The legends of the peoples of the Earth tell about the divine origin of the fiery mountains. Will the world's highest volcano be able to share supernatural power? The answer can be obtained only by taking a dangerous trip yourself. Ancient people believed that deep in the majestic giants mythical creatures lurk , which can give immortality to those who dare to rise to their summit and look into the vent with a hot, restless lava.
Olympus
What is the highest volcano in the world on another planet? This is an extinct giant from distant Mars, recognized as the largest in the Solar System - Olympus, whose name was given in honor of the legendary monastery of the ancient Gods. Last time, fire lava burst from a huge vent two million years ago. Only the diameter of the former crater of this long-asleep giant is 60 km. Olympus majestically rises to 26 kilometers, the width of the giant - as much as 540 km.
According to one version of scientists, its steep slopes were once washed by the ocean, thanks to which they acquired such an unusual shape. All the highest volcanoes in the world that are on Earth are much smaller than Olympus in size. It is so huge that it is not even visible entirely from the surface of the planet.
Mauna Loa
The active volcano Mauna Loa is located in Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. Most of the giant is hidden under water, but if you measure the distance from the top to the foot, you get 9000 meters. This giant is the highest active volcano in the world, it is even larger than Everest. The huge Mauna Loa still has a record volume of 75,000 cubic meters. He is very active and dangerous. During his last awakening, in 1984, the island's territory increased by as much as 180 hectares thanks to powerful lava flows.
Aconcagua
In the mountains of Argentina rises the extinct volcano Aconcagua. The height of the giant is 6962 m. The exact origin of the name remains a mystery to researchers. Second place in the ranking of "The highest volcanoes in the world" takes this beautiful giant.
A huge ice cap formed at the top - for too long a lava had not escaped from its vent. Picturesque nature has made Aconcagua an attractive place for climbers. There are a lot of people who want to climb the magnificent snowy slopes of the once dangerous volcano.
Ojos del Salado
In the snowy Andes there is peacefully sleeping Ojos del Salado, a volcano 6893 m high. The name of the giant means "salty eyes", for the ancient Incas this mountain was considered sacred, sacrifices were made here. Near the top there is a beautiful lake, called the highest mountain on the planet.
The last time a fire erupted from his crater a thousand years ago. It is considered safe, but now scientists notice some activity, and local residents sometimes smell sulfur in the air. Once over a giant they even saw a small amount of steam and ash. At any moment, the picturesque peace of this place can be disturbed by a powerful eruption when the giant awakens from a thousand-year dream.
Lulhaillaco
The composition of the Alps includes a volcano with a long and unpronounceable name Ljulyayljako, whose height is 6725 meters. It is located in the Atacama Desert. The snowy slopes of the volcano look fantastic among the endless sands.
Almost near the crater, scientists discovered several mummified bodies that were there several centuries ago. Most likely, the ancient Incas tried to appease the formidable giant with their bloody offerings.
The last time Ljulyayljako woke up in 1887. Now in his bowels life is in full swing. He will still show his fiery power! So far, he only promises an eruption, sometimes releasing a huge hot cloud above the top.
San pedro
The beautiful Alps, which include the highest volcanoes in the world, are real champions in the number of dangerous objects. This is the second formidable giant. San Pedro, whose height is 6159 meters, most recently, 55 years ago, has shown its serious power. By his power, which can easily cause terrible destruction, he evokes invariable respect.
The crowds of tourists who come for an extreme walk to his vent provide local residents with a good income. True, to be near the crater is allowed exclusively in a special mask, otherwise it is easy to breathe poisonous gases.
Chimborazo
Wimper, one of the three peaks of the Chimborazo volcano, is the farthest point on the Earth’s surface from the center. The height of the giant is as much as 6310 meters. It is located in Ecuador and is part of the Andes. He very long ago, one and a half thousand years ago, showed his last activity. On the slopes and peaks of Chimboraso there are about 14 glaciers. This is a huge supply of clean water, which helps the locals very much.
Beautiful, but terrifying people of all times, the highest volcanoes in the world with their magnificent and dangerous appearance have always attracted intense interest, which was mixed with superstitious horror. These fire-breathing mountains close to heaven themselves deserve great respect.