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Exploring the top 10 dormant volcanoes

Matrika Shukla — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:30:28 +0000

While active volcanoes capture most of the attention with their spectacular eruptions and apocalyptic destructive potential, some of the world’s most massive volcanic behemoths currently lie dormant. Hushed for now, these towering peaks stand in silent dormancy after epochs of eruptive cycles that shaped the surrounding landscapes. Here we look at the most gigantic of these sleepers that could potentially reawaken:

Yellowstone Caldera, United States

Overshadowing all other dormant volcanoes in size is the massive Yellowstone caldera spanning a 30×45 mile area in northwestern Wyoming. This gargantuan volcanic depression formed during the last of three mind-bogglingly huge eruptions that occurred 2.1 million, 1.3 million and 630,000 years ago respectively. The youngest cataclysmic blast expelled over 240 cubic miles of debris across much of North America. While Yellowstone’s slumbering giant shows signs of semi-regular disturbances like hydrothermal explosions and ground uplift, the USGS estimates the odds of a full-blown eruption within the next few thousand years are exceedingly slim.

Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

Located in New Zealand’s North Island, the Taupo Volcanic Zone is a highly active hotbed that has produced the two most powerful volcanic eruptions anywhere on Earth over the past 70,000 years. The deadly Oruanui eruption around 26,500 years ago expelled a mindboggling 120 cubic miles of material, while the more recent Hatepe eruption around 232 AD still ranks as the most violent over the past 5,000 years. Permanent settlement in the region is inadvisable given the likelihood of future high-magnitude eruptions originating from the currently dormant caldera complexes.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Widely considered one of the largest intact calderas in the world, Ngorongoro Crater formed around 2.5-3 million years ago during an epic eruption that saw the entire volcano collapsing inwards on itself. The resulting 2,000-foot-deep crater now provides a remarkably fertile ecosystem for one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa to thrive. While Ngorongoro is currently dormant, the crater does exhibit fumaroles signaling that volcanic activity could potentially resume at some point in the violent future. The adjacent Olmoti and Empakaai craters also formed relatively recently in geologic timescales around 8,000 years ago.

Anahola Volcano, Hawaiian Islands

Though often overshadowed by its more famous cousins Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the ancient Anahola volcano is considered one of the largest shield volcanoes on the planet in terms of sheer mass. Rising 15,400 feet from the seafloor, Anahola first began erupting around 5 million years ago before becoming extinct around 3.5 million years ago after violently explosive eruptive cycles. The volcano’s elongated shape is thought to have formed from the dynamic shifting of the Pacific tectonic plate during its lifespan. While dormant for millions of years, monitoring shows magma may persist within its volcanic plumbing system.

Elbrus, Russia

At 18,510 feet, the towering dormant Elbrus volcano is not only the highest peak in Russia but the entire European continent. This massive stratovolcano is considered a “semi-dormant” volcano having experienced infrequent weak eruptions over the past few centuries. Its broad slopes are blanketed by vast glaciers formed from millennia of volcanic ash accumulation mixed with snow. While Elbrus is not expected to erupt catastrophically anytime soon, its flanks remain a potential hazard zone for mudflows and debris avalanches triggered by rising temperatures destabilizing the glacial ice caps.

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

One of the highest active volcanoes in the world, Ecuador’s Cotopaxi stands an imposing 19,347 feet tall and has remained dormant since its last major eruption in 1904. Cotopaxi is considered among the world’s most threatening volcanoes given its lengthy history of explosive eruptions, proximity to heavily populated areas, and generation of devastating lahars and landslides when eruptions melt portions of its massive glacial icecap. Increased seismic activity in recent decades has raised concerns about a potential reawakening, which could prove utterly catastrophic for nearby cities like Quito.

Bárðarbunga, Iceland

One of the highest-risk volcanic systems in Iceland, the massive subglacial Bárðarbunga volcano encompasses a 200 square km caldera hidden beneath the Northwestern Vatnajökull ice cap. Its huge 2014-2015 eruption was the largest in Iceland in over 200 years, releasing enough sulphur dioxide to cause air pollution across much of Europe. Despite being currently dormant, Bárðarbunga remains highly volatile given its tendency for large-volume eruptions of fluid basalt from its central volcano as well as surrounding fissure vents, which could quickly melt overlying glaciers and trigger catastrophic outburst floods.

Ulawun, Papua New Guinea

Towering over 8,000 feet high, Ulawun is one of the most hazardous volcanoes in the Southwest Pacific region due to its frequent emissions of ash and volcanic gases from its exposed summit crater. The large stratovolcano has experienced no fewer than 23 major eruptions since the 18th century, with the 2019 event spewing ash as far as 60 miles away from the remote island it occupies in the Bismarck Archipelago. While currently dormant, Ulawun’s pattern of intermittent violent activity raises concerns about the potential for future explosive events sending deadly pyroclastic flows into surrounding areas with little warning.

