Iceland is in the top ten in the world today for the most active volcanoes since 1800. In fact, it ranks tenth but could move up the list if activity increases, as some scientists fear. In recent days, for example, there have been well over a thousand earthquakes on the Reykjanes Peninsula, near or at Fagradalsfjall.
This increases the likelihood of a fourth eruption there in as many years. Indonesia is home to the most active volcanoes, with 74, followed by the United States, with 63, mainly in Alaska. Japan ranks third with one less volcano. Russia is fourth with 49, mostly in the east near the Pacific Ocean. Chile ranks fifth with 34 active volcanoes. Papua New Guinea is in sixth place with twenty, followed by Ecuador with 18, and the Philippines in eighth with 15, one more than Tonga in the central Pacific. Iceland is tenth, with 14 eruptions occurring in the last 223 years. There are 46 active eruptions worldwide, with most in Indonesia, at seven.
The Santa Maria volcano in Guatemala has erupted continuously since June 22, 1922, making it the oldest ongoing eruption in the world. It also had a major eruption in 1902. Additionally, Saunders Island, a British Overseas Territory, has been experiencing eruptions since November 12, 2014. Currently, there are 46 ongoing eruptions worldwide. It is uncertain when the 47th eruption will occur, but there is potential for eruptions at Fagradalsfjall or Bárðarbunga in the near future.
Photos & text: Páll Stefánsson
Reykjavík 25/10/2023 – A7RIII, A7R IV : FE 200-600mm G, FE 2.8/100mm GM
