The highest active and extinct volcanoes in the world. The most powerful volcanoes on the planet

A volcanic eruption is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena, which attracts a person’s attention, despite considerable danger. A particularly impressive picture is obtained when observing a night eruption. But for the surrounding wildlife, volcanoes initially bring death. Flowing lava, pyroclastic flows, and volcanic bombs can easily destroy nearby human settlements.

1. Llullaillaco, Argentina and Chile (6739 m)

This active volcano is located on the Chilean-Argentine border, in the Peruvian Andes, in the Western Cordillera range. Like several other very high volcanoes, it is located in perhaps the driest Atacama Desert in the world, on the high mountain plateau of Puna de Atacama. Its top is covered with eternal snow. Its last explosive eruption occurred in 1877, and it is now in the solfataric stage. Interestingly, in 1999, three mummified children’s bodies were found near the top of the volcano; it is believed that the Incas sacrificed them here about 500 years ago.

2. San Pedro, Chile (6145 m)

This active Andean volcano is located in northern Chile, closer to the Bolivian border. It is located on the edge of the Atacama Desert, northeast of the city of Calama, in the province of El Loa. This stratovolcano is mainly composed of basalts, dacites and andesites. East of San Pedro is a similar volcano, San Pablo, which has a height of 6092 meters. A high saddle stretches between the volcanoes. San Pedro last erupted in 1960. The documented first ascent of this peak in 1903 was made by the Frenchman George Corti and the Chilean Philemon Morales.

3. Cotopaxi, Ecuador (5897 m)

The active Cotopaxi volcano is the highest in Ecuador and the second highest peak in that country. This is one of the highest peaks of the western tip of the South American ridge of the Eastern Cordillera. This superactive volcano erupted approximately 50 times after 1738, but went quiet for a long time in 1877. Finally, after more than a century, Cotopaxi erupted again in 2015. Translated from the Quechua language, the name of the volcano can be translated as “smoking mountain.” Its first recorded eruption occurred in 1534, with major ones occurring in 1532, 1742, 1768, 1864 and 1877. Until 1940, there was little activity.
In 1768, the most destructive eruption of Cotopaxi occurred. A huge column of ash and steam rose from its mouth in early April, and on April 4, emissions of lava, sulfur and pyroclastic flows began. As a result of a strong earthquake, the city of Latacunga and nearby settlements were completely destroyed. Products of the volcano explosion were later found hundreds of kilometers away, including on the shore Pacific Ocean and in the Amazon basin.

On our planet there are areas where a person experiences special sensations: a surge of energy, euphoria, a desire to improve or spiritually...

4. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (5895 m)

Africa's highest peak, Kilimanjaro, is a potential stratovolcano. The mountain is located in the northeast of Tanzania near the Masai plateau, which itself is raised 900 m above sea level. Volcanologists discovered in 2003 that magma is located under the crater of the main peak of the Kibo volcano at a depth of only 400 m. Now the volcano is only emitting gases and so far there is nothing indicating the proximity of an eruption. But there is an opinion that the dome of the volcano may collapse, and then a catastrophe similar to what happened during the eruption of Mount St. Helens could occur. In the past, ground shifts and landslides have already been observed on Kibo, after one of which a “western gap” was formed. Human history does not remember the eruptions of Kilimanjaro, although local legends speak of the prehistoric activity of the now dormant volcano.

5. Misti, Peru (5822 m)

This South American volcano is located in southern Peru. In winter, its top is covered with snow. Misti is an active volcano; its last, rather weak, eruption was noted in 1985. The shape of the cone suggests that Misti is an ordinary stratovolcano, the eruptions of which alternate between the outpouring of lava and explosions with the release of pyroclastic flows and clouds of ash. The volcano has three concentric craters. According to research by volcanologists, over the last century there have been five weak eruptions of this volcano. But in the 15th century, residents of the city of Arequipa were forced to flee due to the strong eruption of Misti. Not far from the inner crater in 1998, 6 mummified bodies of the Incas and a number of artifacts were found.

6. Orizaba, Mexico (5675 m)

This Mexican volcano is the highest point in the country and the third highest in the whole North America. It belongs to the stratovolcanoes, and its eruptions were recorded in 1537, 1566, 1569, 1613, 1630 and 1687. The last eruption occurred in 1846, which proves that this volcano is one of the most active. From its top you can clearly see the city of Orizaba with a population of more than 117 thousand people and the valley below.

