Global Volcanism Program | Kuchinoerabujima

Most Recent Weekly Report: 30 January-5 February 2019 Cite this Report

JMA reported that during 1713-1915 on 29 January an eruption at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater produced an ash plume that rose 4 km above the crater rim and drifted E, and a pyroclastic flow. Ash fell in parts of Yakushima. During 30 January-1 February and 3-5 February white plumes rose as high as 600 m. An event that lasted during 1141-1300 on 2 February generated a plume that rose 600 m. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Most Recent Bulletin Report: March 2017 (BGVN 42:03) Cite this Report

Explosions on 3 August 2014, 29-30 May 2015 (with pyroclastic flow), and 18-19 June 2015

Intermittent ash explosions during the last century have characterized activity at Japan's Kuchinoerabujima volcano, located at the northern end of the Ryukyu Islands approximately 260 km S of Nagasaki, Japan. Brief periods of higher seismicity had been detected in the last approximately 30 years, although no explosions had been recorded since 1980 (BGVN 35:11 and 38:01). A new explosion occurred on 3 August 2014, and activity remained elevated through June 2015. Information on the latest activity is provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) monthly reports and aviation alerts are from the Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC).

A modest explosion from Shindake crater on 3 August 2014 caused JMA to increase the Alert Level at the volcano. Activity decreased shortly after the explosion, and only steam plumes, fumarolic activity, and occasional incandescence were observed for the next nine months. A large explosion on 29 May 2015 generated a gray-black ash plume that rose to over 9 km altitude and sent pyroclastic flows down the flanks; JMA increased the Alert Level and ordered evacuation of local residents. Activity declined after a few days, and Shindake remained quiet until a smaller explosion on 18 June 2015. The ash plume did not exceed 1 km, but ashfall was reported in towns on neighboring islands and in areas up to 80 km E. Two additional smaller explosions were reported on 18 and 19 June. Seismicity decreased significantly after the 19 June explosion, but SO₂ emissions remained elevated until October 2015. The JMA did not lower the Alert Level until June 2016.

Activity during August 2014-February 2015. JMA reported an eruption from the vicinity of Shindake crater around noon local time on 3 August 2014, with a gray plume rising more than 800 m above the crater rim. This led to an increase in the Alert Level from 1 (Normal) to 3 (Do not approach the volcano) on a 5-level scale. An overflight confirmed traces of ash on the W flank. The Tokyo VAAC reported that the plume rose to an altitude greater than 1.5 km and drifted N. On 5 August, seismicity decreased, and views from a remote web camera showed a white plume rising 50 m above the crater rim. For the rest of August, seismicity remained low and steam plumes rose 50 to 800 m above the crater.

During September 2014, white plumes were generally observed 200-800 m above the crater when visibility was not obscured by weather; seismicity remained low. Scientists conducting a field survey on 12 September found SO₂ emissions at 300 metric tons per day (t/d), higher than the background value of 60 t/d measured on 21 May 2014. Occasional earthquakes were recorded in October 2014, and the volume of gas emissions remained relatively high compared with before the August eruption; steam-and-gas plumes rose to 600 m above the crater rim. During field surveys on 7 and 8 October scientists measured SO₂ emissions of 500 t/d. Gas emissions rose from within the Shindake crater, around a thermally anomalous fissure at the W edge of the crater, as well as from a new fumarole on the SW flank of the crater. In November, plumes continued to rise as high as 1,000 m above the crater. In another survey on 9 December 2014, scientists found that SO₂ levels had increased to 1,700 t/d.

Emissions of SO₂ remained high during the second half of January 2015, ranging from 1,100 to 3,100 t/d. A M 2.2 seismic event located 5 km beneath the island was recorded on 24 January. Observations made during field surveys in February confirmed continued steam emissions, and thermal anomalies from the W crater rim fissure and the new fissure on the SW flank. SO₂ emissions decreased slightly from January levels to a range of 400 to 2,700 t/d in February, and steam plumes continued to rise 400-700 m above the crater.

Activity during March-June 2015. Incandescence at night was first recorded at the Shindake Crater from 24 to 31 March 2015 with a high-sensitivity camera. Aerial observation on 25 March by JMA and JCG (Japan Coast Guard) indicated a temperature rise and continued fumarolic activity around the thermal anomaly W of the crater rim. SO₂ emissions remained high in March (1,000 to 3,700 t/d) and April (900 to 2,600 t/d), and steam plumes rose to 1 km above the crater. Incandescence was occasionally observed at night during April and again during 18-22 May; fumarolic activity continued along with a rise in temperature at the W and SW fissures. Steam plumes were observed rising to 600 m above the crater in May.

