Top 10 Oldest Active Volcanoes

Top 10 Oldest Active Volcanoes

1. Mount Olympus

Located in Greece, Mount Olympus is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world due to its frequent eruptions and ongoing seismic activity. It's part of the Olympus Range and is often referred to as the "Mighty Olympus" or "Mount Titan". The volcano stands at 2,917 meters (9,570 feet) above sea level, making it a significant landmark in Greek mythology. Mount Olympus has been declared an active volcano since 2010 due to its constant seismicity and gas emissions. Its unique feature is that the mountain's highest peak, Mytikas, receives heavy snowfall during winter months, creating a stunning snow-capped appearance year-round.

2. Kilauea

Located in Hawaii, USA, Kilauea Volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983, making it one of the longest-erupting volcanoes on record. The volcano stands at 1,247 meters (4,091 feet) above sea level and is known for its unique lava landscape shaped by years of volcanic activity. Kilauea's ongoing eruptions have created new land, with the most recent example being the emergence of new land in 2018 due to volcanic lava flows. The volcano holds a special place in Hawaiian culture and mythology as a symbol of creation and renewal. Its ongoing nature has also led to significant changes in the surrounding landscape.

3. Mount Etna

Located in Italy, Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world due to its frequent eruptions and long history of volcanic activity. The volcano stands at 3,329 meters (10,922 feet) above sea level and has been erupting on and off since 1500 BC. Mount Etna holds a special place in Italian culture as a symbol of power and fertility. Its ongoing volcanic activity has also led to changes in the surrounding landscape, with new land forming from lava flows.

4. Sakurajima

Located in Japan, Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanoes in the world due to its frequent eruptions and high level of seismicity. The volcano stands at 1,117 meters (3,665 feet) above sea level and has been erupting continuously since 1955. Sakurajima's unique feature is that it has multiple cones built on top of each other, creating a distinctive landscape shaped by years of volcanic activity.

5. Mount St. Helens

Located in Washington State, USA, Mount St. Helens is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world due to its catastrophic eruption in 1980. The volcano stands at 2,951 meters (9,652 feet) above sea level and was declared an active volcano after a period of relative quiet since 2004, with renewed seismicity detected in recent years. Mount St. Helens holds a special place in American culture as a symbol of natural power and destruction.

6. Agung

Located in Indonesia, Agung Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world due to its frequent eruptions and ongoing seismic activity. The volcano stands at 3,031 meters (10,077 feet) above sea level and was declared an active volcano after a series of major eruptions in the past few decades. Agung's unique feature is that it has created new land through lava flows and ash fall.

7. Yasur

Located on Tanna Island, Vanuatu, Yasur Volcano is one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world due to its proximity to a populated island. The volcano stands at 361 meters (1,184 feet) above sea level and has been erupting continuously since 1813. Yasur's unique feature is that it's known for its strombolian activity, producing ash clouds and lava bombs.

8. Popocatépetl

Located in Mexico, Popocatépetl is one of the most active volcanoes in North America due to its frequent eruptions and ongoing seismicity. The volcano stands at 5,426 meters (17,790 feet) above sea level and has been declared an active volcano since 1969 after a series of major eruptions. Popocatépetl holds a special place in Mexican culture as a symbol of power and spiritual significance.

9. Elbrus

Located in Russia, Elbrus is one of the most prominent volcanoes in Europe due to its unique shape and geological history. The volcano stands at 5,642 meters (18,510 feet) above sea level and was declared an active volcano after a series of major eruptions in recent years. Elbrus' unique feature is that it's considered a dormant volcano, with periods of relative quiet followed by renewed activity.

10. Mount Merapi

Located in Indonesia, Mount Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes in the world due to its frequent eruptions and ongoing seismicity. The volcano stands at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level and has been declared an active volcano since 1548 after a series of major eruptions. Mount Merapi's unique feature is that it's known for its pyroclastic flows, which can be deadly to those in close proximity.