One of the world's largest active volcanoes, with a caldera measuring approximately 25 km across. Located on Kyushu island, it features multiple peaks and is popular with hikers — though its active nature demands constant monitoring.
One of the most active volcanoes in North America with over 30 periods of eruptions since 1585. The Colima volcanic complex dominates the western Mexican Volcanic Belt and remains closely monitored by scientists.
One of Indonesia's most persistently active volcanoes, Dukono on Halmahera Island has been in near-continuous eruption since 1933. Daily ash emissions are the norm, with plumes regularly rising 300–700 m above the summit. Its remote location means it receives little attention relative to its extraordinary longevity of activity.
Europe's tallest active volcano with one of the world's longest documented eruption records dating to 1500 BCE. Etna dominates Catania and is characterised by both continuous summit activity and occasional high-rate flank eruptions.
One of Central America's most active volcanoes, looming over Guatemala's former capital Antigua. Fuego is feared for its vigorous eruptions producing major ashfalls, pyroclastic flows and lava flows recorded continuously since 1524.
A stratovolcano in the central Aleutian Islands that has been erupting continuously since July 2021 — one of the longest ongoing eruptions in recent Alaskan history. Lava has filled most of the summit crater and advanced into surrounding valleys, with no explosive activity since May 2021.
The Krýsuvík–Trölladyngja volcanic system on the Reykjanes Peninsula has been the site of repeated eruptions in recent years. Activity has reshaped the landscape around Grindavík and Svartsengi, with the most recent eruption concluding in August 2025.
A stratovolcano on Halmahera Island that has been in near-continuous eruption since 2008. In 2026 it has been extraordinarily active, recording over 641 individual eruptions by May — nearly 4 per day. Ash plumes routinely reach 300–1,000 m above the summit. A major paroxysmal eruption in January 2025 sent ash to 4 km and raised the alert to its highest level.
The most active volcano on Negros Island, rising 2,465 m in the central Philippines. Since June 2024 Kanlaon has produced a series of moderately explosive eruptions driven by repeated pressurisation of a deep magma source, generating PDCs, ash plumes to 4–5 km, and ballistic projectiles. A repeating eruption pattern has been established, with eruptions occurring every few weeks to months.
A symmetrical stratovolcano on Lembata Island in East Nusa Tenggara, with eruptions recorded since 1660. The current eruptive episode has been ongoing since 2020 with fluctuating intensity. In early 2026 the alert was briefly raised to Level 3 before being downgraded to Level 2 in February as activity moderated to daily white-to-gray plumes and seismically detected explosions.
One of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea has been erupting episodically from two vents in Halemaʻumaʻu crater since December 23, 2024. By June 2026 the eruption has produced 48 distinct episodes, with lava fountains regularly exceeding 600–900 ft and covering much of the crater floor with fresh lava.
One of the world’s most active and perfectly symmetrical stratovolcanoes, Mayon has erupted over 50 times since 1616. Its 2,462 m cone dominates Albay Province in Luzon. The 6 km Permanent Danger Zone is continuously enforced due to frequent lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, and ashfall threatening surrounding communities.
Indonesia's most active volcano and one of the most dangerous — feared for its deadly pyroclastic flows generated when lava domes collapse. Erupts on average every 5–10 years and is under constant scientific surveillance. Name means "the one making fire."
One of the world's most active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise completed a major eruptive episode that ran from 13 February to 12 April 2026, sending lava flows down the SE flank of Dolomieu Crater to the ocean and extending Réunion's coastline by up to 840 m. The volcano is currently at rest.
Costa Rica's "smoking mountain" hosts one of the world's most acidic crater lakes — a striking turquoise pool whose pH rivals battery acid. Frequent phreatic eruptions driven by superheated groundwater keep scientists and visitors on constant alert.
The highest peak in the Cascade Range at 4,392 m and ranked the 3rd highest volcanic threat in the USA, Mount Rainier poses a significant lahar risk to the Puget Sound region due to its extensive glacial ice cap. Despite no eruption since around 1894, it is extensively monitored due to the potential catastrophic impact of a future eruption on surrounding populated areas.
North America's second highest volcano, rising 70 km southeast of Mexico City. Its Aztec name means "smoking mountain" — an apt description for a glacier-clad giant with a history of major Plinian eruptions stretching back to pre-Columbian times.
The most active volcano in the Cascade Range and the most likely to erupt again in our lifetimes according to USGS. The catastrophic 1980 eruption killed 57 people and flattened 600 km² of forest. Dome-building eruptions followed from 2004–2008. It remains closely monitored with small earthquakes detected weekly as part of normal background activity.
New Zealand's most active volcano is a complex stratovolcano whose summit crater lake is a persistent hazard. Lahars from phreatic eruptions threaten nearby ski areas and river valleys. Low-level seismic unrest continues following the October 2022 eruption.
One of the world's most persistently active volcanoes, producing strong Strombolian to large ash explosions every 4–24 hours. Located just 8 km from the city of Kagoshima and half a million people, it is closely watched and frequently deposits ash on the city.
Also known as Chaparrastique, San Miguel's symmetrical cone is one of El Salvador's most recognisable landmarks and most active volcanoes. Flank eruptions have produced lava flows reaching the north, northeast and southeast since the 17th century.
One of Alaska's most active and symmetrical stratovolcanoes, rising 2,857 m on Unimak Island in the eastern Aleutians. Known for frequent Strombolian and sub-Plinian eruptions, Shishaldin has been in a state of persistent unrest since 2023. Its near-perfect cone and remote location make it one of the most closely watched volcanoes in the North Pacific.
Java's highest and one of its most active volcanoes — also known as Mahameru (Great Mountain). Its ongoing activity since 1967 is characterised by frequent small-to-moderate summit explosions, occasional lava flows and pyroclastic events reaching the lower flanks.
The "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean" — Stromboli has been erupting almost continuously for at least 2,000 years. Famous for its regular small explosions throwing glowing lava from summit craters, lending its name to the Strombolian eruption style worldwide.
One of the Philippines' most active and dangerous volcanoes — a beautiful caldera filled with a lake, within which sits a volcanic island with its own crater lake. At least six eruptions since 1572 have claimed lives via pyroclastic flows and tsunamis across the crater lake.
Spain's highest peak and one of the world's largest volcanoes by volume. Teide experienced a sustained earthquake swarm beneath the Las Cañadas caldera in February 2026, consistent with deep hydrothermal adjustment. No eruptive activity has occurred since 1909.
Three volcanic cycles spanning two million years produced some of the greatest eruptions in planetary history. The current 45 × 85 km caldera formed 640,000 years ago. Today Yellowstone's vast hydrothermal system — geysers, hot springs and fumaroles — remains intensely active.