Volcanoes are some of the most powerful natural phenomenon on earth. When they erupt, deadly magma flows down the side of the structure, bringing ash, rock and water barreling down rapidly at more than 1,000 degrees. More than 100,000 people have been killed by volcanoes. Currently, there are more than 1,000 active volcanoes in the world. Here are nine of the world’s most amazing active volcanoes.
1. Mount Fuji
Located in Japan, this explosive volcano last erupted in 1707, spraying ash all over the area. The seismic activity increased slightly in 2000, causing alarm about a possible eruption. Each year, over 200,000 adventurers climb the majestic structure, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan.
2. Mount Vesuvius
This astonishing volcano is notorious for the deadly eruption that destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, killing more than 20,000 people. The A.D. 79 volcano eruption was the first eruption to be documented in detail. Another eruption occurred in 1631, and 4,000 individuals were killed. Millions of people live close to the volcano, so another eruption could result in thousands of lives being lost. Situated in Italy, this majestic volcano last erupted in 1944. This amazing volcano is astonishing.
3. Mount Etna
Situated on the east coast of Italy near Sicily, this mighty volcano has more recorded eruptions than any other volcano in history. One of the most catastrophic eruptions occurred in 1669 when more than 1,500 people were killed. The most recent scare took place in 1992 when dangerous lava flowed down on the area. Experts believe that Etna is so active because it sits on a fault. Today, people ski on the mountain, and many locals grow olives, grapes, or fruit on the land. When the volcano erupts, it is a beautiful sight.
4. Kilauea
This Hawaiian volcano is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. In the 1900s, there were almost 50 eruptions, and the last eruption took place in 2011. According to Hawaiian legend, The Goddess of Fire resides in the volcano. This majestic mountain, located on the Big Island, attracts millions of tourists each year, so it is an astonishing sight.
5. Santa Maria
This magnificent volcano, located in Guatemala, caused one of the largest eruptions in recent memory when the mountain exploded in 1902. The volcano is considered dangerous because a huge lava-dome structure formed in the crater caused by the 1902 eruption. If the dome collapses, it could cause thousands of deaths.
6. Mayon Volcano
Situated in the Philippines, this cone-shaped mountain has erupted almost 50 times in the past 400 years. The worst eruption took place in 1814 when more than 2,000 people were killed. When the mountain erupts, lava and mudflow down, putting countless lives in danger. The last recorded eruption occurred in 2010.
7. Osorno
This active volcano, situated in Chile, is remarkable. About 12 eruptions have occurred since 1575. The lava flow that occurred during these eruptions was powerful. You can see breathtaking views of the mountain from Llanquihue Lake.
8. Stromboli
Nicknamed the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean, this active volcano has erupted frequently for the last 200 years. It is one of the most visited volcanoes in the world. The eruptions are a remarkable sight. Masses of molten rock spew from the volcano, creating an incredible display.
9. Mount Yasur
Situated on Tanna, this impressive mountain allows visitors the opportunity to just stroll right up and look down into its center. Three people have been killed because they wandered into dangerous territory. When explosions take place, the earth shakes violently, shooting fragments in the air.