North American relief can be divided into several types: in the central and northern parts you can admire the delightful plains, ...

7. Elbrus, Russia (5642 m)

Most high mountain in the territory modern Russia is the Caucasian stratovolcano Elbrus. Its slopes are covered with glaciers, the melt water from which feeds largest rivers Stavropol Territory and the Caucasus - Malku, Kuban and Baksan. These places are very well populated, the transport infrastructure is developed here, so the surroundings of Elbrus are very popular among supporters various types active recreation (tourists, climbers, skiers). True, even scientists themselves cannot firmly say whether Elbrus is an extinct or still active volcano. Perhaps he will someday wake up from a long hibernation, or maybe a new volcano will grow somewhere nearby.
The fact that life is still glimmering in the depths of Elbrus is evidenced by the fact that in its vicinity there are many thermal springs, the most famous of which is Jila-Su, in which the water has a temperature of +24 degrees. If hot water constantly bursting from underground - this means that deep in the depths of the volcanic processes continue. In addition, people measured the soil temperature at an altitude of 5621 m (almost at the top), and it turned out to be +21 degrees, despite the fact that ambient air was -20 degrees. That's why green moss grows in some areas here. This is also clear evidence of weak volcanic activity. A number of scientists suggest that in a few hundred, and perhaps thousands of years, Elbrus will wake up again.

8. Popocatepetl, Mexico (5426 m)

This is an active Mexican volcano, whose name is formed by two words from the Nahuatl language: “popoka” means “smoking”, and “tepetl” means “hill”. This is one of the most active Mexican volcanoes. After the beginning of the Spanish colonization of Mexico, it produced over 20 powerful eruptions. Many of its glaciers did not survive until the beginning of the new millennium; instead, in some places there were layers of ice that lava had not yet reached. This even changed the local climate. The volcano began to erupt especially often after 1994, and its last eruption occurred in 2015. A powerful eruption occurred in 2005, when volcanic bombs rose 3 kilometers into the air. In May 2013 there was also a strong eruption, then debris flew 700 m from the crater.

It is difficult to scare a Russian person with anything, especially bad roads. Even safe routes claim thousands of lives a year, let alone those...

9. Sangay, Ecuador (5230 m)

This active stratovolcano is located in South America, on eastern slopes Andes in Ecuador. According to scientists, it appeared only 14 thousand years ago. Its first eruption was recorded in 1628, and the last one occurred quite recently - in 2016. After 1934, the volcano began to erupt especially frequently. Its name can be translated as “frightening” or “frightening.” At the top of the volcano there are three craters with diameters of 50-100 meters. Moreover, they are all active.

10. Tolima, Colombia (5215 m)

The Tolima stratovolcano is located in the Colombian department of the same name, surrounded by the Los Nevados National Park. This is also a fairly young volcano, about 40 thousand years old. A funnel-shaped crater with a depth of 200-300 m appeared in it quite recently - around 1926. During the Holocene era, this volcano experienced explosive eruptions that varied in power: there were both moderate and Plinian ones. The largest eruption occurred here about 3600 years ago. As for the two last centuries, then only small volcanic explosions were recorded. Over the past decades appearance The volcano mainly changes due to the movement of glaciers along its slopes. This, in turn, is accompanied by noticeable seismicity and surface activity.

Today you will learn interesting facts about the largest volcano in search of which we will visit the island of Hawaii.

A huge volcano called Mauna Loa, which literally means "Long Mountain" in Hawaiian, occupies most island and is one of the most active on the planet. Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times since it was first documented in 1843.

The volcano's most recent eruption occurred in 1984, covering 30,000 acres of land with lava and expanding the island's area by 180 hectares, reclaiming space from the sea.

What are the dimensions of the largest volcano on Earth? The height of the volcano above sea level is 4169 meters, but this is not its true height. If you measure the height of Mauna Loa from the bottom, its height will be about 9,000 meters, which is higher than Mount Everest.

The famous Hawaiian volcano is not only the largest and most powerful, but also the most massive. If you measure its volume from base to top, you will get an impressive figure - 75,000 cubic kilometers.

In one eruption, Mauna Loa erupts so much lava that its volume is equal to that of Vesuvius, the famous volcano in Italy.

There are many legends surrounding this Hawaiian volcano. One of which sounds like this. The ruler of volcanoes, the goddess Pele, was expelled by her older sister, the goddess of water and sea. Every time Pele tried to build a house for herself, her sister sent huge waves to destroy everything.

