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Azumayama

Photo of this volcano
  • Japan
  • Stratovolcano(es)
  • 1977 CE
  •  
  • Country
  • Primary Volcano Type
  • Last Known Eruption
  •  
  • 37.735°N
  • 140.244°E

  • 1949 m
    6394 ft

  • 283180
  • Latitude
  • Longitude

  • Summit
    Elevation

  • Volcano
    Number
Most Recent Weekly Report: 12 June-18 June 2019 Citation IconCite this Report

On 17 June JMA lowered the Alert Level for Azumayama to 1 (the lowest level on a 5-level scale), noting that deformation and elevated seismicity recorded in May had stabilized and decreased, respectively.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)


Most Recent Bulletin Report: October 2001 (BGVN 26:10) Citation IconCite this Report

Short-term increase in seismic activity during April-May 2001

On 29 May 2001 the Fukushima Local Meteorological Observatory reported that seismicity increased slightly beneath Azuma during the month. The seismic network maintained by the Coordinating Committee for the Prediction of Volcanic Eruptions detected 51 small volcanic earthquakes during 21-22 May and 39 events on 21 May (the most recorded in one day since November 1998). During March four low-frequency tremor events were recorded, and 40 were detected in April. The observatory last reported that by 22 May, local residents had felt 33 earthquakes.

Information Contacts: Volcanological Division, Japan Meteorological Agency, 1-3-4 Ote-machi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100, Japan; The Japan Times; 5-4, Shibaura 4-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0023, Central P.O. Box 144, 352, Tokyo 100-8691 (URL: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/).

Weekly Reports - Index


2019: May | June
2001: May


12 June-18 June 2019 Citation IconCite this Report

On 17 June JMA lowered the Alert Level for Azumayama to 1 (the lowest level on a 5-level scale), noting that deformation and elevated seismicity recorded in May had stabilized and decreased, respectively.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)


15 May-21 May 2019 Citation IconCite this Report

The number of volcanic earthquakes at Azumayama increased on 5 May and data from a tiltmeter about 1 km SE of Ohana Crater showed inflation on 9 May, prompting JMA to raise the Alert Level to 2 (on a 5-level scale). Field observations on 7 and 10 May indicated no changes in the fumarolic and thermal areas around Ohana. Seismicity began to decrease on 10 May, though continued to fluctuate through 20 May. Deformation continued but at a slower rate.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)


30 May-5 June 2001 Citation IconCite this Report

On 29 May the Fukushima Local Meteorological Observatory reported that seismic activity increased slightly beneath Azuma during May. The Coordinating Committee for the Prediction of Volcanic Eruptions' seismic network detected 51 small-magnitude volcanic earthquakes during 21 and 22 May and 39 on 21 May (the most recorded in one day since November 1998). During March four low-frequency tremor events were recorded, while 40 were detected in April.

Source: The Japan Times


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.

01/1978 (SEAN 03:01) Small ash ejection in December

02/1978 (SEAN 03:02) Continued phreatic activity

05/1996 (BGVN 21:05) Small-amplitude volcanic tremor

07/1996 (BGVN 21:07) Small-amplitude volcanic tremor

10/2001 (BGVN 26:10) Short-term increase in seismic activity during April-May 2001




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


January 1978 (SEAN 03:01) Citation IconCite this Report

Small ash ejection in December

The number of volcanic earthquakes at Azuma, including some felt events, began to increase in September and continued at an increased rate in October. On 26 October, the fume cloud rose about 400 m from Oana Crater on the SE flank of Issaikyo, one of the numerous stratovolcanoes that comprise the Azuma complex. Mud and sand spattering began, and fist-sized blocks were thrown 20 m above the crater. Active fuming continued through November.

A brief eruption from Oana was observed during the early morning of 7 December from Fukushima Meteorological Observatory, about 20 km to the E. The ash cloud rose 500-1,000 m above the crater and produced a slight ashfall nearby. Similar ash ejections occurred through the end of December.

Information Contacts: JMA, Tokyo; Y. Sawada, Meteorological Research Institute, Tokyo; D. Shackelford, USA.


February 1978 (SEAN 03:02) Citation IconCite this Report

Continued phreatic activity

Steam and ash emissions continued in January, with plumes rising 300-500 m from Oana crater.

Information Contacts: JMA, Tokyo; D. Shackelford, USA.


May 1996 (BGVN 21:05) Citation IconCite this Report

Small-amplitude volcanic tremor

Small-amplitude volcanic tremors were detected on 26 April and 26 May. The last eruption occurred in December 1977. Earthquakes began in September 1977, followed by mud and sand spattering and ejection of small blocks in October, and active fuming in November. The small eruption on 7 December 1977 sent ash 500-1,000 m above the crater and produced minor ashfall. Similar ash ejections occurred through January 1978 (SEAN 03:01 and 03:02).

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) Citation IconCite this Report

Small-amplitude volcanic tremor

Small-amplitude volcanic tremors were detected on 10, 17, and 30 June, and on 27 July.

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


October 2001 (BGVN 26:10) Citation IconCite this Report

Short-term increase in seismic activity during April-May 2001

On 29 May 2001 the Fukushima Local Meteorological Observatory reported that seismicity increased slightly beneath Azuma during the month. The seismic network maintained by the Coordinating Committee for the Prediction of Volcanic Eruptions detected 51 small volcanic earthquakes during 21-22 May and 39 events on 21 May (the most recorded in one day since November 1998). During March four low-frequency tremor events were recorded, and 40 were detected in April. The observatory last reported that by 22 May, local residents had felt 33 earthquakes.

Information Contacts: Volcanological Division, Japan Meteorological Agency, 1-3-4 Ote-machi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100, Japan; The Japan Times; 5-4, Shibaura 4-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0023, Central P.O. Box 144, 352, Tokyo 100-8691 (URL: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/).

