Volcanoes · Knowledge

Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI).

The VEI ranks volcanic eruptions on a scale from 0 to 8 by how explosive they were. It is based on the volume of ejected material and the height of the eruption column. Here you will find the scale, its limits and every large eruption of roughly the last 12,000 years.

Volcano map Volcanoes by country

Recorded eruptions: 11,089
with a VEI: 8,418
VEI 6 and above: 59
Dataset: Nov 13, 2026

VEI 0 non-explosive Ejecta < 10⁴ m³ Column < 100 m VEI 0 · non-explosive
VEI 1 gentle Ejecta ≥ 10⁴ m³ Column 0.1–1 km VEI 1 · gentle
VEI 2 explosive Ejecta ≥ 10⁶ m³ Column 1–5 km VEI 2 · explosive
VEI 3 severe Ejecta ≥ 10⁷ m³ Column 3–15 km VEI 3 · severe
VEI 4 cataclysmic Ejecta ≥ 10⁸ m³ Column 10–25 km VEI 4 · cataclysmic
VEI 5 paroxysmal Ejecta ≥ 1 km³ Column > 25 km VEI 5 · paroxysmal
VEI 6 colossal Ejecta ≥ 10 km³ Column > 25 km VEI 6 · colossal
VEI 7 super-colossal Ejecta ≥ 100 km³ Column > 25 km VEI 7 · super-colossal
VEI 8 mega-colossal Ejecta ≥ 10³ km³ Column > 25 km VEI 8 · mega-colossal

Source: Newhall & Self (1982) · Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program

Frequency

How common is each level?

The Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program catalogue lists 11,089 eruptions from the Holocene, roughly the last 12,000 years. A VEI has been assigned to 8,418 of them; for 2,671 it is missing.

VEI 01,019
VEI 11,441
VEI 24,030
VEI 31,172
VEI 4516
VEI 5181
VEI 652
VEI 77
VEI 80

The higher the level, the rarer the eruption: small eruptions of levels 1 and 2 happen all the time, while a VEI 7 is documented only 7 times in the last 12,000 years. Small prehistoric eruptions are less likely to be recorded than large ones – the numbers show the documented record, not the true frequency.

Assessment

How is the VEI determined?

The scale was introduced in 1982 by Chris Newhall (USGS) and Stephen Self (University of Hawaii). The main criterion is the volume of ejected fragmented material (tephra: ash, pumice, lapilli). Column height, duration and descriptions of the eruption are also considered. From level 2 upwards, each step means roughly ten times more material. For historical eruptions, the VEI is estimated from deposits in the field.

What the VEI does not measure

The VEI only describes explosivity. Lava flows do not count: large lava eruptions such as those on Hawaii or Iceland often rate only VEI 0 or 1. Casualties, damage and climate effects are not part of the scale either. For the climate, the sulphur reaching the stratosphere matters most – Pinatubo in 1991 (VEI 6) cooled the Earth by about 0.5 °C for around a year.

VEI, ash and aviation

The ash column grows with the level. From VEI 3 it can reach the cruising altitude of airliners (about 10–12 km); from VEI 4 it extends into the stratosphere. Current ash advisories from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAAC) are shown on our volcano map.

Volcano map

Catalogue

Eruptions by VEI level

From VEI 4 upwards every eruption in the catalogue is listed; for the smaller levels a selection of the latest confirmed eruptions. Each link opens the eruption in the volcano's eruption history.

VEI 8

mega-colossal

0 recorded eruptions

No level 8 eruption is documented in the Holocene. Such super-eruptions lie much further back, for example the eruption of Toba on Sumatra around 74,000 years ago.

VEI 7

super-colossal

7 recorded eruptions

All eruptions of this level, newest first.

Volcano	Country	Start	VEI
Tambora	Indonesia	2 Jul 1812	7
Rinjani	Indonesia	1 Jul 1257uncertain	7?
Santorini	Greece	1610 BCEuncertain	7?
Blanco, Cerro	Argentina	2300 BCEuncertain	7
Kikai	Japan	4350 BCEuncertain	7
Crater Lake	United States	5680 BCEuncertain	7
Kurile Lake	Russia	6440 BCEuncertain	7

VEI 6

colossal

52 recorded eruptions

All eruptions of this level, newest first.

Volcano	Country	Start	VEI
Pinatubo	Philippines	2 Apr 1991	6
Novarupta	United States	6 Jun 1912	6
Santa Maria	Guatemala	24 Oct 1902uncertain	6?
Krakatau	Indonesia	20 May 1883	6
Long Island	Papua New Guinea	1660uncertain	6
Huaynaputina	Peru	17 Feb 1600	6
Billy Mitchell	Papua New Guinea	1580uncertain	6
Bardarbunga	Iceland	Feb 1477	6
Quilotoa	Ecuador	1280uncertain	6
Changbaishan	China / North Korea	15 Nov 946	6
Ceboruco	Mexico	930uncertain	6
Churchill	United States	847uncertain	6
Witori	Papua New Guinea	710uncertain	6
Rabaul	Papua New Guinea	683uncertain	6
Dakataua	Papua New Guinea	653uncertain	6?
Ilopango	El Salvador	450uncertain	6+
Ksudach	Russia	240uncertain	6
Taupo	New Zealand	15 Mar 233uncertain	6?
Churchill	United States	63uncertain	6
Ambrym	Vanuatu	50uncertain	6+
Apoyeque	Nicaragua	50 BCEuncertain	6
Okmok	United States	100 BCEuncertain	6
Raoul Island	New Zealand	250 BCEuncertain	6
Pinatubo	Philippines	1050 BCEuncertain	6
Witori	Papua New Guinea	1370 BCEuncertain	6
Taupo	New Zealand	1460 BCEuncertain	6
Aniakchak	United States	1645 BCEuncertain	6?
Veniaminof	United States	1750 BCEuncertain	6
St. Helens	United States	1860 BCEuncertain	6
Hudson, Cerro	Chile	1890 BCEuncertain	6
Black Peak	United States	1900 BCEuncertain	6
Long Island	Papua New Guinea	2040 BCEuncertain	6
Pinatubo	Philippines	3550 BCEuncertain	6
Taal	Philippines	3580 BCEuncertain	6
Witori	Papua New Guinea	4000 BCEuncertain	6?
Masaya	Nicaragua	4050 BCEuncertain	6
Macauley	New Zealand	4360 BCEuncertain	6?
Hudson, Cerro	Chile	4750 BCEuncertain	6
Tao-Rusyr Caldera	Russia	5550 BCEuncertain	6
Mashu	Japan	5550 BCEuncertain	6
Khangar	Russia	5700 BCEuncertain	6
Crater Lake	United States	5900 BCEuncertain	6
Menengai	Kenya	6050 BCEuncertain	6+
Aniakchak	United States	6300 BCEuncertain	6?
Karymsky	Russia	6600 BCEuncertain	6
Fisher	United States	7420 BCEuncertain	6?
Pinatubo	Philippines	7460 BCEuncertain	6?
Aira	Japan	8050 BCEuncertain	6
Grimsvotn	Iceland	8230 BCEuncertain	6
Michinmahuida	Chile	8400 BCEuncertain	6
Ulleungdo	South Korea	8750 BCEuncertain	6

