Volcanoes are one of the natural elements that pose a greater threat to humans. Although they have no apparent activity for long periods of time, they can erupt at any time, with devastating consequences in some cases. The attraction of many tourist destinations lies in the presence of volcanoes. It is usually seen as a natural spectacle, but it generates as much or more fear than its ability to fascinate everyone who comes to see it. Also exist active volcanoes around the world which are still spewing lava.
In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the active volcanoes in the world currently and what are its characteristics and location.
Active volcanoes around the world
Etna volcano
This volcano towers over the city of Catania on the island of Sicily. It has been growing for about 500.000 years and has had a series of eruptions that began in 2001. It has experienced several eruptions, including violent explosions and massive lava flows. More than 25% of the population of Sicily lives on the slopes of Mount Etna, which is the island's main source of income, including agriculture (due to its rich volcanic soil) and tourism. For more information on these and other active volcanoes, you can visit our article on volcanoes in Italy.
At an altitude of more than 3.300 meters, it is the highest and widest aerial volcano on the European continent, the highest mountain in the Mediterranean basin and the highest mountain in Italy south of the Alps. It overlooks the Ionian Sea to the east, the Simito River to the west and south, and the Alcantara River to the north.
Etna's eruptions are almost constant. The volcano has erupted at least ten times in the last 4 years (from 1971 to 2021). Mount Etna's activity has recorded very violent events on more than one occasion, while on other occasions it has only produced the discharge of a gas cloud. To the east of Sicily lies Mount Etna, one of the most famous and active volcanoes in the world. You can read more about the most dangerous volcanoes in the world to get an idea of its impact.
Stromboli
There is a small island in southern Italy. Its origin is volcanic and it is called Stromboli. This active volcano is located on it and is one of the main tourist attractions in the Tyrrhenian Sea. From cities very close to the volcano, such as Messina, Lipari, or Milazzo, you can board a boat and explore the island's waters. At night, you can see the volcano's lava erupt on the slopes of Sciara del Fuoco. To learn more about other volcanoes, you can read about types of volcanoes.
Kïlauea, Hawaii's most active volcano
It is a volcano that belongs to the group of shield volcanoes. It is usually made up almost entirely of very fluid lava. Its diameter is greater than its height. Specific, It measures 1222 meters and has a caldera at its summit that is about 165 meters deep and five kilometers wide.
It is located in the southeastern part of the island of Hawaii and is very similar to a nearby volcano called Mauna Loa. For many years scientists thought that the Kilauea was a formation attached to Mauna Loa. However, with more advanced studies they were able to learn that it has its own magma chamber that extends for more than 60 kilometers deep. This volcano does not depend on any other to carry out its activity.
Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Is found in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at an altitude of 1247 meters. This volcano has been erupting continuously since the first historical records were made in the late 18th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected. It has the docile nature of a Hawaiian volcano and has become a major tourist destination, as discussed in the study. NASA on Hawaii's volcanoes.
nyiragongo
The size of the Nyiragongo volcano is spectacular. Located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. It is located in the Virunga National Park and is 3.470 meters high.
The formation of this African volcano it is notable for containing lava lakes, forming a huge lava basin nearly 230 meters in diameter. Although wars in the region have complicated volcanology work, the danger of its volcanic activity is believed to continue to increase and could peak between 2024 and 2027. This is part of a broader trend observable among the volcanoes of Antarctica.
Mount Yasur
Vanuatu is a country made up of several islands. One of them is Tana where Mount Yasur is located. It is one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world due to its size (361 meters high) and the extensive research carried out in the area.
The local government has established different levels of alerts to inform tourists of the ideal time to visit. Thus, you can safely think of magma eruptions inside the Earth. In addition, the continent has other interesting volcanoes, such as those you can see in volcanoes in the Canary Islands.
The Volcano of Fire
Located in southern Guatemala, this volcano is one of the most active on Earth. It has continuous violent eruptions. Texts from the 1524th century indicate that Pedro de Alvarado, the conqueror of Extremadura, saw one of these eruptions in XNUMX. Since then, it has erupted 20 times. Finding additional information about its activity and other characteristics is key to better understanding this phenomenon, so you can explore volcanoes in Spain which are also of great interest.
geldingardalur
This volcano is located on Icelandic soil. The valley is known for a very warm personality, but little violence. It is a place of particular interest in volcanology, as the 2021 eruption means that the Reykjanes Peninsula has spewed magma for the first time in almost 800 yearsFor more information, you can research about the volcanoes in Iceland.
Colima volcano
In Mexico there are also active volcanoes. The Colima volcano, which is almost 4.000 meters above sea level, is a good example. Recently, lava jets and emissions of ash and smoke have been detected. Like Popocatepetl, It is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Latin America. The characteristics of these volcanoes may be related to information about the largest volcanoes in the world, which are also remarkably active.
Cumbre Vieja Natural Park
The Cumbre Vieja Natural Park is located in La Palma, one of the most active volcanic areas in Spain. The most recent eruption shows the inner life of La Palma. Malpaises, a name known for the solid lava flows, is one of the traditional landscapes of the archipelago.
Sakurajima, symbol of Japan
Facing the city of Kagoshima is Sakurajima, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Thousands of eruptions have been recorded in this part of Japan in recent decades. During periods of increased volcanic activity, its perimeter is closed to locals and tourists for security reasons, but during the rest of the calm period it can be visited to enjoy the hiking trails.
