There are about 1,500 potentially active volcanoes in the world, and they are located in a wide variety of countries. Of these active volcanoes, the most dangerous are at least several dozen. We have studied the topic and will tell you about the most famous active volcanoes, explain how scientists monitor them, and find out what impact volcanoes have on our lives and the nature around us.
Countries with the largest number of active volcanoes
An active volcano is one that has erupted during the last 10,000 years (Holocene period) or is showing signs of volcanic activity at the present time.
The level of danger of a volcano is determined by such factors as:
- Proximity to populated areas
- History and frequency of eruptions
- Features of eruptions (type, power, duration)
- The probability of catastrophic events (lahars, pyroclastic flows).
- Geological features of the area.
Most active volcanoes are concentrated in several main volcanic belts:
- Pacific Ring of Fire: Covers the coast of the Pacific Ocean, including the west coast of America, the east coast of Asia and island arcs in the Pacific Ocean.
- Mediterranean-Himalayan Belt: stretches from the Mediterranean Sea through the Middle East to Indonesia.
- Mid-Atlantic Ridge: an underwater mountain system in the Atlantic Ocean with several surface volcanoes (for example, in Iceland).
Countries with the largest number of active volcanoes:
- Indonesia: about 129 active volcanoes.
- Japan: about 110 active volcanoes.
- USA: 169 active volcanoes (including Alaska and Hawaii).
- Russia: There are about 160 active volcanoes (most in Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands).
- Chile: about 90 active volcanoes.
Active volcanoes are unevenly distributed over the Earth’s surface. Most of them are concentrated along the boundaries of tectonic plates, where subduction or plate divergence processes occur. However, there are also volcanoes located inside the plates, such as the Hawaiian volcanoes formed above the hot spots of the mantle.
The 5 Most Dangerous volcanoes in the World
Vesuvius, Italy
Italy has not only Mount Etna, which we have already mentioned, but also the infamous Vesuvius. Vesuvius made history when, in 79 AD, it buried the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under layers of ash and lava.
Location: Bay of Naples, Italy.
Type: Stratovolcano.
Last eruption: March 1944
Who is at risk: 3 million people living in the vicinity of the volcano.
Monitoring: Scientists from the Vesuvius Observatory are closely monitoring its volcano activity to prepare for future eruptions and minimize potential human casualties.
Rainier (Mount Rainier), USA
Mount Rainier is a stratovolcano that contains a large amount of glacial ice on its slopes, which makes it very vulnerable to lahars (these are deadly mudflows of volcanic origin).
Location: Washington State, USA.
Type: Stratovolcano.
Who is at risk: the volcano threatens densely populated areas, including the city of Seattle and its suburbs.
Responsible for monitoring: United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
The world’s largest lava lake is located in the volatile Nyiragongo stratovolcano. The unpredictability of its eruptions, coupled with the proximity of the city of Goma, poses a huge danger to the local population.
Location: Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Type: Stratovolcano with lava lake.
Who is at risk: residents of the nearby city of Goma.
Monitoring: Volcano monitoring networks have been established and emergency response plans have been developed to ensure timely evacuation.
Marapi, Indonesia
This Indonesian stratovolcano has a long history of deadly eruptions, the last major eruption occurred in 2010 and claimed hundreds of lives.
Location: Central Java, Indonesia.
Type: Stratovolcano.
Who is at risk: the nearby densely populated areas that surround the volcano.
Monitoring: Volcanic activity is closely monitored and a well-established early warning system is in place to protect local communities.
Popocatepetl, Mexico
Mount Popocatepetl is located in the heart of Mexico and is an active stratovolcano. Its eruptions have been occurring since 1994.
Location: Central Mexico, near Mexico City.
Type: Stratovolcano.
Who is at risk: residents of Mexico City, as the volcano is located nearby.
Monitoring: The National Disaster Prevention Center (CENAPRED) closely monitors the volcano and issues warnings and evacuation plans as needed.
Other dangerous volcanoes by region
Asia
- Fujiyama (Japan): The iconic symbol of Japan, the last eruption in 1707-1708.