VEI 5

paroxysmal

181 recorded eruptions

All eruptions of this level, newest first.

Volcano	Country	Start	VEI
Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai	Tonga	20 Dec 2021	5
Puyehue-Cordon Caulle	Chile	4 Jun 2011	5
Hudson, Cerro	Chile	8 Aug 1991	5+
Chichon, El	Mexico	28 Mar 1982	5
St. Helens	United States	27 Mar 1980	5
Agung	Indonesia	18 Feb 1963	5
Bezymianny	Russia	22 Oct 1955	5
Kharimkotan	Russia	8 Jan 1933	5
Azul, Cerro	Chile	2 Jul 1916	5+
Ksudach	Russia	28 Mar 1907	5
Okataina	New Zealand	10 Jun 1886	5
Askja	Iceland	1 Jan 1875	5
Sheveluch	Russia	18 Feb 1854	5
Agung	Indonesia	2 Jul 1843	5
Cosiguina	Nicaragua	20 Jan 1835	5
Galunggung	Indonesia	8 Oct 1822	5
St. Helens	United States	15 Jan 1800	5
Katla	Iceland	17 Oct 1755uncertain	5?
Shikotsu	Japan	19 Aug 1739	5
Katla	Iceland	11 May 1721uncertain	5?
Fujisan	Japan	16 Dec 1707	5
Tangkoko-Duasudara	Indonesia	1680uncertain	5?
Gamkonora	Indonesia	20 May 1673uncertain	5?
Shikotsu	Japan	23 Sep 1667	5
Toya	Japan	16 Aug 1663	5
Sheveluch	Russia	1652uncertain	5
Melebingoy	Philippines	26 Dec 1640uncertain	5?
Hokkaido-Komagatake	Japan	31 Jul 1640	5
Vesuvius	Italy	16 Dec 1631uncertain	5?
Furnas	Portugal	3 Sep 1630	5
Katla	Iceland	2 Sep 1625	5
Raung	Indonesia	1593uncertain	5?
Kelud	Indonesia	1586uncertain	5?
Agua de Pau	Portugal	28 Jun 1563uncertain	5?
St. Helens	United States	15 Jan 1482	5
St. Helens	United States	15 Jan 1480	5+
Aira	Japan	3 Nov 1471uncertain	5?
Pinatubo	Philippines	1450uncertain	5?
Oraefajokull	Iceland	5 Jun 1362	5
Chichon, El	Mexico	1360uncertain	5
Okataina	New Zealand	1310uncertain	5
Katla	Iceland	1262	5
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	1130uncertain	5
Asamayama	Japan	29 Aug 1108	5
Hekla	Iceland	15 Oct 1104	5
Ubinas	Peru	1082uncertain	5
Mashu	Japan	1080uncertain	5
Sheveluch	Russia	1034uncertain	5
Billy Mitchell	Papua New Guinea	1032uncertain	5+
Guagua Pichincha	Ecuador	930uncertain	5
Towada	Japan	17 Aug 915	5
Puyehue-Cordon Caulle	Chile	860uncertain	5
Chichon, El	Mexico	780uncertain	5
Witori	Papua New Guinea	690uncertain	5
Sheveluch	Russia	650uncertain	5
Opala	Russia	610uncertain	5+
Sheveluch	Russia	600uncertain	5
Harunasan	Japan	1 Jun 550uncertain	5
Vesuvius	Italy	5 Nov 472	5
Akutan	United States	340uncertain	5
Witori	Papua New Guinea	310uncertain	5
Masaya	Nicaragua	150uncertain	5+
Furnas	Portugal	80uncertain	5
Vesuvius	Italy	24 Oct 79uncertain	5?
Etna	Italy	122 BCE	5
Masaya	Nicaragua	170 BCEuncertain	5
Popocatepetl	Mexico	200 BCEuncertain	5P
Antillanca Volcanic Complex	Chile	230 BCEuncertain	5
Atacazo	Ecuador	320 BCEuncertain	5
Corbetti	Ethiopia	396 BCEuncertain	5
Meager	Canada	410 BCEuncertain	5?
St. Helens	United States	530 BCEuncertain	5
Tongariro	New Zealand	550 BCEuncertain	5
Shikotsu	Japan	550 BCEuncertain	5
Pululahua	Ecuador	690 BCEuncertain	5
Yantarni	United States	800 BCEuncertain	5
Sollipulli	Chile	920 BCEuncertain	5+
Fujisan	Japan	930 BCEuncertain	5
Khodutka	Russia	930 BCEuncertain	5
Sheveluch	Russia	950 BCEuncertain	5
Antillanca Volcanic Complex	Chile	960 BCEuncertain	5
Tungurahua	Ecuador	1010 BCEuncertain	5
Hekla	Iceland	1100 BCEuncertain	5+
Cuicocha	Ecuador	1150 BCEuncertain	5
Aguilera	Chile	1253 BCEuncertain	5
Yucamane	Peru	1320 BCEuncertain	5
Fujisan	Japan	1350 BCEuncertain	5
Avachinsky	Russia	1350 BCEuncertain	5
Etna	Italy	1500 BCEuncertain	5?
Avachinsky	Russia	1500 BCEuncertain	5
Hayes	United States	1550 BCEuncertain	5
Taranaki	New Zealand	1700 BCEuncertain	5
St. Helens	United States	1770 BCEuncertain	5
Villarrica	Chile	1810 BCEuncertain	5