This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.

Eruptive History

There is data available for 19 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

1977 Dec 7 - 1977 Dec 7 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo (Oana)
1977 Dec 7 - 1977 Dec 7 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo (Oana)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity weak or small
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1977 Dec 7    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1966 May 16 ± 15 days - 1966 Aug 16 ± 15 days ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo (Oana)
1966 May 16 ± 15 days - 1966 Aug 16 ± 15 days Evidence from Unknown

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo (Oana)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1966 May    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1952 Jun 18 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo
1952 Jun 18 - Unknown Evidence from Unknown

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity weak or small
1952 Jun 18    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1950 Feb 10 - 1950 Feb 19 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo (Oana and NW of Oana)
1950 Feb 10 - 1950 Feb 19 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo (Oana and NW of Oana)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity weak or small
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Crater Parasitic.
1950 Feb 10    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1914 Nov 12 - 1914 Nov 14 ± 1 days ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo
1914 Nov 12 - 1914 Nov 14 ± 1 days Evidence from Unknown

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity Uncertain
1914 Nov 12    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1896 Sep 5 - 1896 Sep 19 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1896 Sep 5 - 1896 Sep 19 Evidence from Unknown

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion Uncertain
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity Uncertain
1896 Sep 5    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1895 Mar 8 - 1895 Sep 13 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo (near Oana)
1895 Mar 8 - 1895 Sep 13 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo (near Oana)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined)
   - - - -    - - - - Property Damage
1895 Mar 8    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1894 Mar 16 - 1894 Apr 12 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo (near Oana)
1894 Mar 16 - 1894 Apr 12 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo (near Oana)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1894 Mar 16    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1893 Nov 9 - 1893 Nov 10 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo
1893 Nov 9 - 1893 Nov 10 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Audible Sounds
1893 Nov 9    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1893 May 19 - 1893 Jul 13 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo (west of Oana)
1893 May 19 - 1893 Jul 13 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo (west of Oana)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1893 May 19    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)
1893 Jun 7    - - - - Fatalities

[ 1844 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo (Oana)
1844 - Unknown Evidence from Unknown

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo (Oana)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
1844    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1800 (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo (Oana)
1800 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo (Oana)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity Uncertain

1711 (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo (Oana area)
1711 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo (Oana area)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1711
(?)
   - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1331 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo, Az-OA tephra
1331 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo, Az-OA tephra

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1331    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

0600 ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Az-JP6 tephra
0600 ± 200 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Az-JP6 tephra

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Ash

0150 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo, Az-JP5 tephra
0150 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo, Az-JP5 tephra

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Ash

0950 BCE ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo, Az-JP4 tephra
0950 BCE ± 100 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo, Az-JP4 tephra

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Ash

1800 BCE ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo, Az-JP3 tephra
1800 BCE ± 50 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo, Az-JP3 tephra

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Ash

2750 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo, Az-JP2 tephra
2750 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo, Az-JP2 tephra

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Ash

3000 BCE ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo, Az-IS tephra
3000 BCE ± 50 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo, Az-IS tephra

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
3000 BCE ± 50 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

4150 BCE ± 500 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Azuma Ko-Fuji, Az-KF tephra
4150 BCE ± 500 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Azuma Ko-Fuji, Az-KF tephra

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
4150 BCE ± 500 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

4550 BCE ± 1000 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Issaikyo-Minami, Az-JP1 tephra
4550 BCE ± 1000 years - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Issaikyo-Minami, Az-JP1 tephra

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Ash

5400 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Goshiki-numa, Az-GS tephra
5400 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Goshiki-numa, Az-GS tephra

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
5400 BCE ± 200 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

5700 BCE ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Oke-numa, Az-OK tephra
5700 BCE ± 50 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Oke-numa, Az-OK tephra

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
5700 BCE ± 50 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)
Deformation History

There is data available for 1 deformation periods. Expand each entry for additional details.


Deformation during 2011 Mar 11 - 2011 Mar 11 [Subsidence; Observed by InSAR]

Start Date: 2011 Mar 11 Stop Date: 2011 Mar 11 Direction: Subsidence Method: InSAR
Magnitude: 15.000 cm Spatial Extent: 15.00 km Latitude: 38.000 Longitude: 140.000

Remarks: Subsidence of plutonic bodies triggered by Mw 9.0 Tohoku earthquake

Figure (see Caption)

Close-up interferograms. Blue squares indicate geothermal power plants. GEONET stations are indicated by numbered circles, with the colour inside indicating the GPS displacements in the LOS direction.

From: Takada and Fukushima 2013.


Reference List: Takada and Fukushima 2013; Ozawa and Fujita 2013.

Full References:

Ozawa T, Fujita E, 2013. Local deformations around volcanoes associated with the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake. J. Geophys. Res., 118, 390-405. https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JB009129

Takada and Fukushima, 2013. Volcanic subsidence triggered by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan. Nature Geoscience, 6: 637-641.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Azumayama.

GVP Map Holdings

The maps shown below have been scanned from the GVP map archives and include the volcano on this page. Clicking on the small images will load the full 300 dpi map. Very small-scale maps (such as world maps) are not included. The maps database originated over 30 years ago, but was only recently updated and connected to our main database. We welcome users to tell us if they see incorrect information or other problems with the maps; please use the Contact GVP link at the bottom of the page to send us email.

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

The following 1 samples associated with this volcano can be found in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences collections, and may be availble for research (contact the Rock and Ore Collections Manager). Catalog number links will open a window with more information.

Catalog Number Sample Description Lava Source Collection Date
NMNH 113861 Hypersthene Andesite -- --
External Sites