10 Famous Volcanoes Of The World

1.Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland

The Eyjafjallajokull volcano, one of Iceland’s largest, had been dormant for nearly two centuries before returning gently to life in the late evening of March 20, 2010, noticeable at first not by any great seismic activity but by the emergence of a red cloud glowing above the vast glacier that covers it. In the following days, fire fountains jetted from a dozen vents on the volcano, reaching as high as 100 meters, according to the Institute of Earth Sciences at the University of Iceland. That spectacular show, along with lava flows up to 20 meters thick, and “lava falls” to the volcano’s northeast, turned it into a full-fledged tourist attraction.The volcano seemed to return to somnolence. Then on April 14, 2010, an explosion sent clouds of ash soaring as high as 11,000 meters.

2.Semeru, Island of Java

Mount Semeru is the highest mountain on the Island of Java and its most active one. Semeru’s height is 3,676 m. It features a crater lake through the summit line. Since 1818 there have been around 55 eruptions recorded (with 10 of them resulting in fatalities). The continuous activity of this volcano has been recorded since 1967, with it exhibiting regular ash, smoke, and explosions every 30-50 minutes at times. The official name of the volcano is derived from “-meru” (the name of a central world-mountain in Buddhist cosmology) and the prefix su-, resulting in the meaning “wonderful Meru.” Though it’s known to be in a near-constant eruption state, Mount Semeru is regularly climbed by

3.Ruapehu, New Zealand

Ruapehu is an active stratovolcano in New Zealand, standing at 2,797 m. It contains three summits with an active crater located between them. It is considered to be one of the world’s most active volcanoes and the largest active volcano in New Zealand. Ruapehu got its name from a Maori world which means “exploding abyss.” The last eruption is dated to the 25th of September in 2007 andit happened without warning. It’s documented that Ruapehu has been at level 1 (according to the Richter scale) since 1997. Despite this phase of unrest and unpredictability, Ruapehu is visited quite often. It’s highly recommended that visitors be prepared and have basic survival equipment on-hand.

4.Redoubt Mount, Alaska

Redoubt is an active and recently eruptive stratovolcano in the U.S. state of Alaska. It stands at 2,700 m. It has reached its strongest activity in the 20th century in 1902, 1966 and 1989. During the last eruption in 2009, 6 explosions were recorded which sent an ash plume more than 9 miles into the air. This was the biggest volcanic emissions in nearly 20 years. The official name of the mountain is an English translation of the Russian name “Sopka Redutskaya” which stands for “a fortified place.” Thsi name was given to the mountain in 1981 by the Board of Geographical Names.

5.Piton de la Fournaise, Mascarene Islands

Piton de la Fournaise is a shield active volcano on the Reunion Islands in the Indian Ocean at 2,631 m in height. Currently it is known as the most active volcano in the world. One of its recent eruptions lasted for almost 6 months from August 2006 until January 2007. The next eruptions were observed in February 2007, September 2008, and the most recent one happened on January 12, 2010. Piton de la Fournaise is connected to civilization with a highway — a high quality road which makes this famous place of attraction available to visitors. Piton de la Fournaise is depicted on the unofficial flag of the Reunion Islands.

6.Gunung Merapi, Indonesia

Gurung Merapi (meaning Mountain of Fire) is an active conical volcano located on the border between Central Java and the Yogyakarta Province of Indonesia. Its height is 2,914 m. Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia with regular major eruptions every 7 years and minor ones every 2 years. The latest eruptions of Merapi that caused major fatalities were in 1930, 1974 and 1975. Several fatal incidents with tourists and volcanologists’ have occurred in addition to fatalities from major eruptions. Despite the peaceful phases of inactivity, the smoke coming from the top can be observed almost every day. It always reminds residents about the resting danger.

7.Llaima, Chile

Llaima is the largest and most active volcano in Chile at 3,125 m. Llaima stands for “Bloody Veins” (in mapuche, Indian). It resembles those bloody veins when you see streams of glowing lava flowing from the peak. Major eruptions are dated to 1994, 2008 and 2009. An eruption in 2008 forced the area to undertake evacuation measures to protect people from nearby settlements. A strong column of the eruption’s ashes traveled east and reached the Atlantic Ocean in around 4 days. During its inactive phase, Llaima stands in the beauty of the Araucária forests growing on the slopes with a strong snowy cover stretching 1,200 m high. There is the ski recreation center on the western side of the volcano.

