Which volcano is active? The history of the six most dangerous volcanoes in the world

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    The eruption of the Grímsvötn volcano in southeast Iceland entered the active phase on May 21, 2011. Active volcanoes, along with earthquakes, can pose a great danger, and Indonesia is the undisputed world record holder both for the number of volcanic activity and for the earthquakes occurring on its territory. The planet's largest archipelago is part of the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire" - a horseshoe-shaped strip of volcanoes and tectonic faults 40 thousand kilometers long. She girdles Pacific Ocean, running along the coast of South and North America to southern Alaska, then turns to Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia and ends in the island area New Guinea, New Zealand and southwest Oceania. It is in the “Ring of Fire” that almost 90% of the approximately one and a half thousand known volcanoes on the planet are located.

    Rhyolite poles in the Velislav Organ. The most interesting thing is that the magma, cooled and solidified in the chimney, formed the characteristic poles. Having frozen, it lost volume, which caused the stone to split. The forces acting here caused the formation of hexagonal pillars, which is the rule with uniform cooling. The columns are located perpendicular to the surface, which cools the magma.

    And these strange looking poles made us the most impressed. As for the Velislav organ, we are ready to sing peanuts, because these are purely poetic forms of those roasted in the chimney of a volcanic chimney about 250 million years ago. He discovered an abandoned quarry on the slope of Velislavka, on the Kazawa River. There are columns, but exclusively formed not from basalt, but rhodolite - an extrusive rock with a composition and origin similar to granite, but with a completely different structure. The organs are clearly visible from the road.

    90% of all earthquakes on Earth take place there.

    Volcano Merapi in the central part of the Indonesian island of Java, whose height is about 3000 meters, is one of the ten most active volcanoes on the planet. Its name is translated in several versions: “place where the fire burns”, “fire mountain”, “red fire”. At the end of October 2010, Merapi entered the active eruption stage.

    They have a rusty color due to the admixture of iron compounds. They made me no less impressed than Velislav's organs. To get to them, you must enter the red trail from the village of Mölibur on Rattay Hill, where a beautiful pool was created in the excavations of a former quarry - one of its walls is formed by the Small Mölibor Organ.

    It's easy to get into because it's visible from road no. This is a great vantage point from which you can see it. The volcano was in this place about 20 million years ago. Basalt rocks exposed the quarry. This is probably the most classic volcanic cone you can imagine. You can see it from several kilometers away. A nature reserve was created on the top of the hill, which includes the unique basalt pits in Poland.

    In the west of the island of Java there is a 2,622-meter active volcano, Papandayan, which last erupted in 2002.

    AFP/ Mario Laporta

    Vesuvius is the only active volcano in continental Europe. The height of Vesuvius is 1281 meters, the crater is about 750 m in diameter. It is not without reason that Vesuvius is considered one of the most dangerous and famous volcanoes world, because it was he who, almost 2 thousand years ago, destroyed one of the cities of the Roman Empire, known to everyone as Pompeii.

    Mount Wilcha really disappointed us. We drew information about a unique basalt rose that formed the columns of an active volcano for up to 15.5 million years. There is no rose or trail, and the protected area extends only on one side of the hill, in addition to being less attractive and with rocks heavily covered with greenery. There was an active quarry on the other side of the hill that was off-limits, and boards warned from afar not to get too close as the rocks exploded. Although there are many places where you can find information about the attraction of this place, it is not worth visiting.

    AFP/ Fabrizio VILLA

    Etna is an active volcano located on east coast Sicily, near the cities of Messina and Catania. Its height cannot be indicated accurately, as it is constantly changing as a result of eruptions. Etna's area covers 1250 square kilometers. As a result of lateral eruptions, Etna has 400 craters. On average, the volcano erupts lava once every three months.

    Since then, she has changed her appearance many times. The interiors, cloisters and bastions of the castle are worth visiting. It is also a castle located on extinct volcano, but far beyond the Kachava Hills, because in Czech Republic. There, in today's bohemian paradise, a strange volcano with two craters was active until 16 million years ago. The rocks below the towers are joined by a 15-meter wall, creating the courtyard of an incredible castle.

    Although tourist guides may include almost all of Italy, there are still places that are highly regarded by both tourists and Italians themselves. Starting next summer, one of the country's largest tour operators will organize trips to the best Italian resorts, known as Rimini, where Italians themselves have vacationed. For those looking for more intense sunshine, the island of Sicily recommends spicy pizza with mafia spices, where different stories hide behind every corner.

    Yellowstone Caldera, located in Yellowstone national park in the USA - the largest volcanic system in North America.