According to JMA, at 0959 local time on 29 May 2015, a large explosive phreatomagmatic eruption generated a gray-black ash plume that rose to over 9 km altitude and drifted ESE (figure 5). The plume was reported by the Tokyo VAAC to be at 10.9 km altitude about an hour after the eruption. The largest of several pyroclastic flows descended NW from the SW side of the crater in the Mukaehama district and reached the coast. Based on these events, JMA raised the Volcanic Alert Level to 5 (Evacuate). Aerial observation conducted on the same day (in collaboration with the Kyushu Regional Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) revealed additional pyroclastic flows moving in nearly all directions from the Shindake crater (figure 6) including flows reaching halfway down the mountain to the SW and SE of the crater. Seismicity increased immediately after the eruption, but had decreased by midday.

Figure 5. Ash plume from Kuchinoerabujima's Shindake Crater during an explosion on 29 May 2015. The plume height was reported by the Tokyo VAAC as 10.9 km altitude. Photo taken from the neighboring island of Yakushima by Itaru Takaku. Courtesy of Kyodo News and The Japan Times.

Figure 6. Google Earth imagery dated 5 June 2015, one week after a large explosion which generated several pyroclastic flows around the summit crater at Kuchinoerabujima. Note the brown areas extending in most directions away from the summit crater (beneath the white clouds), all the way to the coast on the NW and W flanks that are the result of the pyroclastic flows that occurred on 29 May 2015. Courtesy of Google Earth.

According to a news article (The Japan Times), all residents and visitors (141 people) were safely evacuated by a ferry, coast guard ship, and helicopter to neighboring Yakushima Island (25 km SE). A resident of Yakushima reported that ash reached the island. Later that day, ash plumes rose 200 m and drifted SW.

Ash plumes continued the next day, 30 May, rising only 1.2 km. A field team observed discolored trees on the SE and SW flanks, and fallen trees near the coast on the NW flank. Cloud cover prevented views of the eruption area, but the team was able to confirm continued fumarolic activity and incandescence in the W part of the crater. Seismicity continued at low levels, and during the first week of June white plumes rose 100-400 m above the crater rim.

Another smaller eruption on 18 June 2015 caused lapilli and ash to fall on the E side of the island. Ash was reported in Yakushima Town (44 km ESE on Yakushima Island), Nishinoomote City (80 km NE on Tanegashima Island), and Nakatane Town (72 km E on Tanegashima). Small eruptions also occurred at 1631 on 18 June and at 0943 on 19 June. Tokyo VAAC reported the larger 18 June eruption, but plume heights were below 1 km, and not observed on satellite. Aerial observations on 20 June by JMA revealed no traces of new pyroclastic-flow deposits around the crater or on the flanks.

Post-eruption observations through June 2016. Emissions of SO₂ remained elevated during June 2015 (800-1,700 t/d), and decreased somewhat in July to 500-700 t/d. They decreased further to 200-300 t/d in August. Increased seismicity was recorded briefly from 1-3 and 6-11 August. SO₂ emissions continued to decline in September, except for a spike of 700 t/d on 10 September. Thermal infrared observations taken during a field survey in October 2015 indicated a decrease in temperature around the fissure W of the crater rim since the 29 May eruption. Emissions of SO₂ remained below 300 t/d for the remainder of 2015 and no further activity was reported, although the Alert Level remained at 5. On 14 June 2016, JMA lowered the Alert Level to 3; seismic activity and SO₂ flux values were below levels detected prior to the May-June 2015 eruption.

Information Contacts: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Otemachi, 1-3-4, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-8122, Japan (URL: http://www.jma.go.jp/); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), 1-3-4 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan (URL: http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/svd/vaac/data/); Google Earth (URL: https://www.google.com/earth/); The Japan Times (URL: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/29/national/volcano-erupts-isle-kagoshima-prompting-evacuation-order/).

