Mount Pinatubo, located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, is one of the most notable volcanoes due to its significant eruption in 1991. The initial signs of volcanic activity began in April of that year, when the volcano started emitting small explosions, allowing scientists to anticipate a larger eruption. By June, the activity increased dramatically, culminating in the main eruption on June 7, 1991. This explosive event generated an ash column that soared approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) into the atmosphere, dispersing ash over a large geographic area, which included southeastern Asia and parts of the Pacific Ocean.

In the days following the major eruption, the ashfall impacted the surrounding communities severely, blanketing areas and causing widespread destruction. The eruption resulted in the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from the region, particularly those living near the base of the volcano. The ash carried by the winds spread over vast distances, corresponding with a substantial decline in air quality. This event was influenced by the tectonic activity in the region, where the convergence of the Philippines Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate led to a buildup of magma beneath the Earth's crust.

The eruption is known for its massive volume of volcanic material expelled, which led to changes in weather patterns globally due to the ash and sulfur dioxide released into the stratosphere. The explosion and subsequent fallout lasted for several weeks, with continual eruptions occurring until September 1991. Mount Pinatubo's eruption not only transformed the local landscape but also left lasting effects on the climate and atmospheric conditions worldwide.