    It is often called a “supervolcano”, as it was formed as a result of a catastrophic eruption 640 thousand years ago. There are about three thousand geysers in the park, which is two-thirds of all geysers in the world. Besides Yellowstone, there are only four geyser fields— The Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka, as well as fields in Iceland, Chile and New Zealand. In addition to geysers, the park contains about ten thousand different geothermal springs, including hot and hydrogen sulfide springs, mud volcanoes and many others. This is half of all geothermal sources in the world. In May 2001, the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory was established. Its tasks include not only monitoring volcanic and geothermal activity, but also assessing the possible dangers associated with this activity.

    The Sicilian landscape creates unforgettable impression- the plane descending in Catania meets travelers with the most high volcano in Europe, Mount Etna, the rocky mountains invite you for a walk and the evening sun colors Sicilian towns and villages in typical terracotta.

    Terracotta is a porous, low-calorie clay pottery that covers Sicilian buildings. Leisure in Sicily associated with mountainous and aquatic species activities, as well as access to local history to see the power of cultural and architectural objects - it is not for nothing that Sicily is called the land of the Cyclopes and legends.

    The Sakurajima volcano is located on the island of Kyushu in the Japanese prefecture of Kagoshima, its height is 1117 meters. Sakurajima is a stratovolcano and belongs to the first category volcanoes, that is, it can begin to erupt at any time. Sakurajima is an almost constant source of concern for local residents; the last time the volcano was active was in March 2009.

    Young, active people and families are hiring this most destitute Italian island for their holidays. Although many of the island's names are associated with the Italian mafia, Sicilians are very friendly to tourists and appreciate them. By the way, the island is especially loved by couples because there are many hotels in Sicily at attractive prices, with special attention paid to citizenship issues for newlyweds, said the Department of International Development Tour Operator Products and Manager.

    The island encountered Phoenician, Cartanian, Levantine, Roman, and Greek cultures. Walking through cities such as Palermo, travelers may see Arab houses and arches, Byzantine mosaics or the remains of Norman palaces. Sicily is a real mixture of cultures, and although there are not many large "all-inclusive" hotels in Italy, the quality of tourism services on the island is the best in Italy, said Š.

    AFP/ Marco Longari

    Nyiragongo is an active volcano with a height of 3469 meters, located in the Virunga Mountains in central Africa and is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes on the African continent.

    Nyiragongo overlaps with two older volcanoes, Baratu and Shaheru, and is surrounded by hundreds of small smoldering side volcanic cones. Nyiragongo, together with neighboring Nyamuragira, accounts for 40% of all observed eruptions in Africa.

    Authentic Sicilian cuisine has remained faithful over the years to a few ingredients found on the island: shellfish, celery, citrus fruits, tuna and swordfish, pistachios, almonds. They say you must try Arancini and Cannoli in Sicily.

    Holidays in Sicily are captivated by the variety of beaches. Each one is different and distinct - it's not just the names that are different. As you travel around the island, rocks, rocks are grass, grass is rocks and rubbish and sand. Beaches awarded with Blue Flag awards provide all the necessary services and public transport on the island - nice and comfortable.

    AFP/ Omar Torres

    Mexico's most famous volcano, Popocatepetl, is located just 40 kilometers southeast of the country's capital. The height of Popocatepetl above sea level is 5 thousand 452 meters. For a long time it was considered extinct, but in the mid-90s Popocatepetl began to show the first signs of activity, displaying a formidable disposition and justifying its name, which translated from the Aztec Nahuatl language means “Smoky Mountain”. Since 1519, more than 20 large eruptions of the Popocatepetl volcano have been recorded.

    You can drive through the island in three to four hours. You can travel independently or take advantage of the offered excursions and guide services. We organize trips as cultural heritage, and to the beautiful natural objects, - said Š. The family is fascinated by the “kilometers” of sandy beaches.

    The second season of the new tourist season - Rimini. One of the oldest and deepest Italian resorts- especially a good choice for families. During the day you can enjoy the beaches, and in the evening the wave sweeping away the coast replaces live music. Local entrepreneurs are trying to offer their guests best services, many of whom can easily speak several languages foreign languages. By the way, the resort loves holidays for the Italian family.

    Sierra Negra is an active volcano on the island of Isabela ( Galapagos Islands). Sierra Negra has the second largest crater in the world with a diameter of 11 kilometers, its height above sea level is 1124 m. The last volcanic eruption occurred in 2006.

