On Sunday May 5 it was announced that the Cleveland Volcano in Alaska was experiencing volcanic activity. Though the volcano was not highly destructive, it did disrupt air traffic in the region.

Volcanoes play an important role in ecological and geographical history and, as we have seen, still affect us to this day. We've seen massive delays caused by volcanoes, given the fact that these phenomena often stop air traffic, since there is little pilots can do to avoid them. Let's take a look at some of the most newsworthy volcanoes we've seen this year.

1. Mount Cleveland Erupts In Alaska, Are Flights Ok?

In an eruption that just got started a few days ago, Mount Cleveland has become one of 158 volcanoes throughout Alaska to be measured as active. The Alaska Volcano Observatory issued an "orange" aviation code in response to the activity.

2. Volcano: Threat Erupting According To Iceland Lava Analysis

In early April, researchers revealed that volcanoes in Iceland are capable of being as dangerous as those found in the Pacific rim. We all remember the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruptions. Perhaps those were an omen of things to come?

3. Iceland's Hekla Volcano Is Unstable: Eruption Imminent?

Along those same lines, the Hekla volcano in Iceland was measured as unstable in March. Referred to as the "Gateway to Hell" since medieval times, the volcano allowed for no warning of an impending eruption. However, an aviation alert was given.

4. Snowy Kizimen Volcano Eruption Seen From Space

Volcanoes can be a staggering phenomenon to watch, especially when viewed from space. Such was the case with the Kizimen volcano, which erupted in March in the Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia. It was captured using the Advanced Laser Imager aboard NASA's Earth Observing - 1 Satellite.

5. Mount Etna Spewing Lava, Where To Watch Online (Video)

Mount Etna got its start erupting this year in mid-February and didn't stop for a good while. Located in eastern Sicily, it is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.