8.Etna, Sicily

Etna (which means “mountain of fire” in Arabic) is the highest and the most active volcano in Europe (3,326 m). It is known to havehad about 200 eruptions during its lifetime. An interesting fact is that Etna changes in height from eruption to eruption. For instance, now it is 21.6 m lower than in 1865. Each 150 years, Etna destroys one of the neighbor settlements, but despite this fact the nearby territories are densely populated. The thing is that cold lava makes the soil extremely fertile which provides great conditions to raise vineyards, other fruits, and olives. Recently, Etna has been deeply analyzed by scientists who claim that “Friendly Etna” is becoming more and more dangerous.

9.Popocatépētl, Mexico

Popocatépētl (also called as Popo and Don Goyo) is an active stratovolcano in Mexico. It reaches its highest peak at 5,426 m and is the second highest summit in the country. Popocatépētl got its name from nāhuatl words “popōca” (smoke) and tepētl (“mountain”) which means “Smoking Mountain” and fully describes its behavior. Until the nineties, Popo was a favorite recreational snowboarding center for citizens. In 1947 it began its new cycle of activity with a major eruption that year. It is now monitored by scientists attentively. The residents of neighboring towns enjoy the views of snow-whitey mountains of Popocatépētl during most of the year.

10.Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Cotopaxi is a stratovolcano located in Andes Mountains. It is the highest active volcano in the world (5,897 m) and the second highest summit in Ecuador. Cotopaxi distinguishes itself with a riot of greenery at its foot and a graceful crater. It is also considered the most dangerous of active volcanoes. There have been more than 50 eruptions of Cotopaxi Since 1738. Its eruption activity causes destruction of the neighboring town of Lacatunga. The volcano has been relatively inactive since 1904. This is what makes Cotopaxi the most popular attraction for climbers, bikers and tourists. In traditional Tigua paintings, Cotopaxi is usually depicted as an integral part of cultural life.

10 Most Famous Volcanoes Of The Philippines

1. Mount Mayon
This is the most picturesque of all the volcanoes in the Philippines - Mayon Volcano, an active stratovolcano in the province of Albay. Mayon is the most active volcano in the country, having erupted over 47 times in the past 400 years. The first recorded eruption was in 1616. Mayon Volcano is the main landmark of Albay, Philippines.

This volcano is considered to be the world's most perfectly formed volcano for its symmetrical cone.


2.Taal

The gateway for most visitors is through Tagaytay City, from the ridge where a panoramic view of Volcano Island can be seen.Taal volcano, a 406 meter-high crater, is the world's smallest active volcano. It is described as “crater within an island within a lake” because it stands as an island at Taal Lake. There have been 33 recorded eruptions of Taal since 1572. What makes Taal Volcano more unique is the fact that the volcano itself has a lake of its own inside its crater which is called the “Crater Lake.”


3. Mount Pinatubo

A giant reawaken after more than 400 years of deep slumber. The volcano's eruption in June 1991 produced the second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century. With an elevation of 1,745m this volcano is located in Zambales. Mt. Pinatubo is a popular tourist destination in Central Luzon. A 2-3 hour trek then commences on a trail that leads to its crater lake. Facilities include a view deck , cottages, and kayaks. Swimming in the lake is allowed  although it is restricted to the proximal banks.

4. Mount Apo

Mount Apo is a large stratovolcano on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. It is the highest mountain in the

country and overlooks Davao City. Its name means “master” or “grandfather.” Apo is flat topped, with three peaks, and is capped by a 500 m wide volcanic crater containing a small crater lake. It is a source of geothermal energy.

Mount Apo is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,954 m. In 1936, Mount Apo was declared a National Park. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountain is home to over 270 bird species, with more than a hundred that are endemic. The Mt. Apo Natural Park includes 629 species under 148 families of vascular and non-vascular plants. Five hundred seventy two species belong to 124 families of ferns and angiosperms, while 57 species belong to 24 families of bryophytes or mosses.

5. Mount Arayat

Mt. Arayat is an inactive volcano in Pampanga, Philippines rising to a height of 1026 m above sea level. The

volcano is located in a flat agricultural region within the municipality of Arayat, Pampanga. Mt. Pinatubo is locateda further ten miles west.


