Volcanoes are natural phenomena that occur when magma from the Earth's interior reaches the surface. These events happen in specific locations and at specific times. It depends primarily on the location of the fault and whether the volcano is active or dormant. Therefore, not all volcanoes are the same; they have different shapes, different types of lava, and different eruptions with varying intensity. The most explosive volcanoes are often considered the most dangerous in the world.
In this article we are going to tell you which are the most dangerous volcanoes in the world and what their characteristics are.
Characteristics of volcanoes
Remember, the appearance of volcanoes is not accidental. Its location is usually determined by the rupture of tectonic plates, the different parts that make up the lithosphere. These plates are in motion as they float on the liquid mantle inside the Earth. When they collide with each other, or when one separates from the other, magma is created in addition to the resulting movement. Magma is the hot liquid that forms the interior of the mantle. At high temperatures, it tends to look for exits, eventually allowing it to use any available space in the Earth's crust to reach the surface. When that happens, that's when volcanoes are born.
However, a volcanic eruption is not a continuous eruption of magma. Each time a volcano releases magma from its interior, it is said to have occurred. Eruptions depend primarily on the Earth's internal activity. Thus, we can distinguish between active and inactive volcanoes based on the frequency of their eruptions. Logically, the most dangerous volcanoes on Earth are the active ones , as they are more likely to produce magma eruptions that can damage the surrounding environment.
However, this doesn't mean that dormant volcanoes lack this potential, as the pillars that release magma are always present. Furthermore, volcanoes tend to have more spectacular eruptions after prolonged periods of inactivity because they occur in large volumes of magma that have been held for longer. You can expand your knowledge about other dormant volcanoes and their significance.
The most dangerous volcanoes in the world and their activity data
Vesubio mont
This volcano is located on the coast of Italy, very close to the city of Naples. It has been a famous volcano since the 1st century AD and was responsible for burying the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Currently, it is considered a dormant volcano. This is more dangerous than anything else, as scientists say that volcanoes that erupt for long periods of time have a greater potential for damage. If you would like to delve deeper into its history, you can read about the Pompeii volcano and the importance of supervolcanoes.
Mount Etna
Another major volcano in Italy is Mount Etna, located in Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1669, a volcanic eruption reached the region's largest city, Catania. In 1992, a similar eruption devastated much of the island, but fortunately, it did not reach the city. You can find more information about volcanoes in Italy and their activity, as well as about active volcanoes around the world.
nyiragongo
This volcano is located in the Congo. It is one of the most active volcanoes today. Dozens of people died when the volcano erupted in 1977. Also, in 2002, the last outbreak, 45 people died in addition to destroying many buildings in nearby towns.
Merap
This volcano in Indonesia is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. Volcanologists have calculated that its activity causes it to erupt roughly every 10 years. In 2006, the last eruption killed thousands of people living nearby. To learn more about other volcanoes in this region, check out our guide to volcanic activity in Indonesia.
papandayan
Another volcano, also located in Indonesia, is almost as active as Mount Merapi. Its last eruption was in 2002, causing damage to large swathes of the border. As well as the displacement of many who live nearby, although the physical damage is much less.
Mount teide
It is a volcano located on the Canary Island of Tenerife (Spain). Currently, it is classified as an inactive volcano. However, when it becomes active, it could have catastrophic consequences for the entire island, according to volcanologists. We must remember that the Canary Islands are made up of volcanic islands, which gives us an idea of ​​the potential of this phenomenon. For more information, see our article on new volcanic monitoring stations in Tenerife , as well as on volcanoes in Spain.
sakura jima
This volcano is located in Japan, especially on the island of Kyushu. It is an active volcano and last erupted in 2009. In addition to the dangers posed by the volcano's own presence, we are talking about areas with a very high proportion of the population, which also increases the risk that the volcano will hinder work of evacuation.
Popocatepetl
Located in Mexico, just 70 kilometers from Mexico City, the volcano poses a real threat given the population of this megacity. In fact, Popocatépetl is just one of more than 20 volcanoes featured in Mexico's National Geographic, and because it lies between several very active tectonic plates, it is known for its intense seismic activity. For more information about other volcanoes in the United States, visit our article on volcanoes in the United States.
Sierra Negra
To wrap up our review of the world's most dangerous volcano, we still have to mention the Sierra Negra in the Galapagos Islands. It is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth and its last eruption occurred in 2005. In this case, we do not have to talk about the risk it poses to humans, because the Galapagos Islands are not very densely populated. However, they constitute an ecosystem of enormous biodiversity that is constantly threatened by this natural phenomenon.
Eyjafjallajokull
The Eyjafjallajökull volcano, a titan rising over 1.600 meters above sea level, sits atop a glacier and has been active for the past 8.000 years. It has experienced several eruptions throughout the centuries, the most significant being the last one in 2010. The resulting emissions brought northern Europe to a standstill, paralyzed by the volcanic ashfall, and forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights for days. If you'd like to explore this magnificent mountain, you can follow the route along Iceland's south coast, home to many of the country's volcanoes.
Iztaccihuatl
In the Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, there is also one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world called Iztaccihuatl. It is said that the two giants that crown this natural enclave are two aboriginal lovers who suffered a tragic love story.
