and tourist interest in these landscapes continues to increase.
Most dangerous volcanoes: monitoring and criteria
Within the global list, some volcanoes stand out for their current danger and the number of people at risk:
- Language (Philippines): Capable of explosive eruptions near heavily populated areas.
- Merap (Indonesia): In the surroundings of Yogyakarta, one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
- nyiragongo (DR Congo): Its rapid lava flow has threatened the city of Goma several times.
- Krakatoa (Indonesia): Historical eruptions of great violence and tsunamigenic potential.
- Popocatepetl (Mexico): Due to its proximity to Mexico City and its continuous activity, it is one of the most closely monitored in America.
- Colima (Mexico), sakurajima (Japan), Old Summit (Spain), among others.
These volcanoes are subject to constant monitoring, with seismic networks, thermal cameras and satellites, since any change can have catastrophic consequencesTo learn more about the surveillance measures, we invite you to visit our Complete guide to monitoring dangerous volcanoes.
Interesting facts and curiosities about volcanoes
Volcanoes can be found in seemingly tranquil areas, for example, under the sea forming islands, or in hot spots far from plate boundaries. Some have permanent lava lake (As the nyiragongo or Villarrica), others reach record heights such as salty eyes, and some, despite not having had recent activity, are still considered dangerous due to geological criteria or their effects in the past.
Despite advances in monitoring, volcanic eruptions remain difficult to predict accurately, so the best tool remains the prevention and educationTo explore more about these phenomena, you can also consult our article on the world's supervolcanoes.