Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi,the highest active volcano in the world. It lies about 30 miles (48 km) south of Quito, Ecuador, in the eastern chain of the Andes and reaches a height of 19,347 feet (5,897 m). The mountain has the shape of a perfect cone. The crater is 2,600 feet (790 m) across and 1,500 feet (460 m) deep. Cotopaxi has erupted many times since its first recorded eruption in 1532. Lava seldom flows from the crater, but great quantities of ashes, flames, and smoke are thrown out, sometimes accompanied by thunderous explosions.