Eventually Pele settled on the big island and made herself big house Mauna Loa, so big that no wave could reach it.

There is also a legend that Pele has a faithful white dog and she sends him to the slopes of the volcano to warn people of danger. In 1959, during exploration of this powerful volcano, a white dog was spotted on the slopes. All attempts to tame or catch this white dog were in vain. In December of the same year, one of the craters burst into flames and the dogs disappeared. In 1966, a white dog was again seen on the mountain, the same year Mauna Loa exploded in a violent eruption.

What are volcanoes? Mountains spewing molten rocks onto the surface of the Earth and covering everything around with ashes, or the most natural revenge of the gods? Who knows. However, some volcanoes stubbornly refuse to hibernate and constantly make those who happen to live in their immediate vicinity tremble.

It is the most active and deadliest Indonesian volcano. Its five eruptions between 1006 and 1930 killed more than 1,000 people, and the 2010 eruption killed a further 353 people. After 2010, the Indonesian government created a restricted area around the volcano, where people are not allowed. By the way, the residents of Java, living near the volcano, believe that spirits live there and they need to be regularly appeased so that they do not become angry.

2. Yellowstone Caldera (USA)

Yellowstone National Park is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, even though it is probably one of the most dangerous places on Earth. The Yellowstone Caldera supervolcano occupies almost a third of the park's territory and Lately causes concern among volcanologists. In their opinion, the volcano is long overdue for a massive eruption, although it certainly will not lead to the Apocalypse.

3. Vesuvius (Italy)

Vesuvius literally looms over Naples and is the most controlled volcano on the planet. At different times of its eruptions, it either enveloped Europe in ash clouds, or completely destroyed all life at its feet for many decades. Think about the city of Pompeii, buried forever under volcanic ash in 79 AD. Since the volcano is still quite active, scientists are constantly waiting for a new volcanic doomsday, which, with scientific point vision, can occur at any time.

4. Sakurajima (Japan)

There are 110 located in Japan active volcanoes. Of these, 47 are under close surveillance, with the Sakurajima volcano considered the biggest threat to the Japanese. Despite its picturesque name (translated as “cherry blossom island”), it keeps the 700 thousand residents of the nearby city of Kagoshima in constant suspense. Previously, the volcano was an independent island, but in 1914 it continuously erupted lava for several months and as a result became part of the island of Kyushu, simultaneously killing 35 people.

5. Nyiragongo (Democratic Republic of Congo)

The Nyiragongo volcano is located on a rocky stretch of the border between Rwanda and Congo and poses a constant danger to the region. Even when it is not erupting, it ventilation holes and pockets, carbon dioxide comes out, poisoning livestock and people. The lava in this volcano is more liquid than in other volcanoes and can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h. During the last eruption in 2002, the nearby city of Goma was virtually destroyed, leaving 200,000 people homeless.

6. Fujiyama (Japan)

Fuji is not only a cultural landmark, but also a significant threat to the population, although this symbol of Japan has not erupted for approximately 300 years. After the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, the pressure in Mount Fuji's magma chamber increased. Increased seismic activity in the country may well lead to Fuji waking up. And it would spell disaster for the 13 million residents of nearby Tokyo.

7. Mauna Loa (USA)

Hawaii is a volcanic island, and the largest Hawaiian volcano in the world, Mauna Loa, although the oldest, is still very active. The lava erupting from it moves at the speed of a person's brisk walking. In 1950, it produced almost 400 million cubic meters lava that reached the ocean in three hours, covering a distance of 24 km. Since 1984, the volcano has not been particularly harmful, however, over the past decade, its top has begun to cause concern among seismologists.

8. Popocatepetl (Mexico)

Although the volcano is located about 70 km south of the capital Mexico City, with its population of nine million, it is still a powder keg of potential trouble. Popocatépetl erupted 11 times between 1994 and 2016, scaring people to death while putting on a spectacular show. Its last major eruption was recorded in 2000, when 40 thousand people had to be urgently evacuated. In March 2016, Popocatepetl released a column of smoke 2 km high into the sky. Fortunately, by this time the Mexican government had already created an 11 km "safety ring" around the hot top.

Volcanoes are geological formations on the surface of the crust of the Earth or another planet, where magma comes to the surface, forming lava, volcanic gases, stones (volcanic bombs and pyroclastic flows).

