34 Supervolcanoes, Most Could Wipe Out Millions When They Erupt

Home Environmental 34 Supervolcanoes, Most Could Wipe Out Millions When They Erupt

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By Chu E. - March 16, 2025

When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, it seemed cataclysmic, but it barely registers compared to what Earth’s supervolcanoes can do. Hidden around the globe are volcanic systems capable of eruptions thousands of times more powerful, with the potential to cool the planet, collapse civilizations, and cause global disaster. Here are the supervolcanoes most likely to make headlines in our lifetime.

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Campi Flegrei (Italy)

34 Supervolcanoes, Most Could Wipe Out Millions When They Erupt — Source: interestingengineering.com

Located west of Naples, this 8-mile-wide caldera has shown concerning uplift since the 1950s. The crisis in the 1980s forced thousands to evacuate. Though its last eruption in 1538 created Monte Nuovo, a much larger event 39,000 years ago covered Europe in ash. Recent seismic swarms and increasing gas emissions keep locals and scientists constantly vigilant.

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Taupo Volcano (New Zealand)

Lake Taupo’s calm waters hide Earth’s largest eruption from the past 70,000 years. This supervolcano ejected 280 cubic miles of material 26,500 years ago, reshaping the landscape. The resulting caldera formed the lake that tourists now enjoy. However, minor eruptions as recent as 181 AD suggest ongoing activity. Scientists carefully track geothermal signals and subtle ground movements.

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Toba Caldera (Indonesia)

Toba’s catastrophic eruption 74,000 years ago expelled 670 cubic miles of ash, possibly causing a volcanic winter that nearly wiped out humanity. Today, the world’s largest volcanic lake fills the caldera. Despite its peaceful appearance, scientists have noted worrying uplift and seismic activity. The lush shorelines contrast sharply with the destructive power that lies dormant beneath.

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Aira Caldera (Japan)

This 12-mile-wide caldera last erupted massively 22,000 years ago, but its active vent, Sakurajima, spews ash almost daily. About 600,000 Kagoshima residents live just 6 miles from this constant reminder of volcanic threat. Locals have adapted to the frequent grumbles and ash fall. The contrast of explosive ash plumes against delicate cherry blossoms creates a scene of beautiful danger.

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Long Valley Caldera (USA)

Near Mammoth Lakes, California, this 20-by-10-mile caldera’s last major eruption occurred 760,000 years ago. Recent decades have shown concerning signs of reawakening. The ground has risen 20 inches, while thousands of small earthquakes suggest magma movement below. Tourists soak in hot springs, unaware that these pleasant waters signal the restless giant beneath their feet.

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Kikai Caldera (Japan)

South of Kyushu lies a 12-mile-wide underwater caldera that devastated Japan 7,300 years ago. Recent studies revealed an alarming magma buildup and growing lava dome beneath the waves. The crystal-clear waters above give no hint of the potential catastrophe below. Ships pass over this submarine threat daily, their passengers oblivious to what scientists increasingly worry about.

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Santorini Caldera (Greece)

The spectacular eruption 3,600 years ago may have inspired the Atlantis legend after burying Minoan settlements in ash. Today, white buildings perch on dramatic cliffs framing a stunning lagoon. Tourists flock to watch famous sunsets over the partially collapsed crater. Small eruptions during the 20th century remind us that this picturesque destination remains volcanically active.

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Taal Volcano (Philippines)

Just 30 miles from Manila, this deceptively small volcano packs tremendous power. Its 2020 eruption forced mass evacuations, while historical records describe much larger events. The unusual lake-in-a-volcano-in-a-lake formation creates striking visuals. Fishermen cast nets in waters that could turn violent without warning. Many Filipinos live in its shadow despite the constant threat.

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Katla Caldera (Iceland)

Concealed beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Katla’s last eruption in 1918 broke through ice hundreds of feet thick. Scientists believe a major event is overdue. When eruption happens, rapidly melting ice creates catastrophic floods called jökulhlaups. Steam rises through cracks in the glacier, evidence of the heat below. Nearby residents maintain evacuation plans for when—not if—it awakens.

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Rabaul Caldera (Papua New Guinea)

This Pacific supervolcano demonstrated its power in 1994 when twin eruptions from Tavurvur and Vulcan vents destroyed Rabaul town. Though its last major event occurred 1,400 years ago, the caldera remains extremely active. Residents have rebuilt among the ash-covered ruins. Ships dock in the harbor while ash plumes rise nearby. The turquoise bay surrounded by steaming volcanoes creates a scene of unsettling beauty.

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Tambora (Indonesia)

In 1815, Tambora produced the most powerful eruption in recorded history. It killed 70,000 people and caused the “Year Without a Summer” globally. The 4,000-foot mountain lost its top, leaving a 3,600-foot-deep crater. Today, lush vegetation has reclaimed the slopes. Small tremors occasionally remind scientists that Tambora isn’t finished. Farmers work fertile soils created by past devastation.