Dana	United States	1890 BCEuncertain	5
Tolima, Nevado del	Colombia	1990 BCEuncertain	5?
Sheveluch	Russia	2000 BCEuncertain	5
Chichon, El	Mexico	2030 BCEuncertain	5
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	2050 BCEuncertain	5
Hachijojima	Japan	2050 BCEuncertain	5
Rungwe	Tanzania	2050 BCEuncertain	5
Sheveluch	Russia	2100 BCEuncertain	5
Campi Flegrei	Italy	2150 BCEuncertain	5
Galunggung	Indonesia	2250 BCEuncertain	5?
Hekla	Iceland	2310 BCEuncertain	5
Burney, Monte	Chile	2320 BCEuncertain	5
St. Helens	United States	2340 BCEuncertain	5
Vesuvius	Italy	2420 BCEuncertain	5
Atacazo	Ecuador	2490 BCEuncertain	5
Apoyeque	Nicaragua	2550 BCEuncertain	5
Sheveluch	Russia	2620 BCEuncertain	5
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	2640 BCEuncertain	5
Ata	Japan	2690 BCEuncertain	5
Fournaise, Piton de la	France	2765 BCEuncertain	5?
Iliinsky	Russia	2850 BCEuncertain	5
Agua de Pau	Portugal	2990 BCEuncertain	5
Zheltovsky	Russia	3050 BCEuncertain	5
Chaiten	Chile	3100 BCEuncertain	5
Fisher	United States	3170 BCEuncertain	5
Avachinsky	Russia	3200 BCEuncertain	5
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	3280 BCEuncertain	5
Numazawa	Japan	3400 BCEuncertain	5
Sheveluch	Russia	3500 BCEuncertain	5
Okataina	New Zealand	3580 BCEuncertain	5
Sheveluch	Russia	3650 BCEuncertain	5
Popocatepetl	Mexico	3700 BCEuncertain	5
Kaguyak	United States	3850 BCEuncertain	5
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	3880 BCEuncertain	5+
Hekla	Iceland	4110 BCEuncertain	5?
Towada	Japan	4150 BCEuncertain	5+
Apoyeque	Nicaragua	4160 BCEuncertain	5
Avachinsky	Russia	4340 BCEuncertain	5
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	4350 BCEuncertain	5
Sheveluch	Russia	4400 BCEuncertain	5
Hokkaido-Komagatake	Japan	4600 BCEuncertain	5
Hachijojima	Japan	4650 BCEuncertain	5
Myokosan	Japan	4750 BCEuncertain	5?
Ksudach	Russia	4900 BCEuncertain	5+
Tavui	Papua New Guinea	4946 BCEuncertain	5
Tuhua/Mayor Island	New Zealand	5055 BCEuncertain	5
Puyehue-Cordon Caulle	Chile	5080 BCEuncertain	5
Hekla	Iceland	5150 BCEuncertain	5
Ksudach	Russia	5200 BCEuncertain	5?
Ichinsky	Russia	5400 BCEuncertain	5
Michinmahuida	Chile	5500 BCEuncertain	5
Sheveluch	Russia	5500 BCEuncertain	5
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	5820 BCEuncertain	5+
Avachinsky	Russia	5980 BCEuncertain	5+
Aira	Japan	6050 BCEuncertain	5
Okataina	New Zealand	6060 BCEuncertain	5
Makushin	United States	6100 BCEuncertain	5
Kizimen	Russia	6400 BCEuncertain	5
Soche	Ecuador	6650 BCEuncertain	5?
Orizaba, Pico de	Mexico	6710 BCEuncertain	5?
Calbuco	Chile	6760 BCEuncertain	5
Sheveluch	Russia	6800 BCEuncertain	5?
Llaima	Chile	6880 BCEuncertain	5
Vesuvius	Italy	6940 BCEuncertain	5
Shikotsu	Japan	6950 BCEuncertain	5
Zheltovsky	Russia	7050 BCEuncertain	5
Sheveluch	Russia	7150 BCEuncertain	5
Towada	Japan	7250 BCEuncertain	5?
Sheveluch	Russia	7300 BCEuncertain	5
Seguam	United States	7300 BCEuncertain	5?
Sheveluch	Russia	7400 BCEuncertain	5
Burney, Monte	Chile	7450 BCEuncertain	5
Okataina	New Zealand	7560 BCEuncertain	5
Roundtop	United States	7600 BCEuncertain	5?
Chaiten	Chile	7750 BCEuncertain	5
Ksudach	Russia	7900 BCEuncertain	5
Kizimen	Russia	8050 BCEuncertain	5
Taupo	New Zealand	8130 BCEuncertain	5
Towada	Japan	8250 BCEuncertain	5
Ngozi	Tanzania	8250 BCEuncertain	5?
Calbuco	Chile	8460 BCEuncertain	5
Askja	Iceland	8910 BCEuncertain	5
Taupo	New Zealand	9240 BCEuncertain	5
Tongariro	New Zealand	9350 BCEuncertain	5
Tongariro	New Zealand	9450 BCEuncertain	5
Taupo	New Zealand	9460 BCEuncertain	5
Tongariro	New Zealand	9650 BCEuncertain	5