The word "volcano" comes from the name of the ancient Roman god of fire, Vulcan.

The science that studies volcanoes is volcanology and geomorphology.

Volcanoes are classified by shape (shield, stratovolcanoes, cinder cones, domes), activity (active, dormant, extinct), location (terrestrial, underwater), etc.

Volcanoes are divided depending on the degree of volcanic activity into active, dormant and extinct. An active volcano is considered to be a volcano that erupted during a historical period of time or in the Holocene. The concept of “active” is quite inaccurate, since a volcano with active fumaroles is classified by some scientists as active, and by others as extinct. Dormant volcanoes are considered to be inactive volcanoes where eruptions are possible, and extinct volcanoes are considered to be those where they are unlikely.

However, there is no consensus among volcanologists on how to define an active volcano. The period of volcanic activity can last from several months to several million years. Many volcanoes exhibited volcanic activity tens of thousands of years ago, but are not considered active today.

Astrophysicists, from a historical perspective, believe that volcanic activity, caused, in turn, by the tidal influence of other celestial bodies, may contribute to the emergence of life. In particular, it was volcanoes that contributed to the formation earth's atmosphere and hydrosphere, releasing a significant amount carbon dioxide and water vapor. Scientists also note that too active volcanism, such as on Jupiter's moon Io, can make the planet's surface uninhabitable. At the same time, weak tectonic activity leads to the disappearance of carbon dioxide and sterilization of the planet. “These two cases represent potential boundaries for planetary habitability and exist alongside the traditional parameters of habitable zones for systems of low-mass main sequence stars,” the scientists write.

Volcanoes, for all their danger, are one of the most beautiful and majestic wonders of nature. Active volcanoes look especially beautiful at night. But this beauty brings death to everything around. Lava, volcanic bombs, pyroclastic flows consisting of hot volcanic gases, ash and stones can wipe out even big cities. Humanity has seen the incredible power of volcanoes during the infamous eruption of Vesuvius, which destroyed the ancient Roman cities of Herculaneum, Pompeii and Stabiae. And there are many such examples in history. The largest volcanoes in the world - today we’ll talk about these dangerous but beautiful giants. Our list includes volcanoes varying degrees activity – from conditionally sleeping to active ones. The main selection criterion was their size.

10 Sangay Height 5,230 meters

Opens the ranking of the most large volcanoes on Earth there is an active stratovolcano Sangay, located in Ecuador. Its height is 5230 meters. The summit of the volcano consists of three craters with a diameter of 50 to 100 meters. Sangay is one of the youngest and most restless volcanoes South America. Its first eruption occurred in 1628. The last one took place in 2007. Now the volcanic activity of the giant from the Equator is assessed as moderate. Tourists who visited National Park Sangay, on whose territory the volcano is located, can climb to its peak.

9 Popocatepetl Height 5,455 meters

2

In 9th place among the largest volcanoes in the world is Popocatepetl. It is located in the Mexican Highlands. The height of the volcano is 5455 meters. Even in a calm state, the volcano is constantly shrouded in a cloud of gases and ash. Its danger lies in the fact that there are densely populated areas around the volcano, and Mexico City is located 60 kilometers from it. The last eruption of the giant occurred quite recently - on March 27, 2016, it threw out a kilometer-long column of ash. The next day Popocatepetl calmed down. If the Mexican giant erupts strongly, it will threaten the safety of several million people.

8 Elbrus Height 5,642 meters

3

There are large volcanoes in Europe. In the North Caucasus there is the Elbrus stratovolcano, whose height is 5642 meters. This is the highest peak in Russia. Elbrus is one of the seven highest mountain peaks planets. Scientists have different opinions about the activity of the giant. Some consider it an extinct volcano, while others consider it a dying one. Sometimes Elbrus becomes the center of small earthquakes. In some places on its surface, sulfur dioxide gases emerge from cracks. Scientists who believe that Elbrus may wake up in the future express the opinion that the nature of its eruption will be explosive.

7 Orizaba Height 5,675 meters

4

The seventh place on the list of the largest volcanoes on Earth is Orizaba, the highest peak in Mexico. The height of the volcano is 5675 meters. It last erupted in 1687. Now Orizaba is considered a dormant volcano. From its top, stunning panoramic views open up. In order to protect the volcano, a reserve was created.

