The World's Angriest Volcanoes Revealed

10. Mauna Loa, Hawaii

Translating "Long Mountain" in Hawaiian as "Mauna Loa," this massive shield volcano rules the Big Island of Hawaii's terrain. In addition to its grandeur and scale, this geological monster is significant geologically and is active right now. With a volume estimated at around 18,000 cubic miles (75,000 cubic kilometres), Mauna Loa is among the biggest active volcanoes on Earth and the biggest subaerial volcano in mass and volume. Mauna Loa's vast scope is challenging to understand. Measuring roughly 30,085 feet (9,170 meters), from its base on the sea floor to its summit, it is more than 120 meters (394 feet) higher than Mount Everest when measured from base to peak. More over half of the volcano's height is underwater; its subaerial component rises 13,681 feet (4,169 meters) above sea level. Countless eruptions over hundreds of thousands of years have gradually piled layer upon layer of hardened lava, giving the volcano its enormous scale. With 33 recorded eruptions since its first well-documented historical eruption in 1843, Mauna Loa boasts both extensive and frequent eruptive history. Though the interval between eruptions might vary greatly, it erupts every six years on average. The most recent eruption of the volcano took place in 1984 and sent lava flows 4.5 miles (7.2 km) of Hilo, the biggest population centre on the Big Island. Over 22 days, this eruption spewed lava covering an area around 48 square kilometres. Mauna Loa's form is among its most unique aspects. Mauna Loa is a shield volcano, unlike the tall, conical volcanoes most people image when they consider a volcano; its gently sloping slope defines this feature. The very flowing character of its lava produced this form. Usually basaltic, the lava from Mauna Loa flows smoothly and covers vast distances instead of accumulating steep slopes as silica is low in it. Another feature of Mauna Loa's basaltic lava is that its eruptions often are non-explosive. Rather than explosive eruptions, most start with fissures opening and lava fountains rising. Rising to several hundred feet, these fountains produce amazing exhibitions of the power of nature. Lava flows during an eruption can cover great distances and can endanger surrounding towns. Mauna Loa is less immediately dangerous for human populations than certain other active volcanoes despite its regular activity. Its rather consistent behaviour as well as the thorough monitoring mechanisms in place help to explain this in part. Run by the United States Geological Survey, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors Mauna Loa continuously using a range of instruments including seismometers, GPS stations, and gas sensors. By means of this observation, scientists can identify indicators of approaching eruptions, therefore offering perhaps vital warning time for evacuation when needed. Still, one should not undervalue the possible influence of the volcano. A big eruption might damage infrastructure, cut off the island's main road, and cause disturbance of air travel. The scale of the volcano implies that its eruptions can influence weather patterns and even influence variations in the world temperature. Large eruptions, for instance, can spew enough sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere to reduce world temperatures. Mauna Loa is not only a natural marvel; it also is very important to Hawaiian mythology and culture. Hawaiian custom holds that Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes, lives on the volcano. Considered as expressions of Pele's power and presence are the regular eruptions. This cultural value gives the continuous attempts to study and keep an eye on this amazing volcano still another level of relevance.