Top 10 Largest Volcanic Eruptions in History

This Indonesian volcano erupted in 1815 with unprecedented force, causing widespread destruction and global climate disruption. The massive eruption was so powerful it could be heard over 3,000 miles away, equivalent to the loudest sound ever recorded. The eruption produced a massive ash cloud that covered the entire Earth, affecting temperature patterns and leading to the "Year Without a Summer" in 1816. Tambora's eruption is considered one of the most significant volcanic events in recent history. Located on the island of Sumbawa, Mount Tambora was already active before the eruption, having last erupted around 1807.

This Indonesian volcano erupted catastrophically in 1883, producing a massive pyroclastic flow that destroyed nearby islands and caused widespread tsunamis. The explosion was so powerful it could be heard over 3,000 miles away, equivalent to the loudest sound ever recorded. The eruption sent ash and debris into space, affecting global climate patterns and causing the sun's temperature to drop by 1°C (1.8°F). Krakatoa's destruction was so complete that the volcano was thought to have been destroyed, but in reality, its remains continued to erupt for several years.

This Philippine volcano erupted on June 15, 1991, causing widespread damage and loss of life within a 50-mile radius. The massive eruption produced an ash cloud that covered the entire Earth, affecting global climate patterns and leading to a 0.5°C (0.9°F) drop in average global temperatures. Pinatubo's eruption also generated a tsunami that affected several islands in the Pacific. The volcano was already active before the eruption, having last erupted around 1990.

This Italian volcano erupted in 79 AD, burying the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under massive amounts of ash and pumice. The eruption was so sudden that many of the city's inhabitants were caught unaware, frozen in time forever. Vesuvius' eruption is considered one of the most famous volcanic events in history, with an estimated 16,000 people killed instantly. The volcano remains active today, with over 1,700 eruptions recorded since 1000 BC.

This American volcano erupted on May 18, 1980, causing widespread damage and loss of life within a 150-mile radius. The massive eruption produced an ash cloud that covered the entire North America, affecting global climate patterns and leading to a significant decrease in air travel. St. Helens' eruption was so violent that it blew off the top third of the mountain, revealing new volcanic soil underneath.

This Caribbean volcano erupted on May 8, 1902, destroying the town of Saint-Pierre, which was then the capital of Martinique. The massive eruption produced a pyroclastic flow that killed over 28,000 people instantly, making it one of the deadliest volcanic eruptions in history. Pelee's eruption also generated a tsunami that affected several islands in the Caribbean. The volcano remains active today, with ongoing seismic activity.

This Italian volcano has been erupting continuously since around 1500 BC, making it one of the longest-erupting volcanoes in history. The massive volcano produces around 10 eruptions per year, each producing an ash cloud that affects global climate patterns. Etna's eruption is considered a significant threat to nearby cities, including Catania and Milan.

This Indonesian volcano has been erupting continuously since 1548, making it one of the most active volcanoes in history. The massive volcano produces around 60 eruptions per year, each producing an ash cloud that affects global climate patterns. Merapi's eruption is considered a significant threat to nearby cities, including Yogyakarta and Solo.

This Indonesian volcano erupted catastrophically on November 21, 1963, causing widespread damage and loss of life within a 200-mile radius. The massive eruption produced an ash cloud that affected global climate patterns, leading to a significant decrease in air travel. Agung's eruption also generated a tsunami that affected several islands in the Pacific.

This Icelandic volcano erupted catastrophically from June 8 to September 14, 1783, producing massive amounts of toxic gases and ash that affected global climate patterns. The massive eruption caused widespread famine in Europe, with an estimated 20% of the population dying as a result. Laki's eruption is considered one of the most significant volcanic events in recent history.