The Decade Volcanoes are 16 volcanoes identified by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI) as being worthy of particular study in light of their history of large, destructive eruptions and proximity to populated areas. The Decade Volcanoes project encourages studies and public-awareness activities at these volcanoes, with the aim of achieving a better understanding of the volcanoes and the dangers they present, and thus being able to reduce the severity of natural disasters. The project was initiated as part of the United Nations-sponsored International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction.
The criteria for being designated a Decade Volcano include the following:
- Representative of more than one volcanic hazard: people living near the Decade Volcanoes may experience tephra fall, pyroclastic flows, silicic lava flows, lahars, volcanic edifice instability and volcanic dome collapse;
- Geological activity: all Decade Volcanoes have been active in recent history and are very likely or certain to erupt again in future;
- Located in a populated area: eruptions at any of the Decade Volcanoes may threaten tens or hundreds of thousands of people, and therefore mitigating eruptions hazards at these volcanoes is crucial;
- Politically and physically accessible for study;
- Local support for the work.
The 16 current Decade Volcanoes are:
- Avachinsky-Koryaksky, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
- Colima, Mexico
- Mount Etna, Italy
- Galeras, Colombia
- Mauna Loa, Hawaii, USA
- Merapi, Indonesia
- Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Mount Rainier, Washington State, USA
- Sakurajima, Japan
- Santamaria/Santiaguito, Guatemala
- Santorini, Greece
- Taal Volcano, Philippines
- Teide, Canary Islands, Spain
- Ulawun, Papua New Guinea
- Mount Unzen, Japan
- Vesuvius, Italy
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