VEI 4

cataclysmic

516 recorded eruptions

All eruptions of this level, newest first.

Volcano	Country	Start	VEI
Hayli Gubbi	Ethiopia	23 Nov 2025	4
Ruang	Indonesia	16 Apr 2024	4
Lewotobi	Indonesia	23 Dec 2023	4
Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba	Japan	13 Aug 2021	4
Soufriere St. Vincent	St. Vincent & Grenadines	27 Dec 2020	4
Taal	Philippines	12 Jan 2020	4
Ulawun	Papua New Guinea	26 Jun 2019	4
Sinabung	Indonesia	7 May 2019	4
Semeru	Indonesia	24 Feb 2019	4
Manam	Papua New Guinea	10 Jun 2018	4
Semeru	Indonesia	6 Jun 2017	4
Wolf	Ecuador	25 May 2015	4
Calbuco	Chile	22 Apr 2015	4
Manam	Papua New Guinea	29 Jun 2014	4
Semeru	Indonesia	1 Apr 2014	4
Kelud	Indonesia	13 Feb 2014	4
Sinabung	Indonesia	15 Sep 2013	4
Nabro	Eritrea	13 Jun 2011	4
Grimsvotn	Iceland	21 May 2011	4
Merapi	Indonesia	26 Oct 2010	4
Eyjafjallajokull	Iceland	20 Mar 2010	4
Sarychev Peak	Russia	11 Jun 2009	4
Kasatochi	United States	7 Aug 2008	4
Okmok	United States	12 Jul 2008uncertain	4?
Chaiten	Chile	2 May 2008	4
Rabaul	Papua New Guinea	11 Aug 2006uncertain	4?
Manam	Papua New Guinea	24 Oct 2004uncertain	4?
Reventador	Ecuador	3 Nov 2002	4
Ruang	Indonesia	25 Sep 2002uncertain	4?
Ulawun	Papua New Guinea	28 Sep 2000	4
Sheveluch	Russia	15 Aug 1999uncertain	4?
Rabaul	Papua New Guinea	19 Sep 1994uncertain	4?
Lascar	Chile	30 Jan 1993	4
Spurr	United States	27 Jun 1992	4
Kelud	Indonesia	10 Feb 1990	4
Klyuchevskoy	Russia	27 Nov 1986	4
Chikurachki	Russia	18 Nov 1986	4
Augustine	United States	27 Mar 1986uncertain	4?
Colo	Indonesia	18 Jul 1983	4
Galunggung	Indonesia	5 Apr 1982	4
Pagan	United States	15 May 1981	4
Alaid	Russia	27 Apr 1981	4
Augustine	United States	22 Jan 1976	4
Tolbachik	Russia	28 Jun 1975	4+
Fuego	Guatemala	10 Oct 1974	4
Chachadake [Tiatia]	Japan / Russia	14 Jul 1973	4
Fernandina	Ecuador	11 Jun 1968	4
Awu	Indonesia	12 Aug 1966	4
Kelud	Indonesia	26 Apr 1966	4
Taal	Philippines	28 Sep 1965	4
Sheveluch	Russia	12 Nov 1964	4+
Carran-Los Venados	Chile	27 Jul 1955	4
Spurr	United States	9 Jul 1953	4
Bagana	Papua New Guinea	29 Feb 1952	4
Kelud	Indonesia	31 Aug 1951	4
Lamington	Papua New Guinea	17 Jan 1951	4
Ambrym	Vanuatu	6 Dec 1950	4+
Hekla	Iceland	29 Mar 1947	4
Sarychev Peak	Russia	9 Nov 1946	4
Avachinsky	Russia	25 Feb 1945	4
Michoacan-Guanajuato	Mexico	20 Feb 1943	4
Rabaul	Papua New Guinea	29 May 1937uncertain	4?
Kuchinoerabujima	Japan	23 Dec 1933uncertain	4?
Suoh	Indonesia	10 Jul 1933	4
Fuego	Guatemala	21 Jan 1932	4
Aniakchak	United States	1 May 1931	4
Klyuchevskoy	Russia	25 Mar 1931	4
Hokkaido-Komagatake	Japan	17 Jun 1929	4
Avachinsky	Russia	27 Mar 1926	4
Submarine Volcano NNE of Iriomotejima	Japan	31 Oct 1924uncertain	4?
Raikoke	Russia	14 Feb 1924	4
Manam	Papua New Guinea	11 Aug 1919	4
Kelud	Indonesia	19 May 1919	4
Katla	Iceland	12 Oct 1918	4+
Agrigan	United States	9 Apr 1917	4
Tungurahua	Ecuador	3 Mar 1916	4
Aira	Japan	12 Jan 1914	4
Colima	Mexico	17 Jan 1913	4
Lolobau	Papua New Guinea	2 Jul 1911	4
Lolobau	Papua New Guinea	9 Aug 1904	4P
Thordarhyrna	Iceland	16 Dec 1902	4
Soufriere St. Vincent	St. Vincent & Grenadines	6 May 1902uncertain	4?
Pelee	France	23 Apr 1902	4
Dona Juana	Colombia	1 Nov 1897	4
Mayon	Philippines	23 May 1897uncertain	4?
Calbuco	Chile	7 Jan 1893	4
Suwanosejima	Japan	2 Oct 1889	4
Colima	Mexico	9 Aug 1889	4
Bandaisan	Japan	15 Jul 1888	4
Niuafo'ou	Tonga	31 Aug 1886uncertain	4?
Tungurahua	Ecuador	11 Jan 1886	4
Augustine	United States	6 Oct 1883	4
Fuego	Guatemala	28 Jun 1880uncertain	4?
Suwanosejima	Japan	2 Jul 1877uncertain	4?
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	16 Jan 1877	4
Vesuvius	Italy	18 Dec 1875uncertain	4?
Grimsvotn	Iceland	8 Jan 1873	4
Sinarka	Russia	2 Jul 1872	4
Merapi	Indonesia	15 Apr 1872	4
Kie Besi	Indonesia	28 Dec 1861uncertain	4?
Katla	Iceland	8 May 1860	4
Fuego	Guatemala	15 Jan 1857uncertain	4?
Hokkaido-Komagatake	Japan	25 Sep 1856	4
Toya	Japan	22 Apr 1853	4
Fonualei	Tonga	11 Jun 1846uncertain	4?
Hekla	Iceland	2 Sep 1845	4
Klyuchevskoy	Russia	9 Sep 1829uncertain	4?
Avachinsky	Russia	27 Jun 1827	4
Kelud	Indonesia	11 Oct 1826uncertain	4?
Toya	Japan	12 Mar 1822	4
Colima	Mexico	15 Feb 1818	4
Raung	Indonesia	16 Jan 1817uncertain	4?
Mayon	Philippines	1 Feb 1814	4
Suwanosejima	Japan	2 Jul 1813	4
Awu	Indonesia	6 Aug 1812uncertain	4?
Soufriere St. Vincent	St. Vincent & Grenadines	27 Apr 1812	4
Tutupaca	Peru	20 Mar 1802uncertain	4?
Witori	Papua New Guinea	2 Jul 1800uncertain	4P
Westdahl	United States	1795	4
San Martin	Mexico	2 Mar 1793	4
Kilauea	United States	Nov 1790	4
Alaid	Russia	1790	4^
Etna	Italy	4 Jun 1787	4
Asamayama	Japan	9 May 1783	4
Grimsvotn	Iceland	May 1783	4+
Aira	Japan	8 Nov 1779	4
Raikoke	Russia	1778	4^
Toya	Japan	23 Jan 1769	4
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	4 Apr 1768	4
Hekla	Iceland	5 Apr 1766	4
Miyakejima	Japan	17 Aug 1763	4
Planchon-Peteroa	Chile	3 Dec 1762	4
Pavlof	United States	1762uncertain	4?
Kie Besi	Indonesia	22 Sep 1760uncertain	4?