Weekly Reports - Index

30 January-5 February 2019 Cite this Report

JMA reported that during 1713-1915 on 29 January an eruption at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater produced an ash plume that rose 4 km above the crater rim and drifted E, and a pyroclastic flow. Ash fell in parts of Yakushima. During 30 January-1 February and 3-5 February white plumes rose as high as 600 m. An event that lasted during 1141-1300 on 2 February generated a plume that rose 600 m. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

12 December-18 December 2018 Cite this Report

JMA reported that at 1637 on 18 December an eruption at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater produced an ash plume that rose 2 km and then disappeared into a weather cloud. The event ejected material that fell in the crater area, and generated a pyroclastic flow that traveled 1 km W. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

28 November-4 December 2018 Cite this Report

JMA reported that during 28 November-3 December intermittent events at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater generated plumes that rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

21 November-27 November 2018 Cite this Report

JMA reported that during 22-26 November intermittent events at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater generated plumes that rose as high as 2.1 km above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

14 November-20 November 2018 Cite this Report

JMA reported that intermittent events at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater had been recorded since 21 October, and crater incandescence began to be periodically visible on 6 November. Ash plumes rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim during 12-19 November and, according to the Tokyo VAAC, drifted in multiple directions. During fieldwork on 14 and 15 November observers noted no changes to the thermal areas in the crater. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

31 October-6 November 2018 Cite this Report

JMA reported that during 31 October-5 November there were very small events recorded at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater. Plumes rose 500-1,200 m above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

24 October-30 October 2018 Cite this Report

Based on satellite images and information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 24-28 October ash plumes from Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater rose to altitudes of 0.9-1.5 km (3,000-5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. JMA scientists noted no changes in the thermal anomalies at the crater during a field observation on 28 October. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

17 October-23 October 2018 Cite this Report

JMA reported that a very small eruption at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater was recorded at 1831 on 21 October, with additional activity between 2110 on 21 October and 1350 on 22 October. Plumes rose 200 m above the crater rim. During an overflight on 22 October observers noted ash in the emissions, though no morphological changes to the crater nor ash deposits were seen. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

15 August-21 August 2018 Cite this Report

JMA reported that earthquakes at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater typically occur at shallow levels, though on 15 August a swarm of deep volcanic earthquakes was recorded, prompting JMA to raise the Alert Level to 4 (on a scale of 1-5). The earthquake hypocenters were about 5 km deep, below the SW flanks of Shindake, and the maximum magnitude was 1.9. They occurred at about the same place as the swarm that occurred just before the May 2015 eruption. Sulfur dioxide emissions had been increasing since the beginning of August; they were 1,600, 1,000, and 1,200 tons/day on 11, 13, and 17 August, respectively. No surficial changes in gas emissions or thermal areas were observed during 16-20 August.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

18 April-24 April 2018 Cite this Report

JMA reported that a low-temperature thermal anomaly persisted near the W fracture in Kuchinoerabujima Shindake crater. In addition, both the number of volcanic earthquakes (generally occurring in a large quantity) and sulfur dioxide flux remained above baselines levels in August 2014. No eruptions have occurred since 19 June 2015, and deflation had been recorded since January 2016; the Alert Level was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

15 June-21 June 2016 Cite this Report

On 14 June JMA reported that no activity at Kuchinoerabujima had been detected after a small eruption on 19 June 2015. The report noted that volcanic tremor had not been detected, the temperature of thermal areas had declined, sulfur dioxide gas flux was lower than values detected prior to the May-June 2015 eruption, and volcanic earthquake levels were lower than levels detected in August 2014. The Alert Level was lowered to 3 (the highest level on a 1-5 scale) on 14 June, and the public was reminded to stay at least 2 km away from Shindake Crater.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

3 June-9 June 2015 Cite this Report

JMA reported that during 3-8 June white plumes rose 100-400 m above Shindake Crater's rim at Kuchinoerabujima. Volcanic earthquakes had declined on 30 May but continued to periodically occur. The Alert Level remained at 5 (the highest level on a 1-5 scale).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

27 May-2 June 2015 Cite this Report

JMA reported that at 0959 on 29 May an explosive and phreatomagmatic eruption at Kuchinoerabujima generated an ash plume that rose 9 km above Shindake Crater's rim and drifted ESE. Pyroclastic flows descended the SW flank and reached the coast on the NW flank. Volcanic earthquakes increased after that event, but then decreased around 1300. The Alert Level was raised to 5 (the highest level on a 1-5 scale). According to a news article all residents and visitors (137-141) were safely evacuated by a ferry to neighboring Yakushima Island. Later that day ash plumes rose 200 m and drifted SW. Scientists conducted an overflight and confirmed pyroclastic flow deposits on the NW and NE flanks.

