Active volcanoes are natural wonders that continuously shape and reshape our planet’s landscape. These geologic giants, scattered across various regions of the world, exhibit a persistent and ongoing pattern of volcanic activity. This activity can manifest as eruptions, lava flows, ash plumes, and other volcanic phenomena. The world’s most active volcanoes are renowned for their unpredictability and capacity to impact the environment, local communities, and even global climate.
Volcanic eruptions are the result of the movement of molten rock (magma) from beneath the Earth’s crust to the surface. When this magma reaches the surface, it can create spectacular displays of eruptive power, but it also poses potential hazards to those living in proximity. Monitoring and understanding these active volcanoes is crucial for the safety and well-being of communities nearby and for the broader scientific community, as the study of these volcanoes offers insights into Earth’s geologic processes.
In this series, we will delve into the world’s most active volcanoes, exploring their locations, histories, notable eruptions, and their impact on the surrounding regions. We will also discuss the measures in place to monitor and mitigate the risks associated with these volcanoes. From the fiery spectacle of Hawaii’s Kilauea to the snow-capped peaks of Italy’s Mount Etna, join us on a journey to discover the incredible geological forces that shape our planet and the resilient communities that call these volatile landscapes home.
Now we have made a list of the biggest volcanoes that have been active recently.The volcanoes below are considered especially dangerous due to latest eruptions or due to being included in the Decade Volcanoes list. The Decade Volcanoes list is a list of 16 volcanoes worldwide identified by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) as being worthy of particular study in light of their history of large, destructive eruptions and proximity to populated areas.
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Kilauea, Hawaii, USA
Kilauea is an active shield volcano located on the Big Island of Hawaii, USA. It is renowned for its frequent eruptions, including the Pu’u ‘Ō’ō eruption that began in 1983 and continued for several decades, reshaping the island’s landscape. Kilauea’s eruptions often produce lava flows that can reach the ocean, creating dramatic steam and new land. The volcano is closely monitored by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to ensure the safety of the local population and visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy
Mount Etna, situated on the island of Sicily in Italy, is one of Europe’s most active and iconic volcanoes. Known for its frequent eruptions, Etna is a stratovolcano that has shaped the region’s landscape for millennia. Its eruptions often involve the spewing of ash, lava, and occasional pyrotechnic displays. As one of Italy’s most closely monitored volcanoes, Etna’s activity is of significant interest to scientists and poses both a natural wonder and a potential hazard to nearby communities.
Pacaya, Guatemala
Pacaya is a highly active complex volcano located in Guatemala. With a history of frequent eruptions, it is renowned for its lava flows, Strombolian explosions, and a persistent threat to the surrounding region. The volcano attracts hikers and tourists eager to witness its volcanic activity. Given its proximity to populated areas, Pacaya’s eruptions are closely monitored to ensure the safety of local communities.
Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
Icelandic for “Island mountain glacier”, this volcano is one of the smaller ice caps of Iceland. The ice cap covers the caldera of a volcano with a summit elevation of 1,666 meters (5,466 ft). The 2010 eruption caused enormous disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe. About 20 countries closed their airspace to commercial jet traffic and it affected more than 100,000 travelers
The eruption in 2010 started on March 20 and continued until May 23. It began with a series of small earthquakes, followed by an explosive eruption that sent a plume of ash and volcanic gases into the atmosphere. The ash cloud disrupted air travel across Europe for several days, as many flights were cancelled due to concerns about the potential damage that the ash could cause to jet engines.
The eruption also resulted in the evacuation of nearby communities due to the threat of flooding from meltwater caused by the melting of the glacier. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or serious injuries as a result of the eruption.
Eyjafjallajökull is considered to be one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland, with eruptions occurring every 200-400 years on average. It is closely monitored by scientists, who use a variety of techniques to study its activity and better understand its potential to impact the surrounding communities.
Mount Vesuvius, Italy
Mount Vesuvius is a stratovolcano located in southern Italy, near the city of Naples. It is perhaps best known for its devastating eruption in 79 AD that buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in ash and pumice, preserving them for centuries.