Michoacan-Guanajuato	Mexico	29 Sep 1759	4
Taal	Philippines	15 May 1754	4
Ksudach	Russia	1750uncertain	4
Taal	Philippines	11 Aug 1749	4
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	May 1744	4
Oshima-Oshima	Japan	18 Aug 1741	4
Fuego	Guatemala	27 Aug 1737uncertain	4?
Jan Mayen	Norway	17 May 1732	4
Oraefajokull	Iceland	3 Aug 1727	4
Raoul Island	New Zealand	1720uncertain	4
Bravo, Cerro	Colombia	1720uncertain	4
Fuego	Guatemala	27 Aug 1717uncertain	4?
Taal	Philippines	24 Sep 1716uncertain	4?
Chirpoi	Russia	31 Dec 1712uncertain	4?
Hokkaido-Komagatake	Japan	4 Jul 1694	4
Serua	Indonesia	4 Jun 1693uncertain	4?
Hekla	Iceland	13 Feb 1693	4
Chikurachki	Russia	1690uncertain	4
Katla	Iceland	3 Nov 1660	4
Guagua Pichincha	Ecuador	27 Oct 1660	4
Teon	Indonesia	Feb 1660uncertain	4?
Taranaki	New Zealand	1655uncertain	4
Kolumbo	Greece	27 Sep 1650uncertain	4?
Kie Besi	Indonesia	19 Jul 1646uncertain	4?
Kelud	Indonesia	1641uncertain	4?
Llaima	Chile	Feb 1640	4
Chaiten	Chile	1640uncertain	4?
Raung	Indonesia	1638uncertain	4?
Raoul Island	New Zealand	1630uncertain	4
Colima	Mexico	8 Jun 1622	4
Katla	Iceland	12 Oct 1612	4
Colima	Mexico	25 Nov 1606	4
Momotombo	Nicaragua	1605	4
Suwanosejima	Japan	1600uncertain	4+
Hekla	Iceland	3 Jan 1597	4
Ruiz, Nevado del	Colombia	9 Mar 1595	4
Colima	Mexico	10 Jan 1585	4
Fuego	Guatemala	5 Dec 1581uncertain	4?
Katla	Iceland	11 Aug 1580	4
Cayambe	Ecuador	1570uncertain	4
Maly Semyachik	Russia	1550uncertain	4
Katla	Iceland	1550uncertain	4
Michinmahuida	Chile	1550uncertain	4?
Witori	Papua New Guinea	1550uncertain	4P
Aniakchak	United States	1540uncertain	4+
Augustine	United States	1540uncertain	4?
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	Jun 1534	4
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	15 Nov 1532	4
Soufriere Guadeloupe	France	1530uncertain	4P
Telica	Nicaragua	1529	4
Hekla	Iceland	25 Jul 1510	4
Katla	Iceland	1500uncertain	4
Sete Cidades	Portugal	1444uncertain	4
Furnas	Portugal	1441uncertain	4
Katla	Iceland	1440	4
Sheveluch	Russia	1430uncertain	4
Izu-Oshima	Japan	14 May 1421	4
Katla	Iceland	1416uncertain	4?
Arenal	Costa Rica	1400uncertain	4
Mono-Inyo Craters	United States	1380uncertain	4
Melebingoy	Philippines	1380uncertain	4P
Katla	Iceland	1357uncertain	4+
Kikhpinych	Russia	1350uncertain	4
Mono-Inyo Craters	United States	1350uncertain	4
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	1350uncertain	4+
Ruiz, Nevado del	Colombia	1350uncertain	4
Pelee	France	1340uncertain	4
Bravo, Cerro	Colombia	1330uncertain	4
Hekla	Iceland	11 Jul 1300	4
Cayambe	Ecuador	1290uncertain	4
Katla	Iceland	1245	4
Kirishimayama	Japan	25 Jan 1235	4P
Reykjanes	Iceland	15 Jul 1226	4
Eldey	Iceland	31 Aug 1211uncertain	4?
Katla	Iceland	1210uncertain	4
San Salvador	El Salvador	1200uncertain	4
Chichon, El	Mexico	1190uncertain	4
Izu-Oshima	Japan	1183uncertain	4
Furnas	Portugal	1170uncertain	4
Hekla	Iceland	19 Jan 1158	4
Lolobau	Papua New Guinea	1100uncertain	4
San Francisco Volcanic Field	United States	1075uncertain	4?
Bravo, Cerro	Colombia	1050uncertain	4
Cayambe	Ecuador	1040uncertain	4
Arenal	Costa Rica	1030uncertain	4
Arenal	Costa Rica	1020uncertain	4
Ksudach	Russia	1000uncertain	4+
Tolbachik	Russia	1000uncertain	4+
Sheveluch	Russia	970uncertain	4
Vesuvius	Italy	1 Dec 968	4
Tolbachik	Russia	950uncertain	4+
Bezymianny	Russia	950uncertain	4?
Katla	Iceland	934uncertain	4?
Katla	Iceland	920	4
Tolbachik	Russia	900uncertain	4
Pelee	France	890uncertain	4P
Niigata-Yakeyama	Japan	887	4
Izu-Oshima	Japan	29 Jun 886uncertain	4
Niijima	Japan	29 Jun 886	4+
Ata	Japan	29 Aug 885	4
Ata	Japan	29 Mar 874	4
Bardarbunga	Iceland	870uncertain	4
Alamagan	United States	870uncertain	4
Izu-Oshima	Japan	14 Sep 854uncertain	4
Raoul Island	New Zealand	850uncertain	4
Kinenin	Russia	850uncertain	4
Miyakejima	Japan	850uncertain	4
Furnas	Portugal	840uncertain	4
Kozushima	Japan	2 Aug 838	4
Popocatepetl	Mexico	1 Mar 823	4P
Fujisan	Japan	11 Apr 800	4
Kirishimayama	Japan	18 Apr 788	4
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	770uncertain	4
Ata	Japan	770uncertain	4
Aira	Japan	Jan 764	4
Arenal	Costa Rica	750uncertain	4
Bravo, Cerro	Colombia	750uncertain	4
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	740uncertain	4
Karkar	Papua New Guinea	730uncertain	4P
Tungurahua	Ecuador	730uncertain	4?
Santorini	Greece	15 Jul 726uncertain	4?
Ata	Japan	720uncertain	4
Calbuco	Chile	710uncertain	4
Arenal	Costa Rica	700uncertain	4
Bezymianny	Russia	700uncertain	4?
Newberry	United States	690uncertain	4
Vesuvius	Italy	Feb 685	4
Izu-Oshima	Japan	680uncertain	4
Ata	Japan	660uncertain	4+
Arenal	Costa Rica	650uncertain	4
Mono-Inyo Craters	United States	620uncertain	4
Ata	Japan	600uncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	580uncertain	4+
Arenal	Costa Rica	550uncertain	4
Raoul Island	New Zealand	550uncertain	4
Rausudake	Japan	550uncertain	4
Krakatau	Indonesia	535	4C
Harunasan	Japan	1 Jun 520uncertain	4+