Ash plumes continued to be emitted the next day, rising as high as 1.2 km. A field team observed discolored trees on the SE and SW flanks, and fallen trees near the coast on the NW flank. Cloud cover prevented views of the eruption area, but the team was able to confirm continued fumarolic activity from a crack in the W part of the crater as well as incandescence.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

20 May-26 May 2015 Cite this Report

JMA reported that no eruptions occurred from Kuchinoerabujima during 18-22 May, although the level of activity remained elevated. White plumes rose 600 m above Shindake Crater, and incandescence from the W part of the crater was observed at night. Volcanic earthquakes were detected; tremor was absent. Fumarolic activity in a crack in W part of the crater was observed during a field survey. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

1 April-7 April 2015 Cite this Report

JMA reported that no eruptions occurred from Kuchinoerabujima during 30 March-3 April, although the level of activity remained elevated. White plumes rose 1 km above Shindake Crater, and incandescence from the crater was observed at night. Volcanic earthquakes were detected; tremor was absent. Fumarolic activity in a crack in W part of the crater was observed during a field survey on 30 March. In addition the temperature of a thermal anomaly in the W part continued to rise. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

25 March-31 March 2015 Cite this Report

JMA reported that no eruptions occurred from Kuchinoerabujima during 27-30 March, although the level of activity remained elevated. White plumes rose 1 km above Shindake Crater. Continuing fumarolic actiivty in a crack in W part of the crater was confirmed during a field survey. In addition the temperature of a thermal anomaly in the W part continued to rise. Low-level seismicity continued. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

18 February-24 February 2015 Cite this Report

JMA reported that no eruptions occurred from Kuchinoerabujima during 16-20 February, although the level of activity remained elevated. White plumes rose 600 m above the crater. Low-level seismicity continued and tremor was absent. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

11 February-17 February 2015 Cite this Report

JMA reported that no eruptions occurred from Kuchinoerabujima during 9-16 February although the level of activity remained elevated. White plumes rose 400-700 m above the crater. Low-level seismicity continued and tremor was absent. Scientists aboard an overflight on 10 February observed a new crater with high-temperature areas on the NE part, new fissures, and white steam emissions. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

7 January-13 January 2015 Cite this Report

JMA reported that no eruptions occurred from Kuchinoerabujima during 5-9 January, although the level of activity remained elevated. White plumes rose 500 m above the crater. Low-level seismicity continued and tremor was absent. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

10 December-16 December 2014 Cite this Report

JMA reported that no eruptions occurred from Kuchinoerabujima during 8-12 December, although the level of activity remained elevated. White plumes rose 400 m above the crater. Low-level seismicity continued and tremor was absent. Sulfur dioxide emissions increased on 9 December; measurements indicated a rate of 1,700 tons per day. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

3 December-9 December 2014 Cite this Report

JMA reported that no eruptions occurred from Kuchinoerabujima during 1-5 December, although the level of activity remained elevated. White plumes rose 300 m above the crater. Low-level seismicity continued and tremor was absent. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

26 November-2 December 2014 Cite this Report

JMA reported that no eruptions occurred from Kuchinoerabujima during 25-28 November although the level of activity remained elevated. White plumes rose 200 m above the crater. Low-level seismicity continued and tremor was absent. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

1 October-7 October 2014 Cite this Report

JMA reported that no eruptions occurred from Kuchinoerabujima during 29 September-3 October. White plumes rose 600 m above the crater. Low-level seismicity continued and tremor was absent. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

24 September-30 September 2014 Cite this Report

JMA reported that no eruptions occurred from Kuchinoerabujima during 26-29 September. White plumes rose 300 m above the crater. Low-level seismicity continued and tremor was absent. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

17 September-23 September 2014 Cite this Report

JMA reported that no eruptions occurred from Kuchinoerabujima during 16-19 September. White plumes rose 600 m above the crater. Low-level seismicity continued and tremor was absent. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

10 September-16 September 2014 Cite this Report

During 8-16 September JMA reported that Alert Level 3 conditions persisted at Kuchinoerabujima, but no eruptive activity was observed. Low-level seismicity continued and tremor was absent. White plumes were visible on webcamera images rising 800 m from the crater during 8-12 September and to 600 m during 13-16 September. A field survey on 12 September measured SO2 emissions that were similar to pre-eruptive levels (300 tons/day).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

