Volcano is a formation on the surface of the crust. They are the "vehicles" of magma that comes from the bowels of the planet. The name comes from the name of the ancient Roman god of fire - Volcano.
Deadly Beauty
The volcanic eruption is very dangerous and causes destruction and death for many kilometers around. And a pillar of carbon dioxide, ash, and even volcanic bombs are thrown into the atmosphere. Therefore, volcanoes are under constant observation.
It is proved that the eruption of one supervolcano can lead to climate change around the planet. But smaller volcanoes have an impact on our planet, albeit not so large-scale. Scientists believe that recently the rate of volcanic eruptions is constantly increasing.
To date, about 1000 active volcanoes are registered on the planet. A quarter of them are under water. However, the largest is located on the surface of the Earth - in South America. The Yellowstone supervolcano, scientists are sure, could cause a global catastrophe that will destroy the entire mainland. And what is the largest volcano in Russia? What is it called? On the territory of this huge state there are many volcanoes. Some may wake up at any time.
Volcanoes of Russia
Not all volcanoes in Russia are dangerous. But many of them can wake up at any time and start an eruption. Moreover, more and more volcanoes are formed annually.
The number of volcanoes by region:
- Kamchatka Territory - 119.
- Sakhalin Oblast - 51.
- Siberia - 10.
- Caucasus and Krasnodar Territory - 4.
- Khabarovsk and Primorsky Krai - 2.
In the Kamchatka Territory and in the Sakhalin Region there are about 8% of active volcanoes. Here is located the largest volcano in Russia - Klyuchevskaya Sopka. A hill is called a hill (mountain, hill), reaching a height of 1,500 m. Below we will discuss the highest active volcanoes.
Klyuchevskaya hill
Klyuchevskaya Sopka near the village of Klyuchi is the highest volcano in Eurasia. Located in the center of Kamchatka. One of the most active volcanoes in Kamchatka for the past 7,000 years. Eruptions occur every 3-5 years. But lava has a viscous composition, so eruptions are usually calm.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka is a stratovolcano. It is based on layers of hardened lava. Height is from 4750 to 4850 m above sea level. The slopes are steep. The size of the base in diameter is 15 km. The top is covered with snow.
The largest active volcano in Russia has 80-90 secondary craters located at an altitude of 400 to 4000 m. And if the central crater was initially the most active, then since 1932 its lateral depressions began to show great activity.
The volcano belongs to the Klyuchevsky group. In total, it includes 14 items. The total area of the Klyuchevskaya group is 6.5 thousand square kilometers. Also, about 400 small volcanic formations are registered on the area.
Tolbachik
The Tolbachik volcano is also part of the Klyuchevskaya hill. The stratovolcano was formed on the shield of an ancient volcano and consists of two parts. One part of it, Acute Tolbachik, extinct. The date of his last eruption is unknown. Its height is 3682 m. Flat Tolbachik is active. The last eruption is dated 1975-1976. Its height reaches 3140 m. A river of the same name flows near the volcano.
A distinctive feature of Tolbachik is a very liquid lava with a consistency. Eruptions are fractured, with a large amount of magma. The lava inside the crater is so liquid that sometimes it even gushes.
Fractured eruptions allow you to fly to the crater in a helicopter at a fairly close distance. This allows tourists to admire the amazing and awesome, but very bright sight.
Ichinskaya hill
Another active stratovolcano. Height is 3621 m. It has many items. Ichinsky volcano is very beautiful. It consists of many lava rings that have been formed over the centuries, after each powerful eruption. Presumably, the life of the volcano began to arise 10-15 thousand years ago.
Initially, there was a thyroid volcano. Another caldera grew up in the formed caldera, but soon it lost its peak. Today its top is made up of 3 parts. They surround a crater filled with ice. On its northeastern slope there is a hole through which the volcano releases columns of steam and smoke. It is interesting that the locals believe: on which side the volcano came to life, on that side and wait for an epidemic.
Ichinsky is located on the Sredinny ridge. It is its highest point. Its heights covered with snow are visible from afar. The snow here never melts.
Kronotsky hill
Kronotsky hill is also located in the Kamchatka Territory, on the shores of Lake Kronotsky. This is an ideal ribbed cone, whose height reaches 3528 meters. Its beautiful, regular form was probably formed during many powerful eruptions. However, today the top of the Kronotsky hill is crowned with a thick layer of ice.
The volcano was formed during the Pleistocene. Scientists are sure that it was at the beginning of its existence that he was the most active. This era ended in the ice age. When the ice age began, the volcano "fell asleep" and for a long time was in a state of suspended animation. Therefore, humanity has not recorded its eruptions. In 1942 there was an attempt to erupt. Today, the volcano systematically releases smoke pillars.
Shiveluch
Shiveluch is another stratovolcano from the list of the largest volcanoes in Russia. The name Old Shiveluch bears its highest part. Old Shiveluch is inactive. But his younger "successor," Young Sheveluch, regularly releases smoke pillars. The most northern of active volcanoes. Its height is 3283 meters.
Shiveluch was formed 60-70 thousand years ago. It is 45 km from the village of Klyuchi.
Elbrus - the most famous extinct volcano
Elbrus - an already extinct stratovolcano in the Caucasus, is the highest point in Europe. In addition, it is the largest volcano in Russia. It is difficult to say what it is called in Russian translation. Scientists give many interpretations.
The height of Elbrus is 5642 m. The last eruption was more than 5,000 years ago. This volcano has long been known to many peoples outside the Caucasus.
Where is the largest volcano in Russia? Elbrus is located in the Lateral Range of the Greater Caucasus. That is, Elbrus "grew" right on the border of Asia and Europe. Scientists believe that the eruption of such a giant would cause disastrous consequences. It remains only to thank God for the fact that he has not erupted for a long time. Both of its highest points are now densely covered with snows.
At an altitude of 4000 m on Mount Elbrus was built a hotel for climbers - "Shelter of the Eleven". One of the most mysterious places of those years. For 60 years this hotel has remained the highest mountain hotel. She survived many events, including the Great Patriotic War. However, in 1998 the building completely burned out. It is believed that this was a spontaneous combustion of the wiring.
Volcano activity today
In June 2017, the largest volcano in Russia (among the active ones) - Klyuchevskaya Sopka - threw a column of ash to a record height - more than 6000 m above sea level. The ash plume extended 23 km in a southeast direction. Fortunately, the nearest settlement, the village of Klyuchi, is 30 km from the volcano.
Another powerful ash discharge was made by the Shiveluch volcano in early November 2017. It should be noted that the emissions began in the spring of 2009. The emission height reached 12 thousand meters. The ash trail stretches 200 km from the volcano. Fortunately, no ash loss was found in the settlements of the Ust-Kamchatka Territory.