Iriga, Philippines

The little-known Iriga volcano in the Philippines’ Bicol region produced one of the largest eruptions in recorded history around 1628, ejecting over 2 cubic miles of dense rock and ash. Geologists believe the tephra from this singularly massive VEI 6 eruption buried much of the surrounding countryside under meters of volcanic debris. Despite this cataclysmic event, the 5,142 ft stratovolcano has remained dormant in modern times and is now heavily eroded and obscured by dense jungle vegetation. However, its long-dormant state belies its potential to awaken with little notice and reproduce its past deadly explosivity.

Galunggung, Indonesia

Situated near the city of Tasikmalaya in West Java, the Galunggung volcanic complex includes at least 5 overlapping summit craters along the spine of its towering 7,052 ft peak. Following several centuries of dormancy, a sudden explosive eruption in 1982 ejected over 120 million cubic meters of ash across a widespread area, causing considerable destruction and killing dozens of people. While currently quiet, Galunggung remains one of Indonesia’s most hazardous volcanoes due to its propensity for infrequent but violent eruptions after extended periods of repose when monitoring is minimal. Its current slumber could prove treacherous for surrounding populations if a reawakening occurs with little warning.

These immense dormant volcanoes may appear as serene giants in their current states. However, their track records amply demonstrate how extraordinarily destructive they can be when roused from their long volcanic slumbers by the restive forces brewing miles beneath the Earth’s surface. Constant geological vigilance is crucial to avoid complacency around these potential powder kegs waiting to be relit.

Earth’s Most Active Volcanoes: From Kilauea to Fuego

Matrika Shukla — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:00:20 +0000

Our planet is adorned with majestic volcanic peaks that forcibly remind us of the raw, untamed power percolating beneath the surface. While many of Earth’s volcanoes currently lie dormant, others demonstrate a particularly fiery restlessness through frequent eruptions. Let’s take a look at 10 of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Kīlauea, Hawaii

Topping the list is Kīlauea, one of the youngest and most active volcanoes on the Hawaiian islands. This broad shield volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983, with slow-moving lava flows frequently adding new land mass as the molten rock oozes into the Pacific Ocean. Part of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea holds deep significance in native Hawaiian traditions and mythology.

Mount Etna, Italy

At over 10,900 feet, Mount Etna is not only Europe’s highest active volcano but one of the world’s most persistently explosive ones. This iconic stratovolcano on Sicily’s east coast has been frequently erupting for over 3,500 years, with historical records dating back to 1500 BCE. Etna’s 400+ craters and vents are telltale signs of its temperamental activity which led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stromboli, Italy

Known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” Stromboli has been erupting continuously for over 2,000 years from its island home in the Tyrrhenian Sea. While relatively mild, its frequent explosive eruptions have been visible for seafarers throughout recorded history. In fact, the term “Strombolian eruption” is derived from this volcano’s characteristic explosive bursts of incandescent lava.

Mount Merapi, Indonesia

With its ominous name meaning “Mountain of Fire,” Mount Merapi is one of the most active and hazardous volcanoes in Indonesia. Situated on the densely populated island of Java, this stratovolcano’s frequent eruptions have buried entire villages under deadly clouds of super-heated ash and gas. An important figure in Javanese mythology, Merapi continues to be intensely monitored due to the catastrophic risks it poses to nearby communities.

Piton de la Fournaise, Réunion Island

Like Hawaii’s Kīlauea, Piton de la Fournaise is a shield volcano known for its effusive eruptions producing long lava flows across Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. One of the world’s most active volcanoes, its relatively accessible and spectacular lava displays have made it a major tourist draw, though surrounding areas are still routinely evacuated during heightened volcanic unrest.

Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland

While not as perpetually restless as some others on this list, Eyjafjallajökull made global headlines in 2010 when its explosive eruption grounded air travel across Europe for weeks due to its massive ash plume. This glacier-capped volcano has a complex eruptive history often influenced by meltwater interactions that can multiply its explosive force and ash production.

Mount Yasur, Vanuatu

For those seeking to witness the awesome primordial sights and sounds of an actively erupting volcano, look no further than Mount Yasur on Tanna Island in Vanuatu. One of the few permanent lava lakes on Earth, Yasur’s summit crater is easily accessible to visitors. The volcano has been continuously erupting with strombolian bursts for over 800 years in a sacred display deeply woven into the indigenous culture.

Sakurajima, Japan

With a long eruptive record dating back to the 8th century, Sakurajima is one of the most continually active volcanoes in Japan. Located in Kagoshima Prefecture, this former island became connected to the mainland Kyushu through its incessant explosive eruptions that have buried the surrounding landscape under meters of ash through the centuries. Frequent evacuations are required to protect residents from Sakurajima’s relentless ashfalls.