3 September-9 September 2014 Cite this Report

During 1-8 September, JMA reported that Alert Level 3 conditions persisted at Kuchinoerabujima, but no eruptive activity was observed. Seismicity increased during 3-5 September; tremor was occasionally detected. Based on webcamera images, white plumes were visible rising 400 m from the crater during 1-5 September and to 200 m during 5-8 September. Tremor was not detected during 5-8 September and JMA noted that poor weather conditions due to a typhoon were affecting the seismic network.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

27 August-2 September 2014 Cite this Report

JMA reported that during 27 August-2 September few volcanic earthquakes were accompanied by no explosion at Kuchinoerabujima. On most days a white plume rose 50-300m above the crater rim . The Alert Level for Kuchinoerabujima remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

20 August-26 August 2014 Cite this Report

JMA reported that during 20-26 August there were few episodes of volcanic tremor and volcanic earthquakes, with no explosions at Kuchinoerabujima. On most days a white plume rose 20-400m above the crater rim. The Alert Level for Kuchinoerabujima remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

13 August-19 August 2014 Cite this Report

JMA reported that during 13-19 August tremor and quakes were accompanied by no explosions at Kuchinoerabujima. On 13 August a white plume rose 600 m and on 18 August rose 50 m above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

6 August-12 August 2014 Cite this Report

JMA reported on 6, 12 August a white plume rose 800m and 300 m respectively above the crater rim at Kuchinoerabujima. Views of the volcano remained obscured by clouds other days, but instruments recorded volcanic seismicity and volcanic tremor. The Alert Level for Kuchinoerabujima remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

30 July-5 August 2014 Cite this Report

On 3 August, JMA reported that Kuchinoerabujima erupted in the vicinity of Shin-dake crater and an overflight confirmed traces of ash on the west side of the volcano. Tokyo VAAC reported an ash plume rose to 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N. JMA raised the Alert Level for Kuchinoerabujima from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 1-5). On 5 August, volcanic seismicity and volcanic tremor decreased and views from a remote web camera showed a white plume 50 m above the crater rim.

Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

18 March-24 March 2009 Cite this Report

On 18 March, JMA lowered the Alert Level for Kuchinoerabu-jima from 3 to 2 (on a scale of 1-5). Sulfur dioxide emissions decreased in January and the rate of deformation decreased in February. Seismicity was also low. The volcano had been in a state of unrest since September 2008.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

22 October-28 October 2008 Cite this Report

On 27 October, JMA raised the Alert Level for Kuchinoerabu-jima from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 1-5). GPS measurements indicated that inflation just below the summit crater, which had started in September, was continuing. Fumarolic activity near summit had also increased. On 4 September, JMA had raised the Alert Level for from 1 to 2 because of the increased seismicity.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Bulletin Reports - Index

Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.

04/1976 (NSEB 01:07) Explosion sends column 3 km high

09/1980 (SEAN 05:09) Weak ash emission

12/1980 (SEAN 05:12) Seismicity and steaming decline; 28 September eruption fissure and tephra described

03/1996 (BGVN 21:03) Increasing number of earthquakes since January

04/1996 (BGVN 21:04) Number of volcanic earthquakes continues to increase

05/1996 (BGVN 21:05) Number of volcanic earthquakes increases

07/1996 (BGVN 21:07) Seismic activity increasing since January 1996

08/1996 (BGVN 21:08) Elevated seismicity continues since January

08/1999 (BGVN 24:08) Increased seismicity, but no change at the fumaroles

09/2008 (BGVN 33:09) A rise in hazard status owing to 2008 seismicity and GPS-measured inflation

11/2010 (BGVN 35:11) Some periods of increased seismicity through 2009; white plumes

01/2013 (BGVN 38:01) Increased seismicity, 11 December 2011-5 January 2012

03/2017 (BGVN 42:03) Explosions on 3 August 2014, 29-30 May 2015 (with pyroclastic flow), and 18-19 June 2015

Information is preliminary and subject to change. All times are local (unless otherwise noted)

April 1976 (NSEB 01:07) Cite this Report

Explosion sends column 3 km high

An explosion at Shin-dake cone yielded columns of smoke 3,000 m high at about [1540] on 2 April. After 30 minutes the height of the smoke column decreased to about 200 m (twice that of usual emissions). Egg-sized volcanic ejecta fell, and ash 2 cm deep was measured in a village 3 km from the crater. The last explosion took place on 3 June 1974. [JMA reported that there was no damage.]