    AFP/ Desire Martin

    Teide is a volcano on the island of Tenerife, the most high point Spain. The height of the volcano is 3718 m, relative height above the bottom Atlantic Ocean— 7500 m, is highest peak in this ocean. The island of Tenerife is the third largest volcanic island in the world. Teide is currently dormant, having last erupted in 1909.

    In Rimini you can combine a relaxing holiday on the beaches with sightseeing tours. The beaches are wide and the sea slowly deepens, making the seaside resort very child-friendly. Exist different levels and hotel prices so you have plenty to choose from.

    The specialist emphasizes that Rimini is attractive not only because of the relatively short flight to it, low prices, sandy beaches, but also him geographical location. From Rimini you can travel to the jewels of Italy - Florence, Venice, Verona, Milan, Raven and around the corner - the ghostly San Marino, which claims to be the oldest constitutional monarchy. Tourists will be able to choose tours or travel on their own, said a representative of the company organizing the trip.

    Yesterday it became known that the Shiveluch volcano in Kamchatka again sharply intensified and threw a column of ash 6 km high into the sky. We decided to give a list of others active volcanoes which can cause people big trouble.

    Etna, Italy

    This volcano is the highest and most dangerous in Europe. More than once in the recent history of Italy, lava flows threatened the settlements of Sicily. On average, it erupts lava once every three months. In 2008, Etna's major eruption lasted a whole year. At the top of the volcano there are four permanently active craters. When lava erupts, fragments of lava are thrown thousands of meters into the air and then settle into solid slag on the slopes of the volcano.

    One of the most famous directors in the world, Federico Fellini, grew up in the region. The resort has inspired countless films, so walking with Fellini and seeing the streets of the resort through his eyes is a truly exciting experience. Interestingly, the resort was almost completely destroyed during World War II, citing a centuries-old tradition: the Allies occupy more than one and a half million shells in the German-occupied city.

    One of the most famous directors in the world, Federico Fellini, grew up in the region. The resort has inspired countless films, so walking with Fellini and seeing the streets of the resort through his eyes is a truly exciting experience. Interestingly, the resort was almost completely destroyed during World War II, citing a centuries-old tradition: the Allies occupy more than one and a half million shells in the German-occupied city.


    It must take approximately half a century for the channel along which the fiery mass flowed to begin to be overgrown with the first grass. Therefore, on Etna, zones of vegetation alternate with zones that are completely lifeless. The land at the foot of Etna is very fertile. Therefore, despite the constant danger threatening local residents, they are in no hurry to move to other regions of Italy. Unique vineyards also grow here, providing the whole country with excellent wine. Therefore, the foot of Etna is a very popular route for travelers, although it is completely unsafe - after all, no one can say exactly when the next major eruption will begin.


    Merapi, Indonesia

    This volcano, which erupts regularly, regularly causes the death of many people who regularly settle on its slopes. In 2006, five thousand people died and more than two hundred thousand were left homeless as a result of a major eruption. In 2010, a powerful eruption occurred again, but, fortunately, most of the residents managed to evacuate, so there were no major casualties.


    Small eruptions occur here twice a year, and large ones every seven to eight years. At the foot of the volcano there are wonderful temples and other attractions that are interesting for tourists who are ready to try their luck and visit these places. For example, on the southern slope there is a complex of medieval Hindu and Buddhist temples, which is recognized by UNESCO as a monument World Heritage, royal palace Ratu Boko.


    Popocatepetl, Mexico

    This slumbering killer is located just 70 kilometers from Mexico City, home to nine million people. This volcano is the most dangerous of the others large volcanoes Mexico. The last eruption in 2000 forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people and even led to the melting of glaciers. In the Nahuatl language, the name of the Popocatepetl volcano is translated as Smoking Hill.


    There were times when the volcano was considered to have calmed down forever, however, the giant always reminded of itself with a menacing grumble and steam escaping from the crater. Locals They always treated the volcano with great respect, obviously because the land around, abundantly strewn with volcanic ash, was always very fertile, and the main crop - maize - had an amazing taste. Popocatepetl attracts tourists, climbers and simply romantics who want to touch the secrets of the ancient volcano.


    Sierra Negra, Galapagos Islands

    This active volcano rises more than a kilometer above sea level and has the second largest crater in the world, with a diameter of 11 kilometers. The volcano's last major eruption occurred in 2005. Tourists are attracted here by the beauty of the nature surrounding the volcano, as well as the opportunity to climb to the crater of the volcano and ride on horseback along its edge and get acquainted with the amazing flora and fauna of the slopes of the volcano, the diversity of which contrasts sharply with the lifeless crater.