Among the many natural formations around the world, volcanoes are one of the most fascinating, one that leaves us in a state of awe. These formations truly provide dynamic forces beneath the Earth’s crust.
However, what’s awe-inspiring about volcanoes is the sheer magnitude and size of some of the largest ones around the world. Whether they are dormant or active, each is shrouded in mystery.
Here’s a curated list of the 15 largest volcanoes in the world, measured primarily by volume and height, that deserve recognition.
1. Mauna Loa, Hawaii, USA
Starting off strong with one of the most undisputed giant volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa. The volcano is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and rises over 33,500 feet from its base on the ocean floor, making it the largest volcano in the world by volume. Its summit sits 13,681 feet above sea level. The volcano last erupted in November 2022, reminding us of its persistent activity. It is part of the Hawaiian hotspot system, which provides a living laboratory for volcanologists.
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2. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
You can’t really discuss the largest volcanoes in the world without highlighting the epic Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is the highest free-standing volcano in the world, standing at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). It is a dormant stratovolcano with three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. It last erupted around 360,000 years ago, and while considered dormant, seismic activity is monitored. Kilimanjaro also has cultural significance for the Chagga people and is a popular trekking destination for adventurers.
3. Mount Elbrus, Russia
Tagged as the highest volcanic peak in Europe, Mount Elbrus is located in the Caucasus Mountains of southern Russia, standing at 18,510 feet (5,642 meters). It is a dormant volcano and has two summits, both of which are volcanic domes. Though technically in Europe, Elbrus’s remote location near the border with Georgia adds to its mystery, too. What’s also alluring about this volcano is that it remains covered with snow throughout the year. Its last known eruption occurred around 50 A.D, and some fumarolic activity has been declared.
4. Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji, the most iconic landmark in Japan, rises 12,389 feet (3,776 meters) and is the tallest volcano in Japan. It is roughly 100 km from the southwest of Japan and is often seen by tourists during the train rides through rural Japan. Mount Fuji last erupted in 1707 (the Hōei eruption), and while considered active, it’s in a dormant phase. What makes Fuji special isn’t just its height and prominence in art, religion, and national identity, which has also earned it the UNESCO World Heritage Site tag.
5. Ojos del Salado, Chile/Argentina
Located between the borders of Chile and Argentina, Ojos del Salado is the highest active volcano in the world, towering at 22,615 feet (6,893 meters). Due to its close proximity to the Atacama Desert, the area around experiences a dry, desert-like climate. The volcano is part of the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes, shaped by the subduction of the Nazca Plate. Its last eruption was likely in the previous millennium, but it remains an active volcano.
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6. Mount Etna, Italy
Mount Etna is one of the tallest volcanoes in Europe, located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It is also one of the most studied active volcanoes, at around 11,165 feet (3,403 meters). Etna is a stratovolcano that has been erupting for more than 500,000 years. Etna’s dual nature makes it unique: it is both destructive and nurturing. It has fertile volcanic soils, which support lush vineyards and orchards. It also has four summit craters and numerous flank vents and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. Mount Erebus, Antarctica
Erebus is the southernmost active volcano on this planet, located on Ross Island in Antarctica. The volcano is 12,440 feet (3,792 meters) and has a constantly active lava lake, a rare volcanic phenomenon. The volcano was first discovered in 1841 by James Clark Ross. One of the most intriguing features of this volcano is its hostile environment, combining subzero temperatures, glacial surfaces, and magma activity. The researchers study extremophiles and volcanic gases in one of the world’s harshest climates near this volcano.
8. Pico de Orizaba (Citlaltépetl), Mexico
More commonly known as Citlaltépetl, Pico de Orizaba is the highest peak in Mexico as well as the third highest peak in North America, reaching 18,491 feet (5,636 meters). The volcano is located on the border of Veracruz and Puebla states and is a dormant volcano, which last erupted in the 19th century. It’s part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and rises dramatically from the surrounding plateau, and it is revered in Aztec mythology. Also, you can witness stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and the central highlands from the summit.
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9. Mount Shasta, California, USA
Located in Southern California, Mount Shasta rises to 14,179 feet (4,322 meters) and is potentially an active stratovolcano that last erupted in the 18th century. The sheer size of this volcano makes it visible from over 100 miles away. There are a lot of Native American legends associated with the volcano, and it is thus considered sacred by the local tribes. It’s a popular climbing and skiing destination, featuring glaciers, alpine lakes, and forested slopes, perfect for adventurers and photographers.
10. Mount Damavand, Iran
Another dormant stratovolcano renowned for its massive size is Mount Damavand, located in Iran. It is the highest volcano in Asia and Iran’s tallest peak, standing at 18,406 feet (5,610 meters). The mention of this volcano is quite frequent in Persian mythology and literature, symbolizing strength and resistance. Its symmetrical cone rises dramatically above the surrounding plateau and can be seen from the Caspian Sea. Also, during the colder months, it creates a sulfuric “halo, ” a rare natural phenomenon.
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11. Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of Congo
Believed to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Africa, Mount Nyirangongo is located at an elevation of 3470 m, and its last recorded eruption happened in 2021. The last eruption caused widespread destruction to the local communities. Owing to this, the volcano currently has an active status and fast-moving lava, making it one of the closely studied volcanoes.
12. Mount Rainier, Washington, USA
Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, standing tall at 14,411 feet (4,392 meters). It is part of the Cascade Range and poses significant volcanic hazards due to its proximity to major population centers. The volcano is currently dormant but is classified as a “Decade Volcano” due to its eruptive potential. Also, the mountain is located inside the Mount Rainier National Park, attracting hikers, climbers, and nature lovers.
13. Mount Ararat, Turkey
Located in easternmost Turkey, Mount Ararat is yet another one of the dormant compound volcanoes and one of the largest in the world. It is located at an elevation of 16,854 feet (5,137 meters) and is Turkey’s highest peak. It is famously associated with the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark, which is said to have come to rest on its summit after the Great Flood. The volcano hasn’t erupted since 1840 but is still considered potentially active.
14. Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Russia
Another stratovolcano, which is also one of the largest in Russia, is Klyuchevskaya Sopka. It is the tallest active volcano in Eurasia, with an elevation of 15,584 feet (4,750 meters). It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and is renowned for its nearly continuous activity, with eruptions recorded as far back as 1697. Despite the harsh climate, the unique nature of the volcano attracts volcanologists and adventurous trekkers, making it a highly studied volcano.
15. Kilauea, Hawaii, USA
Beyond Mauna Loa, another volcano in Hawaii that deserves to be discussed is Kilauea. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and stands at 4,091 feet (1,247 meters) above sea level. Its volcanic output and eruptive consistency make it a geological giant in volume and activity. The volcano has erupted almost continuously since 1983 until a pause in 2018. Halemaʻumaʻu Crater is believed to be the home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, explaining its cultural significance.
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Final Words
Volcanoes are often destructive because of the hot lava that erupts from inside them. However, these geological formations truly reflect the unique nature of our universe, enabling us to unravel how fascinating each aspect of this planet is. Among the thousands of volcanoes around, these 15 account for the largest volcanoes in the world.
