5 of the largest volcanoes on Earth and the secrets they hold

Volcanoes have always amazed scientists, geologists, and travelers– not just because they can erupt, but because they show the powerful forces deep inside the Earth. Today, as we pay more attention to nature and how it works, the biggest volcanoes in the world still help us learn about how our planet was formed and how it keeps changing.

Some of these volcanoes are still active, some have been quiet for hundreds of years, and others haven’t erupted in a very long time. But what they all share is their huge size and the impact they’ve had on the world. These aren’t just big mountains– they’re massive systems that have shaped land, affected weather, and changed life in many parts of the world.

Here’s a closer look at five of the world’s largest volcanoes– picked for their height, size, and the important role they’ve played in shaping our planet.

Mauna Loa, situated in Hawaii, is the Earth's largest volcano by both volume and area. This massive shield volcano stands 4,169 meters above sea level and stretches another 5 kilometers beneath the ocean’s surface to its base on the seafloor. Although its most recent eruption occurred in 1984, Mauna Loa remains an active volcano and is continuously monitored for any signs of future volcanic activity.

Mauna Kea, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, is a dormant volcano recognized as the tallest mountain on Earth when measured from its base on the ocean floor to its peak, which rises 4,207 meters above sea level. Although it hasn’t erupted in more than 4,500 years, Mauna Kea is still considered an active volcano because of its relatively recent geological activity.

Ojos del Salado, located on the border between Chile and Argentina in the Andes, is the highest active volcano in the world, reaching nearly 6,900 metres above sea level. It stands in one of the driest regions on Earth and is known more for its extreme height than for frequent eruptions. Although it hasn’t erupted in recent centuries, ongoing geothermal activity means it’s still considered active.

Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and an important symbol of East Africa. It rises about 5,900 metres above the surrounding plains, standing alone rather than as part of a mountain range. Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones– Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira– formed by different eruptions. Although its last major eruption was hundreds of thousands of years ago, there are still signs of recent volcanic activity beneath the surface.

Mount Elbrus, located in Russia, is the highest mountain in Europe and a dormant volcano. Its west summit rises to 5,642 meters above sea level, making it one of the Seven Summits– the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents. Although volcanic in origin, its surface is heavily covered by glaciers, which makes its volcanic features less noticeable.