Popocatépetl, Mexico

Also known as “El Popo,” the 17,800-foot Popocatépetl volcano looms over Mexico City and has a history of hazardous explosive eruptions. While periods of quiescence allow surrounding communities a respite, scientists maintain vigilant monitoring of this cultural icon that has deep roots in Aztec mythology and tradition. When Popocatépetl does reactivate, its massive plumes of ash and gas create disruptions over a wide region.

Fuego, Guatemala

Appropriately named “Fuego” meaning fire in Spanish, this Guatemalan stratovolcano is notorious for its frequent high-level eruptions sending plumes of ash, gas and incandescent material high into the atmosphere. Located near the colonial city of Antigua, Fuego is part of the Central American Volcanic Arc and eruptions often trigger life-threatening pyroclastic flows that race down its slopes at horrific speeds. The majestic yet volatile peak stands as a continual reminder of nature’s destructive potential.

From the slow ooze of Hawaiian lava flows to the explosive fury of Central American ash plumes, these persistent volcanic wonders simultaneously inspire awe and fear in their awesome power to create and destroy. While overwhelming forces to behold, modern monitoring helps societies prepare for and mitigate the risks from these blazing natural phenomena.

COVID-19: India receives 15 ventilators, 12,000 Favipiravir tablets from Iceland

Himanjali Mahanta — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 07:36:03 +0000

India on early Wednesday received a consignment of 15 ventilators, and 12,000 tablets of Favipiravir from Iceland as the country combat the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The information about the consignment was shared by Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson Ministry of External Affairs, through his Twitter handle.

“Taking forward our warm and friendly ties. Welcome consignment of 15 Ventilators and 12,000 tablets of Favipiravir that arrived from Iceland early this morning,” tweeted Bagchi.

India recorded a single-day rise of 1,27,510 new Covid-19 cases, the lowest in 51 days, taking the country’s infection tally to 2,81,75,044, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday.

India is currently dealing with a second COVID-19 wave that has swept through the nation, straining the country’s health infrastructure and overburdening frontline medical workers.

Many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, France, and Germany came to the forefront to give India medical help and assistance in the form of oxygen concentrators, ventilators, raw materials for vaccines, PPE kits.

Recently, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh on Sunday issued a word of caution as India is witnessing a ‘Plateau’ in daily Covid-19 cases advising the people to get jabbed at the first available opportunity against the pandemic.

“Lesson learned from this surge is at no cost can let our guards down. We must take the #Covid-19 vaccine at the first available opportunity. While we can’t predict the next surge but we can prevent it, which we must,” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh.

🇮🇳🇮🇸
Taking forward our warm & friendly ties. Welcome consignment of 15 Ventilators and 12000 tablets of Favipiravir that arrived from Iceland early this morning. pic.twitter.com/Q0zdZxoD70

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 1, 2021

Global Warming takes away 750 sq km of Glaciers from Iceland over 20 years: Study

Aryan Jakhar — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 07:38:48 +0000

Iceland’s glaciers have lost around 750 square kilometres (290 square miles), or seven per cent of their surface, since the turn of the millennium due to global warming, a study published on Monday showed. The glaciers, which cover more than 10 per cent of the country’s landmass, shrank in 2019 to 10,400 square kilometres, the study in the Icelandic scientific journal Jokull said. Since 1890, the land covered by glaciers has decreased by almost 2,200 square kilometres or 18 per cent.

But almost a third of this decline has occurred since 2000, according to the recent calculations by glaciologists, geologists and geophysicists.

Experts have previously warned that Iceland’s glaciers are at risk of disappearing entirely by 2200.

The ice’s retreat over the past two decades is almost equivalent to the total surface area of Hofsjokull, Iceland’s third-biggest ice cap at 810 square kilometres.

“Glacier-area variations in Iceland since around 1890 show a clear response to variations in climate,” the authors of the study wrote.

“They have been rather synchronous over the country, although surges and subglacial volcanic activity influence the position of some glacier margins,” they added.

In 2014, glaciologists stripped the Okjokull glacier of its status as a glacier, a first for Iceland, after determining that it was made up of dead ice and was no longer moving as glaciers do.

Nearly all of the world’s 220,000 glaciers are losing mass at an ever-increasing pace, contributing to more than a fifth of global sea-level rise this century, according to a study published in Nature in April.

Analysing images taken by NASA’s Terra satellite, they found that between 2000-2019, the world’s glaciers lost an average of 267 billion tonnes of ice each year.

The team also found that the rate of glacier melt had accelerated sharply during the same period.

Between 2000 and 2004, glaciers lost 227 billion tonnes of ice per year. But between 2015-2019, they lost an average of 298 billion tonnes each year.

The findings will be included in a forthcoming assessment report from the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change due in 2022.