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Changbaishan (China/North Korea)

Straddling the border sits Heavenly Lake atop a supervolcano with a catastrophic past. Its 946 AD eruption ejected 24 cubic miles of material, ranking among history’s largest. Local mythology considers the mountain sacred. Recent earthquakes and gas emissions worry scientists on both sides of the border. Political tensions complicate monitoring efforts at this potentially dangerous volcano.

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Taupo Volcanic Zone (New Zealand)

Beyond famous Lake Taupo, this region contains multiple volcanic threats. Active cones like Ruapehu have erupted as recently as 2007. Boiling mud pools, vibrant mineral terraces, and steaming vents dot the landscape. Tourists marvel at the colorful geothermal features without realizing they indicate a complex, active magma system below. Scientists monitor this volatile area with sophisticated equipment.

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Askja Caldera (Iceland)

This Arctic wonder triggered mass emigration after its 1875 eruption. The stark landscape features lava fields surrounding blue lakes against black ash. The geothermal pool called Viti (“Hell”) draws brave swimmers despite its volcanic origin. Magma chambers still simmer below the surface. Iceland’s position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge makes this caldera particularly unpredictable.

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Deception Island (Antarctica)

This horseshoe-shaped island hides an active volcano that destroyed research bases during 1967-1970 eruptions. The flooded caldera creates a natural harbor where cruise ships visit. Penguins waddle near beaches where steam rises from the sand. Swimmers can experience the bizarre combination of freezing air with volcanically heated water. Scientists return despite the risks to study this polar anomaly.

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Bolsena Caldera (Italy)

Beneath idyllic Lake Bolsena lies a supervolcano that hasn’t erupted for 370,000 years. Medieval towns dot shorelines where subtle seismic activity and gas bubbles hint at the restless magma below. Farmers tend vineyards on fertile volcanic soil. Tourists swim and sail, unaware of what created the picturesque lake. Scientists note that even long-dormant calderas can reawaken with devastating consequences.

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Laguna del Maule (Chile)

This Andean caldera has alarmed scientists by rising 10 inches since 2007. The rapid inflation suggests massive magma movement below the shimmering lake. Jagged peaks surround waters that reflect snow-capped mountains. Though its last eruption occurred 1,500 years ago, the unprecedented ground swelling has prompted increased monitoring. Its remote location would complicate evacuation efforts.

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Menengai Caldera (Kenya)

Africa’s hidden volcanic powerhouse left a 7-mile-wide crater after its last eruption 8,000 years ago. Now, farmers cultivate the fertile slopes while geothermal plants tap its energy. Steam vents dot the vast caldera floor. The Rift Valley location makes this volcano part of an active tectonic zone. Local traditions include legends about spirits inhabiting the crater, perhaps remembering ancient eruptions.

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Apoyo Caldera (Nicaragua)

This tropical paradise formed 23,000 years ago when a massive eruption created a 4-mile-wide crater. Now filled with turquoise water, the caldera attracts swimmers and tourists seeking natural beauty. Minor earthquakes and hot spots reveal its volcanic nature. The pristine lake reaches depths of 650 feet. Nearby residents enjoy the scenery without considering the violent forces that created it.

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Pululahua Caldera (Ecuador)

One of the few inhabited calderas in the world formed 2,500 years ago and now cradles a community of farmers. Morning fog fills the crater, creating mystical views from the rim. Rich volcanic soil supports crops within this dormant giant. Despite its peaceful appearance, subtle seismic signals and occasional gas emissions suggest the volcano isn’t completely quiet. Visitors marvel at the patchwork of fields inside a volcanic crater.

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Cosiguina Volcano (Nicaragua)

This coastal “sleeping lion” erupted violently in 1835, darkening skies for days and permanently altering the coastline. Today, a peaceful crater lake has replaced the fiery mountain peak. Tropical jungle has reclaimed the slopes. Local fishermen tell stories passed down about the cataclysm. Researchers find evidence of much larger prehistoric eruptions. The serene setting gives no hint of its explosive potential.

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Alcedo Volcano (Galápagos)

Darwin’s volcanic paradise hosts unique wildlife alongside steaming vents. Giant tortoises roam near fumaroles, creating surreal scenes of nature meeting volcanic danger. This shield volcano last erupted in 1993, a small event compared to prehistoric blasts. Rare plants grow in mineral-rich soil. The isolated location means eruptions pose minimal human threat but significant ecological risk to endangered species.

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Ilopango Caldera (El Salvador)

The tranquil lake filling this caldera belies its devastating history. Its massive eruption in 536 AD darkened skies worldwide, possibly causing global cooling. Coffee plantations now thrive on its fertile slopes. Fishermen cast nets in waters covering a violent past. Recent subtle seismic activity has scientists watching carefully. The caldera sits near densely populated areas, including the capital San Salvador.

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La Garita Caldera (USA)

Colorado’s San Juan Mountains hide remnants of one of Earth’s largest known eruptions. The cataclysm 27 million years ago ejected an astonishing 1,200 cubic miles of ash. Dramatic cliff formations and sweeping vistas reveal its ancient outline. Though dormant for millennia, its scale humbles researchers. Hikers traverse its weathered rim, often unaware they’re walking on a prehistoric supervolcano.