6 Misti Height 5,822 meters

5

In 6th place on the list of the largest volcanoes is Misti, located in the south of Peru. Its height is 5822 meters. Misti is an active volcano. It last erupted in 1985. In January 2016, an increase in fumarole activity was observed on the volcano - steam and gas vents appeared. This is one of the signs of an impending eruption. In 1998, six Inca mummies were found near the inner crater of the volcano. Interesting fact– Many buildings in the city of Arequipa, located 17 kilometers from the volcano, are built from white deposits of the Misti pyroclastic flows. That's why Arequipa is called the "White City".

5 Kilimanjaro Height 5,895 meters

6

The fifth place among the largest volcanoes on the planet is occupied by the highest point of the African continent - Kilimanjaro. Scientists have concluded that this giant stratovolcano, 5895 meters high, is potentially active. Now it periodically releases gases and there is a possibility of the crater of the volcano collapsing, which could trigger an eruption. There is no documentary evidence of Kilimanjaro's activity, but there are legends local residents, which speak of an eruption that occurred about 200 years ago.

4 Cotopaxi Height 5,897 meters

7

In fourth place on the list of the largest volcanoes on Earth is Cotopaxi, the second largest peak in Ecuador. This is an active volcano with a height of 5897 meters. The first time its activity was recorded was in 1534. Since then, the volcano has erupted more than 50 times. Kotpahi's last major eruption occurred in August 2015.

3 San Pedro Height 6,145 meters

8

The active stratovolcano San Pedro, located in Chile, ranks 3rd among the largest volcanoes in the world. Its height is 6145 meters. The last volcanic eruption occurred in 1960.

2 Mauna Loa Height 4,205 meters

9

The second largest volcano in the world is Mauna Loa, located in the Hawaiian Islands. In terms of volume, it is the largest volcano on Earth, containing more than 32 cubic kilometers of magma. The giant was formed more than 700 thousand years ago. Mauna Loa is an active volcano. In 1984, its eruption lasted almost a month and caused enormous damage to local residents and the area surrounding the volcano.

1 Llullaillaco Height 6,739 meters

10

In first place among the largest volcanoes in the world is the active starting volcano of Llullaillaco. It is located on the border of Argentina and Chile. Its height is 6739 meters. The giant's last eruption took place in 1877. Now it is in the solfata stage - from time to time the volcano emits sulfur dioxide gases and water vapor. In 1952, during the first ascent of Llullaillaco, an ancient Inca sanctuary was found. Later, archaeologists discovered three child mummies on the slopes of the volcano. Most likely they were sacrificed. This is interesting. Yellowstone Caldera, whose size is approximately 55 km by 72 km, is called a supervolcano. It is located in Yellowstone national park USA. The volcano has not been active for 640 thousand years. Under its crater there is a bubble of magma more than 8 thousand meters deep. During its existence, the supervolcano erupted three times. Each time this caused major cataclysms that changed the appearance of the Earth at the site of the eruption. It is impossible to predict when the supervolcano will wake up again. Only one thing can be said with certainty: a cataclysm of this magnitude can bring the existence of our civilization to the brink.

There are hundreds of volcanoes on the surface of the Earth. Among them there are the highest volcanoes, the most powerful volcanoes, the most large volcanoes. And they have one thing in common - each rises tens and hundreds of meters and frightens with its power: it is possible that the volcano will begin to release steam and ash.

Where are the most active volcanoes?

Volcanoes are geological formations that appear in earth's crust over the cracks. And it is through them that ash, lava, loose rocks, water vapor and gases break through to the surface.

A volcano is called active if it showed signs of activity (for example, emitting gas and steam) in historical time for humans.

The most a large number of active volcanoes are located on the territory of the Malay Archipelago. It is the largest on the planet, located between the continents of Australia and Asia. And in Russia, a large cluster of volcanoes is located in Kamchatka and Kuril Islands. About 60 volcanoes erupt in this part every year. But there is data on 627 volcanoes that showed signs of life in the last 10 thousand years.

The largest volcano

One of the largest volcanoes in the world is called Mauna Loa. It literally translates to "Long Mountain" in Hawaiian. The volcano occupies most of the island of Hawaii and is considered perhaps the most active in the world. Mauna Low has erupted exactly 33 times since it was first recorded in 1843. The last time the volcano came to life was in 1984. Then approximately 30 thousand acres of land were covered with lava, and the area of ​​the island itself increased by 180 hectares. Mauna Low rises 4169 meters above sea level. But if you measure the height of the volcano from the bottom, the figure will be twice as high - 9 thousand meters. This is even higher than the famous Mount Everest.