- Taal (Philippines): a small but active volcano located on an island in the middle of a lake.
- Krakatoa (Indonesia): It is famous for the catastrophic eruption of 1883.
America
- Yellowstone (USA): a supervolcano potentially capable of causing a global catastrophe.
- Cotopaxi (Ecuador): one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.
- Galeras (Colombia): one of the most active volcanoes in Colombia, located near the city of Pasto.
Europe
- Etna (Italy): the highest and one of the most active volcanoes in Europe.
- Hekla (Iceland): One of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, it erupts about once a decade.
- Santorini (Greece): A volcano on the Greek island of Tyre, famous for a catastrophic eruption around 1600 BC.
Africa
- Kilimanjaro (Tanzania): an extinct volcano, but still considered potentially active.
- Erta Ale (Ethiopia): a volcano with a permanent lava lake in the crater.
Oceania
- Taupo (New Zealand): A supervolcano, the last major eruption occurred about 1800 years ago.
- Yasur (Vanuatu): one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world.
Methods of monitoring volcanic activity
Volcanologists use different ways to understand what is happening inside a volcano and predict its eruption. Here are the main methods:
- Seismic observations. Special seismographs are installed around the volcano. They pick up even the smallest tremors underground, which can mean that magma is moving and the volcano is preparing to erupt.
- Geodetic measurements. GPS receivers are placed on the slopes of the volcano. They show how the shape of the volcano is changing. If the volcano “inflates”, this may indicate that magma is accumulating inside.
- Gas analysis. Scientists are checking which gases and in what quantity come out of the volcano. Changes in their composition may signal an approaching eruption.
- Observation from space. Satellites help to monitor volcanoes from Earth’s orbit. They can notice when a volcano heats up or changes shape.
- Gravity measurement. Special instruments can detect small changes in gravity around the volcano. It helps to understand how magma moves inside.
- Visual inspection. Scientists regularly inspect the volcano, looking for new cracks or other changes. Sometimes they use cameras for constant surveillance.
- The use of drones. Unmanned aerial vehicles help to explore the volcano from the air, especially in dangerous places.
- Hydrological and hydrochemical studies. Changes in the temperature or composition of groundwater around a volcano can also signal its activity.
All these methods are used together. Scientists collect information from various sources and analyze it using computers. This helps them to better understand what is happening inside the volcano and warn them about the danger in time.
Frequently Asked Questions about volcanoes
How many active volcanoes are there in the world?
There are about 1,500 potentially active volcanoes in the world.
What is considered an active volcano?
An active volcano is one that has erupted during the last 10,000 years (Holocene period) or is showing signs of volcanic activity at the present time.
Which countries have the largest number of active volcanoes?
The countries with the largest number of active volcanoes include Indonesia, Japan, the USA, Russia and Chile.
Which volcano is considered the most dangerous in the world?
It is impossible to unequivocally name the most dangerous volcano, since the level of danger depends on many factors. However, Vesuvius in Italy, Merapi in Indonesia and Popocatepetl in Mexico are often mentioned among the most dangerous.
What effect do volcanoes have on the climate?
Volcanoes can affect the climate by releasing greenhouse gases and aerosols into the atmosphere. Large eruptions can cause temporary global cooling.
Can volcanoes be beneficial?
Yes, volcanoes can be beneficial. They create fertile soils, are a source of geothermal energy and valuable minerals, and attract tourists.
What safety measures are being taken in areas of active volcanoes?
Safety measures include the creation of early warning systems, the development of evacuation plans, educational programs for the public and the establishment of building codes for volcanic zones.
Are there underwater volcanoes?
Yes, most volcanoes on Earth are actually underwater, mostly in the oceans.
How long can a volcanic eruption last?
The duration of eruptions can vary greatly — from a few minutes to several years. For example, the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupted almost continuously from 1983 to 2018.
Are there volcanoes on other planets?
Yes, volcanoes have been found on several planets and moons in our solar System, including Mars, Venus and Jupiter’s moon Io.
Author
Yulia Yanukovych Editor-in-Chief
I am responsible for the work of the editorial office. I write expert interviews and guides.
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