The World’s Most Active Volcanoes in 2023

1. Etna – Italy: Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, dominates the Sicilian landscape with a history dating back 3500 years. Its consistent eruptions provide scientists with valuable insights into volcanic behavior. Etna’s recent activity includes effusive eruptions and ash emissions, making it a focal point for geological research and hazard assessment.

2. Stromboli – Italy: Known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” Stromboli is famed for its almost continuous volcanic activity over the past 2000 years. This island volcano offers stunning natural fireworks with frequent eruptions, making it a popular destination for tourists and a vital subject of study for volcanologists.

3. Yasur – Vanuatu: Mount Yasur on Tanna Island is one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. Known for its persistent strombolian eruptions, Yasur provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the thrill of volcanic activity up close, with explosions lighting up the night sky.

4. Ambrym – Vanuatu: Ambrym Island is renowned for its twin volcanic craters, Benbow and Marum, which harbor persistent lava lakes. This island’s dynamic volcanic landscape attracts adventurers and researchers alike, offering a dramatic showcase of volcanic power and beauty.

5. Tinakula – Solomon Islands: Tinakula, a remote and uninhabited volcanic island, stands as a striking cone rising from the ocean. Its frequent eruptions and relative isolation make it a fascinating subject for scientific study and a captivating destination for adventurous travelers.

6. Erta Ale – Ethiopia: Erta Ale, known as the “Smoking Mountain” and the “Gateway to Hell,” is a continuously active basaltic shield volcano in the Afar Region of northeastern Ethiopia. Its persistent lava lake, one of the few in the world, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the earth’s inner workings, attracting scientists and daring explorers.

7. Manam – Papua New Guinea: Manam is one of Papua New Guinea’s most active volcanoes. Known for its frequent and sometimes violent eruptions, Manam poses significant challenges for local communities while offering a compelling subject for volcanic studies.

8. Langila – Papua New Guinea: Langila, located on the island of New Britain, is one of the most active volcanoes in the Bismarck Archipelago. Its frequent eruptions contribute to the region’s dynamic geological activity, providing valuable data for volcanic research and posing ongoing challenges for local inhabitants.

9. Bagana – Papua New Guinea: Bagana, one of the youngest and most active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea, is characterized by frequent lava flows and explosive eruptions. Its remote location on Bougainville Island adds to the challenge of monitoring and studying this dynamic volcano.

10. Semeru – Indonesia: Semeru, the highest volcano on the island of Java, is known for its regular explosive activity. As one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, Semeru is a prominent feature in the landscape and a crucial site for studying volcanic processes and hazards.

11. Merapi – Indonesia: Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, is infamous for its regular and often devastating eruptions. Located near densely populated areas, Merapi’s activity is closely monitored, making it a critical site for volcanic hazard assessment and risk management.

12. Dukono – Indonesia: Dukono, situated on the remote island of Halmahera, is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. Known for its continuous volcanic activity, Dukono produces persistent ash plumes, offering a constant reminder of the region’s dynamic geological nature.

13. Sakurajima – Japan: Sakurajima, located in Kagoshima Bay, is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Its frequent explosive eruptions and ash falls have shaped the local landscape and significantly impacted the surrounding communities, making it a focal point for volcanic research and disaster preparedness.

14. Suwanose-jima – Japan: Suwanose-jima, part of the Ryukyu Islands, is one of Japan’s most persistently active volcanoes. Its near-constant strombolian activity makes it a fascinating destination for volcanologists and adventurous travelers seeking to witness volcanic processes in action.

15. Santa Maria – Guatemala: Santa Maria, a stratovolcano in Guatemala, is known for its catastrophic eruption in 1902, one of the largest in the 20th century. Its Santiaguito lava dome complex remains highly active, offering critical insights into dome growth and collapse processes.

16. Pacaya – Guatemala: Pacaya, one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes, offers frequent eruptions and stunning lava flows. Located near Guatemala City, it is a popular destination for tourists and a key site for monitoring volcanic activity and assessing associated risks.

17. Sangay – Ecuador: Sangay, one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes, has been erupting continuously since 1934. Its remote location in the Amazonian foothills makes it a challenging but fascinating destination for volcanologists and adventurous travelers.

18. Erebus – Antarctica: Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth, features a persistent lava lake within its summit crater. Located on Ross Island, Erebus provides a unique natural laboratory for studying volcanic activity in extreme environments.

19. Piton de la Fournaise – Reunion: Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active shield volcanoes, is located on Reunion Island. Known for its frequent and spectacular eruptions, it is a major attraction for tourists and a key site for volcanic research.

20. Kilauea – Hawaii: Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, is renowned for its frequent and effusive eruptions. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kilauea’s ongoing activity and accessible lava flows make it a significant location for volcanic research and a popular destination for tourists.