It is considered a mystical mountain, and people are against a proposal to place radio antennas atop the peak.Two trails lead to the two peaks of Mt. Arayat. Mt. Arayat National Park has a trail to Peak 1. This is the more popular trail, taking around 3-4 hours to reach the peak. Peak 1 offers views of Central Luzon, including Pampanga River, the mountains of Zambales and Bataan, and the mountains of the Sierra Madre Range. On the other hand, Peak 2 can be accessed from Magalang, Pampanga.


6. Mount Banahaw

A dormant volcanic complex located on the boundary of Laguna and Quezon, Philippines. It is considered to be sacred by the local residents because of its “holy water and or holy sites. It has a height of 2,158 m, above seal level.
Mt. Banahaw is a traditional pilgrimage site for locals, being considered a "holy mountain". It is also popular
among mountain climbers being the closest >2000-meter mountain to Manila. Hiking activity peaks during Holy Week of each year, with climbers numbering thousands. Points of interest include the Cave of God the Father and the spring at Brgy. Kinabuhayan, said to have curative powers.


7.Mount Bulusan
Mt. Bulusan or Bulusan Volcano is the southernmost volcano on Luzon Island in the Philippines. It is found in the province of Sorsogon in Bicol 70 km southeast of Mayon Volcano. It has four craters and four hot springs; San Benon Springs, Mapaso Springs, San Vicente Springs, Masacrot Springs.

Its adjacent volcanic edifices are Mt. Homahan, Mt. Binitacan, Mt. Batuan, Mt. Calungalan, Mt. Calaunan, Mt. Tabon-Tabon, Mt. Juban, and Mt. Jormajan. It is one of the 22 active volcanoes in the Philippines and after Mayon, Taal and Pinatubo is considered the 4th most active, having erupted 15 times since 1886.


8. Mount Hibok Hibok

Hibok-Hibok is an active volcano on Camiguin Island, Philippines. It has 6 hot springs; Ardent Spring, Tangob, Bugong, Tagdo, Naasag and Kiyab, three crater lakes. It also has a volcanic mark, Taguines Lagoon. Its adjacent volcanic edifices are Mt. Vulcan, Mt. Mambajao, Mt. Ginsiliban, and Mt.Uhay. There are also domes and cones at Campana Hill, Minokol Hill, Tres Marias Hill, Mt. Carling, Mt. Tibane, and Piyakong Hill.


Hibok-Hibok erupted five times in modern history. The first recorded eruption occurred in 1827. This was followed by similar activity in 1862. Mt. Hibok-Hibok is a popular hiking destination in Camiguin Island. The usual jump-off is Ardent Hot Springs in Mambajao. Views from the summit include the nearby White Island.


9. Mount Kanlaon

Mt. Kanlaon is a stratovolcano on Negros Island, Philippines. Kanlaon has an elevation of 2,435 meters and a base diameter of 30 km. The summit of Kanlaon contains a broad elongated northern caldera with a crater lake. Mt. Kanlaon is a very popular site for nature trippers due to its vast quantities of flora and fauna, and its
legendary history and myth.


The volcano has three hot springs on its slopes; Mambucal Hot Springs, Bucalan Hot Spring, Bungol Hot Spring. Its adjacent volcanic edifices are Mt. Silay and Mt. Mandalagan. It is the most active volcano in central Philippines. Kanlaon has erupted 25 times since 1886. It is a favorite spot for mountain climbers and is surrounded by the Mt. Kanlaon National Park.


10. Mount Makiling

Mt. Makiling is located in the province of Laguna, Philippines. It is an inactive volcano, which rises to 1,090 m above sea level. A campsite at the foot of Mount Makiling is being managed by the Boy Scout of the Philippines and was the site of the 10th World Scout Jamboree in 1959. Mt. Makiling is also a popular hiking destination.

Taal

Taal Volcano is a complex volcano on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It is situated between the towns of Talisay and San Nicolas in Batangas. It consists of an island in Lake Taal, which is situated within a caldera formed by an earlier, very powerful eruption. It is located about 50 km (31 miles) from the capital, Manila. It is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines, all part of the Pacific ring of fire.
The volcano has erupted violently several times, causing loss of life in the populated areas surrounding the lake, the current death toll standing at around 5,000 to 6,000. Because of its proximity to populated areas and eruptive history, the volcano has been designated a Decade Volcano worthy of close study to prevent future natural disasters. It was thought to be named as "a volcano inside a volcano" because many believed that the lake that circles the volcano was once a crater or mouth of a volcano.

