First up: Mount Fuji, Japan. One of the most famous volcanoes in the world, and looking at this picture it's clear to see why.
Secondly: Mount Stromboli, Italy. Stromboli is famous for its "fire-fountains" and shown in tihs picture is a perfect example.
Thirdly: Kilauea, Hawaii. This low viscosity basaltic magma pouring from the volcano produces these spectacular lava flows...
...and last but not least: Parinacota, Chile. Its difficult to pick the "most beautiful" volcano from the Andes as there are so many equally fine candidates. However, for me Parinacota has just a little something extra.
So, the contestants are lined up and waiting for you to decide which of them is most worthy of the title "most beautiful volcano". Cast your votes!
11 comments:
I can only go on the pictures you have here, but as only two are 'doing' volcanic stuff, and fire fountains aren't my thing, it will have to be Kilauea.
(Mount Fuji)...looking at this picture it's clear to see why.
Fame has more to do with the number of people who know about something than with any intrinsic properties. That picture does not capture either the population density of Japan nor the cultural signifance accrued to Mt. Fuji over the course of Japan's history.
Sorry, I'm feeling a little Pedantic today, since I'm marking student essays...
Otherwise, I'm going to say that of the four pictures posted, my personal favourite is Kilauea, for the strong colour contrast and outside-of-everyday experience represented in a pyroclastic flow (note: not a geologist - is that actually a pyroclastic flow?).
No, sorry its a lava flow and not a pyroclastic flow...
Pyroclastic flows are high density mixtures of hot, dry rock fragments and hot gases. They typically move at over 60 mph and reach temperatures over 800C.
Thanks for your votes!
Given the choices, I've got to go with one of the stratovolcanoes, but I'm torn between Fuji and Parinacota. I also feel compelled to point out that those of us in the Northwest U.S. would argue that our Cascade volcanoes are every bit as beautiful as Fuji or the Andes. What about Mt. Baker? Mt. Hood? Crater Lake (not technically active, I realize, but I challenge you to find a more gorgeous caldera anywhere)? Just food for thought...
I like Kilauea, Hawaii.
Kilauea also gets my vote, at least on the basis of that marvellous photo. Tough to choose, though!
I vote Kilauea as well.
Uhm I'd wote for Mt Fuji, but it isn't doing anything vulcanic. So, being italian, I am left to vote for Stromboli, I guess - although I think Naple's Vesuvio is more beatiful.
excellent points and the details are more specific than elsewhere, thanks.
- Murk
Hello.This post was really fascinating, particularly since I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last
Saturday.
Admiring the persistence you put into your site and detailed information you present.
It's great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't
the same outdated rehashed material. Excellent read!
I've saved your site and I'm adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Post a Comment