Hawaiian is not only the largest and most powerful volcano, it is also the most massive. Its volume from base to top is 75 thousand cubic kilometers. By the way, there are many legends around Mauna Low. According to one of them, the queen of volcanoes Pele was expelled from her home by her elder sister, who was the goddess of water and the sea. When Pele tried to build herself own house, her sister sent waves to destroy him. As a result, Pele settled on the island and made herself a house called Mauna Low, it was so massive that the waves could not overwhelm it.

Tallest active volcano

Some call Llullaillaco the highest active volcano. It is located in the Chilean-Argentine Andes. Its height is 6 thousand 723 meters. The largest eruption of the largest volcano was last recorded in 1877.

However, on the question of which is the tallest active volcano in the world, the opinions of scientists differ. Some believe that Cotopaxi is the highest. It is located in the South American Andes, in Ecuador. Its height is less than the previous one, only 5 thousand 897 meters. But the last major eruption was recorded in 1942. Cotopaxi can rightfully be called the most beautiful in Ecuador. This is thanks to the riot of greenery at the foot and the graceful crater. However, the picture is deceptive. Cotopaxi, like a number of others, is the most dangerous volcanoes. In Ecuador, since 1742, 10 fairly large eruptions have been recorded that destroyed the city of Latacunga (it lies very close to Cotopaxi).

The most famous volcanoes

However, all of the above volcanoes are hardly known to the general public. The most famous volcanoes in the world are Vesuvius, Fuji or, for example, Etna.

Vesuvius is located in southern Italy near Naples and is active. True, the volcano is not very large, its height is only 1281 meters. Vesuvius is one of three active volcanoes in the country. And one of the most dangerous in the world. Today, more than 80 eruptions are known to humanity, and the most famous one occurred 2 millennia ago - in 79. It was then that the cities of Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum were destroyed. The last eruption was recorded in 1944; lava destroyed the cities of Massa and San Sebastiano.

The highest volcano in Africa and generally the highest point of the continent is Kilimanjaro. The volcano is located in Tanzania, 300 kilometers south of the equator. One of the peaks of Kilimanjaro - Kibo - reaches 5895 meters. Uhuru Peak is the highest point of the volcano. Scientists suggest that Kilimanjaro is more than a million years old. And what’s most surprising is that even though the volcano is located almost on the equator, many glaciers have accumulated on its slopes.

The largest volcanoes can be seen in Asia. The famous Fuji is located on the Japanese island of Honshu, 150 kilometers from Tokyo. The volcano has an almost perfect conical outline and has been an object of cult for local residents since ancient times. The height of the mountain is 3776 meters. Now the volcano is weakly active; the last time experts recorded an eruption was in 1707.

The most powerful volcanic eruption

But the most powerful volcanic eruption in history occurred in 1883. On May 20, Krakatoa began to show activity. It was on this day that residents of the Indonesian capital began to hear the first rumbles: people began to feel shaking from the volcano, which is located 50 kilometers from the capital. Such phenomena lasted three months, the volcano either subsided or became more active. Layers of floating pumice accumulated on the surface.

On August 27 of that year, the largest volcanic eruption that man has ever seen occurred. The rumble was heard even 5 thousand kilometers from the epicenter. The ash rose to a height of 30 kilometers. The volcanic structure scattered over a vast area, within a radius of up to 500 kilometers. The gas-ash column rose 70 kilometers, that is, it rose all the way into the mesosphere. The ash covered more than 4 million square kilometers and occupied a total of 18 cubic kilometers. The force of the explosion was estimated at 6 points. According to experts, this is 200 thousand times more powerful than the explosion that destroyed Hiroshima. The largest volcano in the world, Ojos del Salado, is considered extinct.

The volcano is called inactive. This is because not a single eruption has been recorded in the history of mankind. However, sometimes Ojos del Salado reminds itself. For example, in 1993, a release of water vapor and sulfur was noticed.

By the way, as the editors of the site managed to find out, some geographers have already reclassified the volcano as active. Thus, removing Llullaillaco from the first place on the list of the highest active volcanoes. However, the debate on this issue has not yet subsided.

Also interesting is the fact that the highest mountain in Russia, Elbrus, is also a volcano.
Subscribe to our channel in Yandex.Zen