What is the largest volcano in the world? What size is it?

rocky Reader

Dear Reader,

The largest active volcano is Mauna Loa in Hawaii. It is above a hot spot. It's total volume is 42,500 cubic km. To convert that into something slightly more reasonable:

It could build a wall 1 km wide and 1 km tall around most of the equator of the Earth

or

a sidewalk 1 m wide and 10 cm thick about 10 million times around the equator

or

cover the entire surface of the Earth with 8.3 cm (about 3 inches) of lava!!!!!

That's a big volcano! and I'm happy it's right where it is.

Thanks for a fun question.

Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota 

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