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Valles Caldera (New Mexico)

Rolling meadows and dense forests mask this 13-mile-wide depression formed 1.25 million years ago. Hot springs and gas vents dot the landscape, signaling heat below. Elk graze peacefully in the vast crater, creating postcard-perfect scenes. Its last significant eruption occurred 50,000 years ago. The caldera now serves as a national preserve where visitors often fail to recognize its volcanic origin.

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Okataina Volcanic Centre (New Zealand)

This complex unleashed a massive eruption just 800 years ago, while its Tarawera vent split a mountain in 1886. Colorful hot springs and steaming vents punctuate lush forests. The region draws tourists to Rotorua’s famous geothermal features. Recent magma studies show continued activity beneath the surface. The proximity to popular tourist destinations makes monitoring particularly important.

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Pinatubo Caldera (Philippines)

The 1991 eruption cooled Earth’s temperature by one degree Fahrenheit and ejected 2.4 cubic miles of ash. Today, a turquoise crater lake fills the collapsed summit. Aeta indigenous villages have rebuilt on its flanks. Lush jungle has reclaimed ash-covered landscapes with remarkable speed. Occasional seismic rumbles remind scientists that Pinatubo remains active despite its current peaceful appearance.

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Uturuncu (Bolivia)

This high-altitude giant has been rising 0.7 inches yearly since the 1990s, concerning scientists. Standing at 19,700 feet above sea level, it dominates the Altiplano landscape. Pink flamingos feed in nearby mineral-rich lagoons. The barren volcanic slopes contrast with colorful desert plains. Though its last eruption was 250,000 years ago, the unusual ground swelling suggests magma accumulation beneath.

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Karymsky Caldera (Russia)

Kamchatka’s remote wilderness hides this restless giant, erupting almost continuously since 1996. Brown bears roam near steaming volcanic peaks. The isolation makes monitoring difficult but protects populations from immediate danger. Salmon swim in nearby rivers while ash falls from frequent explosions. Its major blast 7,700 years ago reshaped the peninsula. Few people ever witness its raw, untamed power.

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Phlegraean Fields (Italy)

This sprawling caldera near Naples shares dangers with nearby Campi Flegrei. Yellow sulfur pools and cracked earth reveal its restless nature. The last eruption in 1538 created a new mountain overnight. Recent ground uplift of 6 feet and frequent earthquakes keep half a million residents concerned. Fumaroles release volcanic gases through urban neighborhoods. Ancient Romans believed this area was the entrance to the underworld.

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Aso Caldera (Japan)

In Kyushu’s heart lies this 15-mile-wide volcanic complex with Mount Aso at its center. Eruptions have occurred as recently as 2021, though its last supervolcanic blast happened 90,000 years ago. Green crater lakes and steaming vents dot the landscape. Farmers work inside the caldera despite occasional ash falls. The steam rising from active areas creates misty, ethereal scenes that attract photographers.

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Kurile Lake (Russia)

Remote Kamchatka Peninsula hosts this pristine but dangerous caldera formed 7,600 years ago by a massive eruption. Its ash traveled across Asia. Now, salmon fill the crater lake while snow dusts surrounding peaks. Recent seismic swarms and numerous hot springs indicate ongoing activity. Few visitors ever reach this isolated volcanic gem. Scientists must travel by helicopter to study its restless systems.

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Toba Caldera (Indonesia)

Lake Toba’s peaceful surface conceals Earth’s most devastating eruption in the past 100,000 years. The catastrophe ejected an astounding 670 cubic miles of ash and likely caused a volcanic winter. Indigenous Batak people inhabit an island formed in the center of the caldera. Small earthquakes and subtle deformation measurements suggest continued magma movement. The vast lake stretches beyond the horizon.

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Calabozos Caldera (Chile)

Hidden in the Andes, this remote supervolcano has produced at least three major eruptions over its history. The most recent blast 300,000 years ago ejected 130 cubic miles of material. Snow covers much of the caldera most of the year. Hot springs attract occasional visitors to its isolated location. Geologists must trek through difficult terrain to study this overlooked giant. Recent satellite data shows subtle signs of activity.

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Yellowstone Caldera (USA)

This massive supervolcano spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, with a caldera stretching 43 by 28 miles. Its last major eruption 640,000 years ago ejected 240 cubic miles of ash. Now, it powers the famous Old Faithful geyser while scientists monitor frequent earthquakes. The ground swelling indicates magma movement below, a silent warning of the sleeping giant’s potential.

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Conclusion

These supervolcanoes represent just a fraction of Earth’s volcanic danger zones. While scientists can’t predict exactly when the next catastrophic eruption will occur, they’re certain it’s a matter of “when,” not “if.” Modern monitoring systems give us advantages previous generations lacked, but the raw power of these sleeping giants dwarfs our ability to control them. The good news? Most supervolcanoes give warning signs months or years before major eruptions. The bad news? When they blow, there’s little we can do but watch from a safe distance—if such a place exists.

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