Volcanic eruptions are deadly yet very
beautiful and breathtaking sights. For some reason they bring to mind
images of spirits of the earth coming to punish people for violating
nature’s laws. Thanks to multiple studies and experiments scientists
have learned how to predict the time of volcanic eruptions, so citizens
of nearby villages and towns can now be evacuated before volcanic ash
and lava turn their homes to ashes. In our post today we will tell you
about active living volcanoes, which by the way have become one of the
most popular attractions for tourists. This is risky, but isn’t it what
makes us feel alive?
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 neighbouring 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.
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 favourite 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 neighbouring towns enjoy the views of snow-whitey mountains
of Popocatépētl during most of the year.
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 have had 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 neighbour 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 analysed by scientists who claim that “Friendly Etna” is becoming
more and more dangerous.
Fujiyama, Japan
Fujiyama is an active stratovolcano and the
highest peak of Japan (3,776 m). Its last eruption dates to 1707 or
1708. It’s on the west side of Tokyo and can be greatly observed on a
clear day. Fujiyama distinguishes itself with its almost ideally
symmetrical cone which is a well-known symbol of Japan. It’s commonly
depicted on national paintings, engravings and postage stamps. Fujiyama
is known as an operational Shintoistic purgatory, with its religious
buildings built on the mountain side. Fujiyama is one of the most
attractive places in Japan for tourists and gliding fans.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 tourists.
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