Information Contacts: T. Tiba, National Science Museum, Tokyo.

September 1980 (SEAN 05:09) Cite this Report

Weak ash emission

After four years of quiet, a brief, weak explosion produced a [2-3-km-high] ash cloud on 28 September at 0510. Ash fell on the sea [SW] of the volcano, missing the homes of the 12 x 5 km island's 300 residents. Activity after the explosion was limited to emission of white vapor through the end of September. Minor ash explosions have occurred in seven different years since 1966.

Information Contacts: JMA, Tokyo.

December 1980 (SEAN 05:12) Cite this Report

Seismicity and steaming decline; 28 September eruption fissure and tephra described

"After the 28 September eruption, which lasted for 1/2 hour, no additional eruptions had occurred as of the end of December. Eight scientists from Kyoto University, Kagoshima University, and the JMA observatory arrived at the island on 1 October, installing portable seismometers at five sites. The next day, they climbed to the new fissure, which was 0.6-6.0 m wide and 750 m long, trending N-S near Shin-dake crater (figure 1), active in historic time. A considerable amount of white vapor was emitted from the fissure.

Figure 1. Sketch map of Kuchinoerabu-jima Island, 28 September 1980. Ashfall isopachs are in centimeters. Blocks fell in the stippled area. Shaded zones are inhabited. Courtesy of JMA.

"The SW sector of the volcano was covered with gray ash, l m thick near the fissure and 2 cm thick at the base of the volcano, on the coast. Blocks were scattered N and W of the fissure, the largest block measuring about 2 m in diameter. No essential ejecta were observed. The volume of ejecta was estimated at about 10⁵ m³. Steaming decreased gradually during October, and was restricted to 10 small craters on the fissure by mid-October.

"Seismicity was relatively weak in October and November except on 4 and 9 October when swarms of small B-type earthquakes were recorded (figure 2). The JMA's seismometer was removed on 15 November because the volcano was quiet. People on the island reported no felt earthquakes, and decreasing steam activity through December. Life returned to normal for the island's 300 inhabitants soon after the 28 September eruption."

Figure 2. Number of seismic events/day at Kuchinoerabu-jima, 1 October-15 November 1980. Courtesy of JMA.

Information Contacts: JMA, Tokyo.

March 1996 (BGVN 21:03) Cite this Report

Increasing number of earthquakes since January

According to the Sakura-jima Volcanological Observatory of Kyoto University, the number of earthquakes has increased around Shin-dake since January. The total number of earthquakes recorded was 32 in January, 40 in February, and 77 in March.

A group of young stratovolcanoes forms the E end of Kuchinoerabu-jima Island, midway between Suwanose-jima and Kyushu. Several villages on the 4 x 12 km island are located within a few kilometers of the active crater of Shin-dake and have suffered damage from historical eruptions. Shin-dake is the summit cone, and has been the site of all 13 eruptions known since 1840. The last eruption was a weak 30-minute explosion on 28 September 1980 that sent an ash plume 2-3 km high.

Information Contacts: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Volcanological Division, Seismological and Volcanological Department, 1-3-4 Ote-machi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100, Japan.

April 1996 (BGVN 21:04) Cite this Report

Number of volcanic earthquakes continues to increase

According to reports from Sakura-jima Volcanological Observatory, Kyoto University, 91 earthquakes occurred around Shin-dake in April. Earthquakes have progressively increased here since January 1996. Specifically, there were 32 earthquakes in January, 40 in February, and 77 in March.

Information Contacts: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Volcanological Division, Seismological and Volcanological Department, 1-3-4 Ote-machi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100, Japan.

May 1996 (BGVN 21:05) Cite this Report

Number of volcanic earthquakes increases

According to reports of Sakura-jima Volcanological Observatory, Kyoto University, 86 earthquakes occurred around Shin-dake in May. Seismicity has been increasing since January 1996.

Information Contacts: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Volcanological Division, Seismological and Volcanological Department, 1-3-4 Ote-machi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100, Japan.

July 1996 (BGVN 21:07) Cite this Report

Seismic activity increasing since January 1996

Seismicity has been increasing since January 1996. According to the Sakura-jima Volcanological Observatory, Kyoto University, 75 and 25 earthquakes were detected around Shin-dake cone in June and July, respectively.

