Major Volcanoes of Asia

Major volcanoes of all shapes and sizes can be found throughout Asia, from the towering Mount Damavand in Iran to the famous Mount Fuji in Japan. These volcanoes are significant in terms of culture and history in addition to showcasing the region's natural features. Each volcano, whether it is a dormant stratovolcano like Mount Damavand or an active volcano like Mount Merapi, offers different experiences and stunning scenery to both tourists and scholars.

Features of Major Volcanoes of Asia

Here are the descriptions of major volcanoes of Asia −

Mount Damavand

At a height of 5,671 meters, Mount Damavand, a dormant stratovolcano, is the highest peak in Iran and Western Asia, the highest volcano in Asia, and the second-highest volcano in the Eastern Hemisphere. A unique place is given to Damvand in Persian mythology and culture. It is situated near Varr, Sesang, Gol-e Zard, and Mnrd in the centre of the Alborz range. It is located in Amol County, Alborz Province, close to the Caspian Sea's southern coast, 66 kilometres (41 miles) northeast of Tehran. The second most prominent summit in Asia after Mount Everest is Mount Damvand, which is the 12th most prominent peak in the entire planet. It is a piece of the climbing challenge known as the Volcanic Seven Summits.

Mount Bromo

In East Java, Indonesia, the Bromo is a somma volcano that is still active. It is a component of the Tengger mountains. It is not the highest mountain in the massif at 2,329 meters (7,641 feet), but it is the most well-known. The volcano is part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, one of East Java's most popular tourist sites. The Javanese pronunciation of the Hindu creator god Brahma is where the name Bromo originates. "Sea of Sand" is the name of the plain where Mount Bromo is situated.

Hallasan

On South Korea's Jeju Island, there is a shield volcano named Hallasan. At 1,947 m (6,388 ft), its top is the highest point in the nation. Hallasan National Park, which has been recognized as a national park, surrounds the mountain. Along with Jirisan and Seoraksan, Hallasan is typically regarded as one of South Korea's three major mountains. The highest peak in South Korea, Hallasan, is revered by locals who think that gods and spirits reside there. Older English sources refer to the summit as Mount Auckland, while other English names for the mountain include Hanla Mountain and Mount Halla.

Mount Aso

Aso Volcano, sometimes referred to as Mount Aso, is one of the biggest active volcanoes in the world and the largest active volcano in Japan. Common usage frequently exclusively refers to the somma volcano at the Aso Caldera's heart. On the island of Kyushu, in Kumamoto Prefecture's Aso Kuj National Park. Takadake, the mountain's tallest peak, rises 1,592 meters (5,223 feet) above sea level. Although sources differ on the precise measurement, Mount Aso is located in a rather sizable caldera that is about 120 km (75 mi) in circumference and measures 25 km (16 miles) north-south and 18 km (11 mi) east-west.

Mount Pinatubo

Mount Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano in the Zambales Mountains. Before the pre-eruption volcanic activity of early 1991, most people were unaware of its eruptive history. Pinatubo was severely damaged and hidden from view by thick trees that housed thousands of native Aeta people. The volcano is located about 54 miles (87 km) northwest of Manila, the Philippine capital. There are former American-maintained military installations close to Mount Pinatubo.

Mount Fuji

With a top elevation of 3,776.24 m, Mount Fuji, a stratovolcano in Japan, is situated on the island of Honsh. The tallest mountain in Japan, second-highest volcano on an island in Asia (after Mount Kerinci on the island of Sumatra), and seventh-highest peak of an island on Earth, it is also the tallest mountain in Japan. In 1707–1708, Mount Fuji last erupted. On clear days, the peak is visible from Tokyo, which is located around 100 kilometers to the southwest of the mountain. The unusually symmetrical cone of Mount Fuji, which is covered in snow for roughly five months of the year, is frequently utilized as a symbol of Japan in art and photography as well as being a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and mountain climbers.

Ijen volcano

The Ijen volcano complex is a collection of composite volcanoes that is situated in East Java, Indonesia, between the Banyuwangi and Bondowoso Regencies. Blue fire, an acidic crater lake, and labor-intensive sulphur mining are some of its famous features. It is located within the bigger caldera named Ijen, which has a width of around 20 kilometres (12 miles). The tallest point of that complex is the stratovolcano known as Gunung Merapi. The Indonesian word "Gunung Merapi" literally translates to "mountain of fire"; Mount Merapi in central Java and Marapi in Sumatra share the same derivation.

Mount Merapi

On the dividing line between the Indonesian provinces of Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta is Mount Merapi, an active stratovolcano. It has been continuously erupting since 1548 and is Indonesia's most active volcano. Thousands of people live on the volcano's sides, with villages rising as high as 1,700 m (5,577 ft) above sea level. It is situated around 28 km (17 mi) north of Yogyakarta city, which has a population of 2.4 million.

Mayon Volcano

The province of Albay in the Philippines' Bicol region is home to the active stratovolcano known as Mayon, often referred to as Mount Mayon and Mayon Volcano. A well-liked tourist destination, it is revered in Philippine mythology and is known for its "perfect cone" due to its symmetric conical shape. On July 20, 1938, the volcano and its surroundings were designated a national park, making it the first such designation in the country. It is the focal point of the Albay Biosphere Reserve, which UNESCO established in 2016 and is presently being considered for inscription on the World Heritage List.

Sakurajima

Sakurajima is an active stratovolcano that was formerly an island but is now a peninsula in Japan's Kyushu Prefecture. It was joined to the Sumi Peninsula by the lava flows from the eruption of 1914. It is Japan's most active volcano. It is a stratovolcano, Sakurajima. Three peaks make up its summit: Kita-dake (the northern peak), Naka-dake (the centre peak), and Minami-dake (the southern peak), which is now active. There are numerous natural places on Sakurajima, and the ecosystems in various locations where recent eruptions have occurred have been studied as an example of biological succession.

List of Major Volcanoes of Asia

Here is a table of major volcanoes in Asia, including their location and height −

Volcano	Location	Height (meters)
Mount Damavand	Iran	5,610
Mount Bromo	Indonesia	2,329
Hallasan	South Korea	1,950
Mount Aso	Japan	1,592
Mount Pinatubo	Philippines	1,486
Mount Fuji	Japan	3,776
Ijen volcano	Indonesia	2,799
Mount Merapi	Indonesia	2,930
Mayon Volcano	Luzon, Philippines	2,462
Sakurajima	Kyushu, Japan	1,117

Conclusion

Asia is home to a stunning variety of active volcanoes, from towering summits to charming cones. These volcanoes provide as a visual representation of the region's intense geological activity. The tallest volcano in Asia is Mount Damavand, and Japan's most famous stratovolcano is Mount Fuji. Asia's volcanoes offer natural wonders and cultural significance, drawing tourists from all over the world, from the ferocious eruptions of Mount Merapi to the beautiful views from Hallasan in South Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the highest volcano in Asia?

Mount Damavand in Iran is the highest volcano in Asia, reaching a height of 5,610 meters.

Where is Mount Fuji located?

Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, is situated on the island of Honshu.

Which country is home to Mount Bromo?

Mount Bromo is located in East Java, Indonesia.

What is the significance of Mayon Volcano?

Mayon Volcano in the Philippines is known for its perfect cone shape and is revered in Philippine mythology.