It the most densely populated volcanic region in the entire world. Mount Vesuvius has a history of activity that makes it one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes. It last erupted was in 1944, but the most memorable eruption was the massive eruption of 79 AD, when it buried the cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii
The 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius was one of the most catastrophic volcanic events in history. It is estimated to have released 100,000 times the thermal energy of the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. The eruption sent a plume of ash and volcanic gases into the atmosphere that reached a height of over 20 miles, and buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under layers of ash and pumice.
Sakurajima, Japan
Sakurajima is an active volcano located on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, in Kagoshima Bay. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan and is known for its frequent and sometimes violent eruptions.
An active volcano and a former island. The lava flows of the 1914 eruption caused the former island to be connected with the Osumi Peninsula. The volcanic activity still continues, dropping large amounts of volcanic ash on the surroundings. Earlier eruptions built the white sands highlands in the region
Since then, Sakurajima has continued to be active, with hundreds of small eruptions occurring each year. The volcano is closely monitored by scientists, who use a variety of techniques such as seismology, gas measurements, and satellite imaging to track its activity and provide warning of potential eruptions.
Mount Merapi, Indonesia
Mount Merapi is an active volcano located in central Java, Indonesia. It is one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in Indonesia, with a long history of eruptions that have caused significant damage and loss of life. Mount Merapi is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region of intense seismic and volcanic activity that encircles the Pacific Ocean
The most recent major eruption of Mount Merapi occurred in 2010, which caused significant damage and resulted in the deaths of more than 300 people. The eruption was also responsible for the displacement of tens of thousands of people who were forced to flee their homes due to the danger posed by the volcano.
Mount Nyiragongo, Congo
An active volcano located inside Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The main crater is about two km wide and usually contains a lava lake. Nyiragongo’s lava lake has at times been the most voluminous known lava lake in recent history. Nyiragongo and nearby Nyamuragira are together responsible for 40% of Africa’s historical volcanic eruptions.
The volcano has erupted at least 34 times since the late 19th century, with the most recent eruption occurring in May 2021. The 2002 eruption was particularly devastating, as lava flows reached the city of Goma and destroyed over 15% of its buildings, resulting in the displacement of over 120,000 people.
Ulawun, Papua New Guinea
Ulawun is an active volcano located on the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea. It is one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in Papua New Guinea, with a long history of eruptions that have caused significant damage and loss of life. It is the highest mountain in the Bismarck Archipelago at 2,334 meters (7,657 ft), and one of the most active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea. Several thousand people live near the volcano. There have been 22 recorded eruptions since the 18th century.
The most recent major eruption of Ulawun occurred in 2019, which caused significant damage and forced the evacuation of nearby communities. The eruption also generated a large ash plume that disrupted air traffic in the region.
Mauna Loa, Hawaii
Mauna Loa is a massive shield volcano located on the Big Island of Hawaii, and is one of the largest active volcanoes on Earth. It is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with a long history of frequent eruptions. The Hawaiian name “Mauna Loa” means “Long Mountain”. Lava eruptions from Mauna Loa are very fluid; eruptions tend to be non-explosive and the volcano has relatively shallow slopes. The most recent eruption of Mauna Loa occurred in 1984, and scientists continue to closely monitor the volcano for signs of activity.
Galeras, Colombia
Galeras is an active volcano located in the southwestern region of Colombia, near the city of Pasto. It is considered one of the most active volcanoes in Colombia. It summit rises 4,276 meters (14,029 ft) above sea level. It has erupted frequently since the Spanish conquest, with its first historical eruption being recorded on December 7, 1580. A 1993 eruption killed nine people, including six scientists who had descended into the volcano’s crater to sample gases. It is currently the most active volcano in Colombia. The most recent major eruption of Galeras occurred in 1993, which caused the deaths of several scientists and tourists who were inside the crater at the time of the eruption.
Santa María, Guatemala
Santa María is an active volcano located in the western highlands of Guatemala, near the city of Quetzaltenango. Its eruption in 1902 was one of the four largest eruptions of the 20th century and one of the five biggest eruptions of the past 200 years. The most recent major eruption of Santa María occurred in 1902, which was one of the most violent volcanic eruptions of the 20th century and caused the deaths of over 5,000 people.