Information Contacts: Volcanological Division, Japan Meteorological Agency, 1-3-4 Ote-machi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100, Japan

August 1996 (BGVN 21:08) Cite this Report

Elevated seismicity continues since January

Seismicity has been increasing since January 1996 (BGVN 21:04, 21:05, and 21:07). According to the Sakura-jima Volcanological Observatory, Kyoto University, 62 earthquakes were detected around Shin-dake cone during August.

Information Contacts: Volcanological Division, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), 1-3-4 Ote-machi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100, Japan.

August 1999 (BGVN 24:08) Cite this Report

Increased seismicity, but no change at the fumaroles

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported an increase in seismic activity on Kuchinoerabu-jima since July 1999 based on data from Sakura-jima Volcano Observatory (SVO), Kyoto University. The number of earthquakes/month increased, rising from 26 in June, to 87 in July, and to 195 in August. By mid-September, JMA and SVO had not observed any anomalous change in fumaroles in the craters of Shin-dake (the youngest volcanic cone).

Kuchinoerabu-jima is a volcanic island 12 km long and 5 km wide located ~100 km SSW of southern Kyushu Island and Sakura-jima volcano. An andesite stratovolcano, Kuchinoerabu-jima includes both an older edifice to the NW and young edifices (Furudake and Shindake cones) to the SE. Historical eruptions at Shindake were phreatic. An eruption in December 1933 killed 8 persons and injured 26.

Information Contacts: Volcanological Division, Seismological and Volcanological Department, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), 1-3-4 Ote-machi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 Japan; Setsuya Nakada, Volcano Research Center, ERI, University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113, Japan (URL: http://www.eri.u-tokyo.ac.jp/VRC/index_E.html).

September 2008 (BGVN 33:09) Cite this Report

A rise in hazard status owing to 2008 seismicity and GPS-measured inflation

Anomalous seismicity and inflation was noted at Kuchinoerabu-jima in late 2008. Seismic unrest was also reported during mid-1999 (BGVN 24:08). The island of the same name is home to ~ 140 residents and lies ~ 130 km S of the city of Kagoshima (Kyushu Island, Japan). The 19-km-diameter Kikai caldera, which is mainly submarine, sits a few tens of kilometers to the N, and is renowned for its massive eruption ~ 6,300 years ago. Kuchinoerabu Island contains a composite elongate cone made up of three closely spaced Holocene volcanoes supporting the island's S-central zone (figure 3; Geshi and Nakano, 2007; Geshi and Kobayashi, 2007).

Figure 3. Map showing the location and geography of Kuchinoerabu-jima Island (Ryukyu Islands) south of Kyushu, Japan. The island is located ~ 15 km W of the larger circular Yaku-shima Island. The map also indicates recently active volcanoes of the region. Modified from Matsumoto and others (2007).

Increased seismicity prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to raise the Alert Level from 1 to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) on 4 September 2008, and to level 3 on 27 October 2008. According to JMA, GPS measurements indicated inflation just below the summit crater that had started in September was continuing in October. Fumarolic activity near the summit had also increased.

Reference. Matsumoto, T., Ueno, H., and Kobayashi, T., 2007, A new secular variation curve for South Kyushu, Japan, and its application to the dating of some lava flows: Rep. Fac. Sci., Kagoshima Univ., no. 40, p. 35-49.

Information Contacts: Volcanological Division, Seismological and Volcanological Department, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), 1-3-4 Ote-machi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 Japan; Volcano Research Center (VRC-ERI), Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo , Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113, Japan (URL: http://www.eri.u-tokyo.ac.jp/VRC/index_E.html).

November 2010 (BGVN 35:11) Cite this Report

Some periods of increased seismicity through 2009; white plumes

No eruptive activity has been reported at Kuchinoerabu-jima since a small eruption in September 1980 (SEAN 05:12). However, there have been many periods of elevated seismicity.

One such episode, beginning in early September 2008, prompted two increases in the hazard status by late October when the seismicity was accompanied by inflation and increased fumarolic activity near the summit (BGVN 33:09). The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5) until 18 March 2009, when it was decreased to level 2. Sulfur dioxide emissions had decreased in January 2009, followed by a decrease in the rate of deformation.

Seismicity data during 2003-2009. Seismic data recorded by JMA between January 2003 and December 2006 indicted that the number of monthly volcanic earthquakes was typically below 200, with less than 30 tremor events. Seismicity was higher in March 2004, January-February, May, July-September, and November 2005, March-April, August, and October-December 2006, and February and April 2007 (table 1).

