World's 9 Most Amazing Active Volcanoes

By: Stuart Smith
December 12, 2005 - Eruption of ash cloud from Santiaguito dome complex, Santa Maria volcano, Guatemala. Getty Images/Stocktrek Images / Stocktrek Images/Richard Roscoe

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.

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1. Mount Fuji

Fuji mountain and the mist over Lake Kawaguchiko at beautiful sunrise , Yamanashi, Japan, Mount Fuji or Fujisan located on Honshu Island, is the highest mountain in Japan.
Getty Images / phutthiseth@gmail.com

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

Getty Images / © 2017 Antonio Busiello

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 at Mt. Vesuvius 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

XIX Paroxysm Etna Antonio Zanghì.
Getty Images / Antonio Zanghì

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

Puu Oo, the easternmost of Kilauea's volcanic vents, spews molten lava.
Jim Sugar / Getty Images

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.

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5. Santa Maria

December 12, 2005 - Eruption of ash cloud from Santiaguito dome complex, Santa Maria volcano, Guatemala.
Getty Images/Stocktrek Images / Stocktrek Images/Richard Roscoe

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

Mont Mayon, Legazpi City, Ile de Luzon, Province d'Albay, Philippines, Février 2018. Une coulée pyroclastique vient de se détacher du sommet du volcan. Elle va dévaler les pentes du volcan sur des centaines de mètres avant de se dissiper. Formée de poussières volcaniques et gaz brûlants ces coulées peuvent atteindre des vitesses de 200 à 600 km/h. Avec plus de 50 éruptions au cours des 400 dernières années, le Volcan Mayon est les plus actif de l'archipel philippin. Son cône, parfaitement symétrique, rivalisant de perfection avec le Mont Fuji, en fait une attraction touristique majeure pour le pays. Le 15 janvier 2018 le volcan est entré dans une phase éruptive suffisamment inquiétante pour inciter les autorités à évacuer 12 000 personnes dans un rayon de 7 km autour de l'édifice volcanique. Il n’empêche, malgré les destructions majeurs que peut provoquer ce volcan, c'est également une source de vie : ses pluies de cendres enrichissent les rizières environnantes, les coulées de boues sont récoltées dans le lit des rivières comme matières premières (sable volcanique) le tourisme apporte devises et travail à la région.
Getty Images / Frédéric Desmoulins

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

Osorno Volcano in Chilean Patagonia
Getty Images / ©2018dedévargas

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

Photo taken while sailing away from the Stromboli volcanic island. Stromboli is one of the Eolie volcanic islands, located a few miles north of Sicily. Stromboli is well known, because the volcano has been active for many years and continues to be.
Getty Images / Gianni Sarasso

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

Mont Yasur, Ile de Tanna, Vanuatu, avril 2013. Pose longue mettant en valeur le déploiement des nuées volcaniques éclairées par la cheminée volcaniques au dessus du cratère.
Getty Images / Frédéric Desmoulins

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.

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