Karkar	Papua New Guinea	520uncertain	4C
Vesuvius	Italy	8 Jul 512uncertain	4?
Sheveluch	Russia	500uncertain	4+
Newberry	United States	490uncertain	4
Pelee	France	450uncertain	4P
Osorno	Chile	420uncertain	4?
Arenal	Costa Rica	400uncertain	4
Raoul Island	New Zealand	400uncertain	4
Tolbachik	Russia	400uncertain	4+
Sete Cidades	Portugal	380uncertain	4
Asamayama	Japan	15 Nov 350uncertain	4
Pelee	France	350uncertain	4
Izu-Oshima	Japan	340uncertain	4
Zaozan [Zaosan]	Japan	300uncertain	4
Pelee	France	300uncertain	4P
Parinacota	Chile / Bolivia	290uncertain	4
Miyakejima	Japan	260uncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	250uncertain	4
Vesuvius	Italy	203	4P
Glacier Peak	United States	200uncertain	4+
Wrangell	United States	190uncertain	4C
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	180uncertain	4
Calbuco	Chile	160uncertain	4+
Liamuiga	St. Kitts & Nevis	160uncertain	4P
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	150uncertain	4
Mashu	Japan	150uncertain	4
Ata	Japan	150uncertain	4
Ata	Japan	130uncertain	4
Pelee	France	130uncertain	4P
Raoul Island	New Zealand	100uncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	100uncertain	4
Sete Cidades	Portugal	90uncertain	4
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	70uncertain	4
Tacana	Mexico / Guatemala	70uncertain	4?
Guagua Pichincha	Ecuador	70uncertain	4
Pelee	France	50uncertain	4P
Tolbachik	Russia	50uncertain	4+
Turrialba	Costa Rica	40uncertain	4
Quetrupillan	Chile	35uncertain	4
Merapi	Indonesia	20uncertain	4P
Pelee	France	10uncertain	4
Akan	Japan	50 BCEuncertain	4P
Rungwe	Tanzania	50 BCEuncertain	4
Tenerife	Spain	80 BCEuncertain	4+
Misti, El	Peru	80 BCEuncertain	4?
Ata	Japan	80 BCEuncertain	4
Kujusan	Japan	100 BCEuncertain	4
Krasheninnikov	Russia	150 BCEuncertain	4C
Arenal	Costa Rica	170 BCEuncertain	4
Changbaishan	China / North Korea	180 BCEuncertain	4P
Vulcano	Italy	183 BCE	4
Yufu-Tsurumi	Japan	200 BCEuncertain	4
Hakusan	Japan	200 BCEuncertain	4
Pelee	France	200 BCEuncertain	4P
Taupo	New Zealand	200 BCEuncertain	4+
Ruiz, Nevado del	Colombia	200 BCEuncertain	4
Hudson Mountains	Antarctica	207 BCEuncertain	4?
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	230 BCEuncertain	4
Rainier	United States	250 BCEuncertain	4
Arenal	Costa Rica	270 BCEuncertain	4
Ata	Japan	270 BCEuncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	300 BCEuncertain	4
Yakedake	Japan	350 BCEuncertain	4
Three Sisters	United States	350 BCEuncertain	4
Arenal	Costa Rica	380 BCEuncertain	4
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	400 BCEuncertain	4
Pelee	France	440 BCEuncertain	4P
Pululahua	Ecuador	450 BCEuncertain	4C
Bezymianny	Russia	450 BCEuncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	500 BCEuncertain	4
Apagado	Chile	590 BCEuncertain	4
Pelee	France	590 BCEuncertain	4?
Aogashima	Japan	600 BCEuncertain	4
Krafla	Iceland	650 BCEuncertain	4
Ata	Japan	650 BCEuncertain	4
Villarrica	Chile	670 BCEuncertain	4
Bravo, Cerro	Colombia	730 BCEuncertain	4+
Towada	Japan	750 BCEuncertain	4+
Concepcion	Nicaragua	770 BCEuncertain	4P
Sheveluch	Russia	780 BCEuncertain	4+
Momotombo	Nicaragua	800 BCEuncertain	4+
Tengger Caldera	Indonesia	830 BCEuncertain	4P
Zavaritsky	Russia	850 BCEuncertain	4+
Katla	Iceland	850 BCEuncertain	4
Ruiz, Nevado del	Colombia	850 BCEuncertain	4
Vesuvius	Italy	880 BCEuncertain	4
Azufral	Colombia	930 BCEuncertain	4P
Miyakejima	Japan	950 BCEuncertain	4+
Sand Mountain Field	United States	950 BCEuncertain	4
Kujusan	Japan	990 BCEuncertain	4
Taupo	New Zealand	1010 BCEuncertain	4+
Fujisan	Japan	1030 BCEuncertain	4+
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	1050 BCEuncertain	4
Bravo, Cerro	Colombia	1050 BCEuncertain	4
Khodutka	Russia	1050 BCEuncertain	4+
Taupo	New Zealand	1050 BCEuncertain	4
Apoyeque	Nicaragua	1050 BCEuncertain	4
Kusatsu-Shiranesan	Japan	1120 BCEuncertain	4
Izu-Tobu	Japan	1150 BCEuncertain	4+
Merapi	Indonesia	1180 BCEuncertain	4P
Raoul Island	New Zealand	1200 BCEuncertain	4
Villarrica	Chile	1230 BCEuncertain	4
Arenal	Costa Rica	1250 BCEuncertain	4
Agua de Pau	Portugal	1290 BCEuncertain	4
Bravo, Cerro	Colombia	1310 BCEuncertain	4
Vesuvius	Italy	1430 BCEuncertain	4
Katla	Iceland	1440 BCEuncertain	4
Arenal	Costa Rica	1450 BCEuncertain	4
Ata	Japan	1500 BCEuncertain	4
Chikurachki	Russia	1500 BCEuncertain	4?
Vesuvius	Italy	1550 BCEuncertain	4
Hekla	Iceland	1550 BCEuncertain	4
Campi Flegrei	Italy	1650 BCEuncertain	4
Arenal	Costa Rica	1650 BCEuncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	1700 BCEuncertain	4
Okataina	New Zealand	1750 BCEuncertain	4+
Ata	Japan	1780 BCEuncertain	4
Rincon de la Vieja	Costa Rica	1820 BCEuncertain	4
Campi Flegrei	Italy	1870 BCEuncertain	4
Katla	Iceland	1920 BCEuncertain	4
Melebingoy	Philippines	1920 BCEuncertain	4P
Sanbesan	Japan	1920 BCEuncertain	4
Chikurachki	Russia	1950 BCEuncertain	4?
Campi Flegrei	Italy	2000 BCEuncertain	4
