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Top 5 largest volcanic eruptions of the last ~2,000 years

evergreen

The 5 largest volcanic eruptions of the last ~2,000 years by volcanic Explosivity Index / erupted volume: Mount Tambora, Indonesia (1815), and more.

Snapshot · 2026-09-23

Today's five picks, one great list, and today's game. Free, every evening.

  1. 1

    Mount Tambora, Indonesia (1815)

    VEI 7, ~150 km3

  2. 2

    Hatepe (Taupo), New Zealand (~232 CE)

    VEI 7, ~120 km3

  3. 3

    Samalas (Mount Rinjani), Indonesia (1257)

    VEI 7, ~40 km3

  4. 4

    Paektu Mountain, China/North Korea (~946 CE)

    VEI 7, ~tens of km3

  5. 5

    Krakatoa, Indonesia (1883)

    VEI 6, ~20 km3