Table 1. Months with anomalous seismicity at Kuchinoerabu-jima between January 2003 and December 2009, showing numbers of earthquakes, tremors, and plume observations. Months with either more than 200 volcanic earthquakes or more than 30 tremors are shown, and months with earthquake swarms on specific days. All observed plumes throughout this period were white. Data courtesy of JMA.

Month	Earthquakes	Tremors	Days with plumes	Plume height (m)	Notes
Mar 2004	315	48	--	--	--
Jan 2005	346	59	--	--	--
Feb 2005	234	36	4	40	--
May 2005	100	35	--	--	--
Jul 2005	136	58	--	--	--
Aug 2005	228	40	--	--	--
Sep 2005	201	10	--	--	--
Nov 2005	205	7	--	--	--
Mar 2006	292	7	--	--	--
Apr 2006	289	11	--	--	--
Aug 2006	221	2	--	--	--
Oct 2006	291	31	1	10	--
Nov 2006	479	100	5	30	--
Dec 2006	201	32	5	10	--
Feb 2007	174	65	2	10	--
Apr 2007	127	57	2	10	--
Sep 2008	186	49	1	30	70 earthquakes on 4 Sep
Oct 2008	133	94	20	200	--
Nov 2008	106	54	25	200	--
Dec 2008	138	39	27	200	--
Apr 2009	124	67	12	400	--
May 2009	153	96	22	300	--
Sep 2009	177	6	10	200	Earthquakes: 75 on 27 Sep, ~750 on 28-29 Sep. Tremors on 28 and 30 Sep.
Oct 2009	131	32	10	200	All tremors during 1-6 Oct.

A seismic swarm consisting of 70 events on 4 September 2008 resulted in the Alert Level increase already reported. The months of September-December 2008 included high numbers of tremor episodes (table 1). Large numbers of tremors were recorded again in April-May 2009. Seismicity decreased after that time, until an earthquake swarm was recorded during 27-29 September 2009 (about 150 earthquakes). Tremor events also increased briefly, with 38 between 28 September and 6 October 2009. White fumarolic plumes rising from the summit area increased in height (up to 400 m) and frequency (every 1-2 days) after September 2008 through 2009.

Information Contacts: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Otemachi, 1-3-4, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-8122, Japan (URL: http://www.jma.go.jp/)

January 2013 (BGVN 38:01) Cite this Report

Increased seismicity, 11 December 2011-5 January 2012

Since a small eruption in 1980, Kuchinoerabu-jima experienced numerous periods of elevated seismicity, with volcanic earthquakes and tremor detected at least through December 2009 (BGVN 35:11). The volcano is located in the Ryukyu Island arc, off Japan's SW coast (figure 4).

Figure 4. A map of the major volcanoes of Japan. Kuchinoerabu-jima is at the lower left. Courtesy of USGS/CVO.

Recent monthly reports of volcanic activity from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) translated into English resumed in October 2010. The only recent English-translated JMA report on Kuchinoerabu-jima available online through December 2012 was in January 2012. We know of no other recent report on this volcano's seismic activity; therefore, this report summarizes seismicity between December 2011 and January 2012.

According to JMA, seismicity increased to a relatively high level immediately after 11 December 2011, but then decreased on 5 January 2012. On 20 January 2012, the Alert Level was lowered from 2 to 1; JMA noted that the possibility of an eruption was minimal.

During the December 2011-January 2012 period, no significant change in plume activity was observed, and plume heights remained below 100 m above the crater. According to a field survey on 11 January, infrared images (compared to images obtained in December 2011) showed no significant change in temperature distribution either at the summit or on the W slope of Shin-dake (also refered to as Shin-take), the youngest and most active cone.

Field surveys found that sulfur dioxide levels were 50 and 100 metric tons/day on 12 and 13 January 2012, respectively, which were lower than those recorded in December 2011 (200 metric tons/day on 9 December 2011).

According to JMA, continuous GPS measurements have established a baseline across Shin-dake, collecting data since September 2010. Shin-dake's rate of change in surface deformation at the stations has been slowing since September 2011.

Information Contacts: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Otemachi, 1-3-4, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-8122, Japan (URL: http://www.jma.go.jp/).

March 2017 (BGVN 42:03) Cite this Report