Raoul Island	New Zealand	2000 BCEuncertain	4
Marra, Jebel	Sudan	2000 BCEuncertain	4C
Ata	Japan	2010 BCEuncertain	4
Liamuiga	St. Kitts & Nevis	2010 BCEuncertain	4P
Mashu	Japan	2050 BCEuncertain	4
Iliamna	United States	2050 BCEuncertain	4P
Izu-Tobu	Japan	2100 BCEuncertain	4
Changbaishan	China / North Korea	2155 BCEuncertain	4P
Sheveluch	Russia	2200 BCEuncertain	4+
Karymsky	Russia	2250 BCEuncertain	4
Arenal	Costa Rica	2250 BCEuncertain	4
Orizaba, Pico de	Mexico	2300 BCEuncertain	4
Colima	Mexico	2370 BCEuncertain	4?
Pelee	France	2430 BCEuncertain	4P
Kujusan	Japan	2440 BCEuncertain	4
Hachijojima	Japan	2450 BCEuncertain	4
Campi Flegrei	Italy	2500 BCEuncertain	4
Avachinsky	Russia	2530 BCEuncertain	4
Dona Juana	Colombia	2550 BCEuncertain	4C
Asamayama	Japan	2550 BCEuncertain	4
Taupo	New Zealand	2600 BCEuncertain	4
Kirishimayama	Japan	2650 BCEuncertain	4
Tolmachev Dol	Russia	2650 BCEuncertain	4+
Pelee	France	2660 BCEuncertain	4?
Myokosan	Japan	2750 BCEuncertain	4
Kikhpinych	Russia	2780 BCEuncertain	4
Arenal	Costa Rica	2800 BCEuncertain	4
Aira	Japan	2900 BCEuncertain	4
Miyakejima	Japan	2900 BCEuncertain	4
Taupo	New Zealand	2900 BCEuncertain	4
Meidob Volcanic Field	Sudan	3000 BCEuncertain	4P
Ksudach	Russia	3000 BCEuncertain	4
Meidob Volcanic Field	Sudan	3050 BCEuncertain	4P
Sete Cidades	Portugal	3050 BCEuncertain	4
Aira	Japan	3050 BCEuncertain	4
Taupo	New Zealand	3070 BCEuncertain	4
Taupo	New Zealand	3170 BCEuncertain	4
Karymsky	Russia	3200 BCEuncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	3200 BCEuncertain	4+
Arenal	Costa Rica	3350 BCEuncertain	4
Pelee	France	3430 BCEuncertain	4?
Atacazo	Ecuador	3490 BCEuncertain	4P
Pelee	France	3500 BCEuncertain	4P
Mashu	Japan	3550 BCEuncertain	4
Makushin	United States	3650 BCEuncertain	4P
Hornopiren	Chile	3720 BCEuncertain	4
Kujusan	Japan	3780 BCEuncertain	4
Avachinsky	Russia	3790 BCEuncertain	4
Pelee	France	3820 BCEuncertain	4P
Arenal	Costa Rica	3900 BCEuncertain	4
Taupo	New Zealand	4100 BCEuncertain	4
Meidob Volcanic Field	Sudan	4150 BCEuncertain	4P
Bravo, Cerro	Colombia	4280 BCEuncertain	4
Kirishimayama	Japan	4350 BCEuncertain	4
Hokkaido-Komagatake	Japan	4350 BCEuncertain	4P
Kizimen	Russia	4450 BCEuncertain	4
Avachinsky	Russia	4460 BCEuncertain	4
Avachinsky	Russia	4550 BCEuncertain	4
Takaharayama	Japan	4570 BCEuncertain	4?
Hekla	Iceland	4700 BCEuncertain	4+
Taupo	New Zealand	4700 BCEuncertain	4
Calbuco	Chile	5030 BCEuncertain	4+
Iliamna	United States	5050 BCEuncertain	4P
Arenal	Costa Rica	5060 BCEuncertain	4?
Popocatepetl	Mexico	5150 BCEuncertain	4P
Romeral	Colombia	5390 BCEuncertain	4P
Pelee	France	5500 BCEuncertain	4P
Diamond Craters	United States	5610 BCEuncertain	4
Iliinsky	Russia	5700 BCEuncertain	4C
Krasheninnikov	Russia	5800 BCEuncertain	4
Calbuco	Chile	5820 BCEuncertain	4
Meru	Tanzania	5850 BCEuncertain	4P
Krasheninnikov	Russia	6000 BCEuncertain	4
Barva	Costa Rica	6050 BCEuncertain	4P
Meidob Volcanic Field	Sudan	6050 BCEuncertain	4P
Quill, The	Netherlands	6140 BCEuncertain	4P
Pelee	France	6220 BCEuncertain	4P
Towada	Japan	6250 BCEuncertain	4
Okmok	United States	6310 BCEuncertain	4P
Chikurachki	Russia	6310 BCEuncertain	4?
Sheveluch	Russia	6350 BCEuncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	6380 BCEuncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	6400 BCEuncertain	4
Miyakejima	Japan	6450 BCEuncertain	4
Romeral	Colombia	6510 BCEuncertain	4P
Sheveluch	Russia	6600 BCEuncertain	4
Pelee	France	6610 BCEuncertain	4?
Campi Flegrei	Italy	6650 BCEuncertain	4
Villarrica	Chile	6690 BCEuncertain	4P
Atacazo	Ecuador	6910 BCEuncertain	4P
Orizaba, Pico de	Mexico	7030 BCEuncertain	4
Akan	Japan	7050 BCEuncertain	4
Karkar	Papua New Guinea	7140 BCEuncertain	4C
Popocatepetl	Mexico	7150 BCEuncertain	4P
Chichinautzin	Mexico	7370 BCEuncertain	4
Ushishur	Russia	7450 BCEuncertain	4C
Sheveluch	Russia	7500 BCEuncertain	4+
Calbuco	Chile	7550 BCEuncertain	4
Paka	Kenya	7550 BCEuncertain	4C
Elovsky	Russia	7550 BCEuncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	7600 BCEuncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	7630 BCEuncertain	4
Shasta	United States	7650 BCEuncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	7700 BCEuncertain	4
Tungurahua	Ecuador	7750 BCEuncertain	4
Tolima, Nevado del	Colombia	7800 BCEuncertain	4P
Ruapehu	New Zealand	7840 BCEuncertain	4
Akita-Komagatake	Japan	7850 BCEuncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	7950 BCEuncertain	4
Hachijojima	Japan	8020 BCEuncertain	4
Vestmannaeyjar	Iceland	8050 BCEuncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	8100 BCEuncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	8200 BCEuncertain	4
Pelee	France	8210 BCEuncertain	4?
Akita-Komagatake	Japan	8300 BCEuncertain	4
Sheveluch	Russia	8350 BCEuncertain	4
Campi Flegrei	Italy	8480 BCEuncertain	4
Kujusan	Japan	9160 BCEuncertain	4
Taupo	New Zealand	9210 BCEuncertain	4
Khangar	Russia	9500 BCEuncertain	4P

