Active volcanoes create and destroy, shaping landscapes and impacting nearby communities with unpredictable behavior. These geological powerhouses provide critical insights into the complex dynamics of Earth’s interior and the changes they can trigger on the surface.
Researchers estimate over 1,350 active volcanoes worldwide, many of which are under constant surveillance to predict their next eruption.
Discover the world’s most active volcanoes, exploring their history and profound environmental effects.
Mount Etna, Italy
Dominating the landscape of Sicily, Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano and one of its most restless.
Recorded eruptions date back to 1500 BC, with recent activity marked by frequent paroxysmal eruptions that spew high lava fountains and ash, significantly impacting air traffic and local communities.
Kīlauea, United States (Hawaii)
Kīlauea, on Hawaii’s Big Island, is a shield volcano with a lava lake in its Halemaʻumaʻu crater, a rare sight that attracts scientists and tourists.
Its continuous eruptive phase from 1983 to 2018 produced enough lava to cover over 144 square kilometers, making it one of the most voluminous lava producers in recent history.
Mount Merapi, Indonesia
Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active and dangerous volcanoes, has erupted regularly since 1548.
Its frequent pyroclastic flows—fast-moving hot ash, lava fragments, and gases—pose a significant risk to the densely populated regions of Central Java, making effective monitoring and evacuation plans crucial for local safety.
Stromboli, Italy
Off the coast of Sicily, Stromboli has been erupting almost continuously for 2,000 years.
Known for its regular explosive bursts of spatter and ash, visible from far away, it has earned the nickname “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean.”
Mount Yasur, Vanuatu
On the remote island of Tanna, Mount Yasur is known for its persistent strombolian activity that offers a spectacular fireworks-like display.
Its mild eruptions have existed for over 800 years, making it a popular spot for volcano tourism despite its dangers.
Sakurajima, Japan
Once an island, now part of the Kyushu mainland due to volcanic activity, Sakurajima erupts so frequently that ashfall is a regular part of life for nearby residents.
Its explosive activity, consisting of ash plumes and occasional lava flows, is closely monitored due to its proximity to Kagoshima, a city of 600,000 people.
Santa María, Guatemala
The catastrophic 1902 eruption of Santa María drastically altered its structure and created the active Santiaguito lava dome complex.
Regular explosions at this complex produce ash columns and pyroclastic flows, constantly changing the local terrain.
Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Nyiragongo’s lava is particularly fluid, allowing its lava lakes to drain rapidly and dangerously.
The 2002 eruption caused substantial lava flows through nearby towns, displacing thousands of people and highlighting the ongoing risk to the populations living in the shadow of one of Africa’s most unique volcanoes.
Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
The 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull, although relatively small in volcanic terms, caused enormous disruption across Europe because the ash cloud interfered with air travel.
Its ice-covered caldera means eruptions are often explosive, as the lava rapidly cools and fragments upon contact with ice.
Galeras, Colombia
Galeras has exhibited volcanic activity for over a million years, with its most recent active period beginning in 1988.
Frequent eruptions and proximity to the city of Pasto, which houses nearly half a million residents, make it one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Colombia.
Ulawun, Papua New Guinea
Often referred to as the “father” volcano, Ulawun is one of the most active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea.
Its eruptions are typically explosive and have frequently produced ash plumes that rise several kilometers into the sky, posing significant hazards to air traffic and local communities.
Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia
In 1985, a devastating eruption from Nevado del Ruiz unleashed deadly lahars, burying the town of Armero and claiming the lives of 23,000 people.
Its glacier-capped peak continues to be a significant threat due to the potential for fast-moving mudflows during eruptions.
Mount Unzen, Japan
Mount Unzen’s explosive history peaked in 1792 with one of the deadliest eruptions, which triggered a mega-tsunami, killing about 15,000 people.
Its most recent activity in the early 1990s again proved deadly, emphasizing the need for stringent monitoring and evacuation protocols in this densely populated region.
Taal Volcano, Philippines
Located on an island within a lake, Taal Volcano is one of the smallest yet most active in the Philippines.
Its 2020 eruption plumed ash and steam high into the sky, prompting thousands to evacuate and significantly disrupting life across the region, including in the nearby capital of Manila.
Whakaari/White Island, New Zealand
Whakaari, New Zealand’s most active cone volcano, sporadically erupts, often without warning.
The visible part of the island spans around 325 hectares, which is just 30% of the entire volcanic mass, with the remainder submerged underwater.
Despite its activity, it is considerably smaller than other New Zealand cone volcanoes like Mount Ruapehu, Tongariro, or Taranaki.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.