Taal Volcano, Talisay and San Nicolas, Batangas, Luzon, Philippines
Type : Complex Volcano
Elevation : 400 m (1,312 ft)
Last eruption : 1977

The Batangas province towns along the shores of Taal Lake include Tanauan, Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Santa Teresita, Alitagtag, Cuenca, Lipa, Balete and Mataas na Kahoy. The extinct crater on Volcano Island is also visible along high property value Tagaytay Ridge for visitors coming from Manila or enroute the Batangas coast and ports to the South.

Current activity

Although the volcano has been quiet since 1977, It has shown signs of unrest since 1991, with strong seismic activity and ground fracturing events, as well as the formation of small mud pots and mud geysers on parts of the island. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) regularly issues notices and warnings about current activity at Taal, including ongoing seismic unrest.

Aerial photo of Taal Volcano; North is on right-hand side of photo.

Previous activity

^{There have been 33 recorded eruptions at Taal since 1572. One of the more devastating eruptions occurred in 1911, which claimed more than a thousand lives. The deposits of that eruption consisted of a yellowish, fairly decomposed (non-juvenile) tephra with a high sulfur content.
2009
20 July. National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) NDCC executive officer Glenn Rabonza warned that although there were no volcanic quakes detected at Taal since the detection of nine volcanic quakes from June 13 to July 19, and there had been no steaming activity monitored since the last recorded on June 23, Phivolcs Alert stands at Level 1, warning Taal’s main crater is off-limits to the public because steam explosions may suddenly occur or high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate.
2008
28 August. PHIVOLCS notified the "public and concerned authorities" that the "Taal seismic network recorded ten (10) volcanic earthquakes from 5:30 A.M. to 3P.M. today. Two (2) of these quakes that occurred at 12:33 and 12:46 P.M. were both felt at intensity II by residents at barangay Pira-piraso. These quakes were accompanied by rumbling sounds. The events were located northeast of the volcano island near Daang Kastila area with depths of approximately 0.6km (12:33 P.M.) and 0.8km (12:46 P.M.)"}

Cinder cone in the acidic crater lake

Taal Volcano Eruptions
1977, 1976, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1911, 1904, 1903, 1885?, 1878, 1874, 1873, 1842, 1825, 1808, 1790, 1754, 1749, 1731, 1729, 1716, 1715, 1709, 1707, 1645, 1641, 1635, 1634, 1609, 1591, 1572. Taal Volcano Eruptions 1572-1911 Timeline graph of Taal Volcano Eruptions from 1600-2010
The most recent period of activity lasted from 1965 to 1977, and was characterized by the interaction of magma with the lake water, which produced violent phreatic explosions. The 1965 eruption in particular led to the recognition of base surge as a process in volcanic eruption (due to the fact that one of the American geologists, who visited the volcano shortly after the 1965 eruption, had witnessed an atomic bomb explosion when he was a soldier). The eruption generated base surges and cold pyroclastic flows, which traveled several kilometers across Lake Taal, devastating villages on the lake shore and, killing about a hundred people. The population of the island was evacuated only after the onset of the eruption. Precursory signs were not interpreted correctly until after the eruption. Eruptions in 1968 and 1969 were characterized partly by Strombolian activity and produced a massive lava flow that reached the shore of lake Taal. The 1977 eruption merely produced a small cinder cone within the main crater.

Taal Volcano is part of a chain of volcanos along the western side of the edge of the island of Luzon, which were formed by the subduction of the Eurasian Plate underneath the Philippine Mobile Belt. Taal Lake lies within a 25–30 km caldera formed by four explosive eruptions between 500,000 and 100,000 years ago. Each of these eruptions created extensive ignimbrite deposits, reaching as far away as where Manila stands today.
Since the formation of the caldera, subsequent eruptions have created another volcanic island, within the caldera, known as Volcano Island. This island covers an area of about 23 km², and consists of overlapping cones and craters. Forty-seven different cones and craters have been identified on the island.


Coordinates: 14°0′7″N 120°59′34″E