VEI 3

severe

1,172 recorded eruptions

Selection: the latest confirmed eruptions of this level.

Volcano	Country	Start	VEI
Sabancaya	Peru	13 Sep 2025	3
Krasheninnikov	Russia	2 Aug 2025	3
Kirishimayama	Japan	22 Jun 2025	3
Klyuchevskoy	Russia	8 Apr 2025	3
Bezymianny	Russia	24 Dec 2024	3
Kanlaon	Philippines	19 Oct 2024	3
Karymsky	Russia	20 Jun 2024	3
Kanlaon	Philippines	3 Jun 2024	3
Ulawun	Papua New Guinea	18 Jul 2023	3
Shishaldin	United States	11 Jul 2023	3
Ubinas	Peru	22 Jun 2023	3
Klyuchevskoy	Russia	22 Jun 2023	3

VEI 2

explosive

4,030 recorded eruptions

Selection: the latest confirmed eruptions of this level.

Volcano	Country	Start	VEI
Ambae	Vanuatu	24 Nov 2025	2
Purace	Colombia	23 Nov 2025	2
Planchon-Peteroa	Chile	25 Oct 2025	2
Dempo	Indonesia	7 Aug 2025	2
Barren Island	India	30 Jul 2025	2
Karymsky	Russia	29 Apr 2025	2
Bulusan	Philippines	28 Apr 2025	2
Ulawun	Papua New Guinea	27 Mar 2025	2
Raung	Indonesia	13 Mar 2025	2
Purace	Colombia	19 Jan 2025	2
Lewotolok	Indonesia	16 Jan 2025	2
Poas	Costa Rica	5 Jan 2025	2

VEI 1

gentle

1,441 recorded eruptions

Selection: the latest confirmed eruptions of this level.

Volcano	Country	Start	VEI
Kikai	Japan	29 Dec 2025	1
Akan	Japan	15 Sep 2025	1
Ioto	Japan	1 Sep 2025	1
Whakaari/White Island	New Zealand	28 Aug 2025	1
Telica	Nicaragua	14 Jul 2025	1
Atka Volcanic Complex	United States	20 Feb 2025	1
Telica	Nicaragua	11 Jan 2025	1
Kilauea	United States	23 Dec 2024	1
Dieng Volcanic Complex	Indonesia	18 Dec 2024	1
Dempo	Indonesia	23 Nov 2024	1
Copahue	Chile / Argentina	16 Oct 2024	1
Kikai	Japan	1 Sep 2024	1

VEI 0

non-explosive

1,019 recorded eruptions

Selection: the latest confirmed eruptions of this level.

Volcano	Country	Start
Home Reef	Tonga	17 Dec 2025
Ahyi	United States	20 Oct 2025
Reykjanes	Iceland	16 Jul 2025
Northern EPR at 9.8°N	Undersea areas	28 Apr 2025
Reykjanes	Iceland	1 Apr 2025
Kilauea	United States	15 Sep 2024
Ahyi	United States	5 Aug 2024
Kilauea	United States	3 Jun 2024
Ambrym	Vanuatu	13 Jan 2024
Ahyi	United States	1 Jan 2024
Fagradalsfjall	Iceland	10 Jul 2023
Fournaise, Piton de la	France	2 Jul 2023

Frequently asked questions about the VEI

Which eruptions had the highest VEI?

In the Holocene, 7 eruptions reached level 7, including Tambora (2 Jul 1812), Rinjani (1 Jul 1257), Santorini (1610 BCE), Blanco, Cerro (2300 BCE). No VEI 8 is documented in this period.

What do “+” and “?” mean next to a VEI?

A “+” marks an eruption at the upper end of its level. A “?” means the rating is uncertain, for example because it was only estimated from deposits.

Does a high VEI mean high danger?

Not necessarily. Small eruptions can also be deadly, for example through lahars, pyroclastic flows or gases. How dangerous an eruption is depends heavily on how many people live nearby.

Where does the data come from?

All figures come from the “Volcanoes of the World” catalogue of the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. QuakeMap24 updates it daily.

QuakeMap24

Sources

Newhall, C. G. & Self, S. (1982): The Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI). Journal of Geophysical Research 87, 1231–1238. Eruption data: Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program, Volcanoes of the World (Holocene Eruptions).

Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program

Dataset date: Nov 13, 2026

Newhall & Self (1982)

Journal of Geophysical Research 87