Showa-Shinzan lava dome, seen here in an aerial view from the east in 1981, was born in a cornfield on the eastern flank of Usu volcano during a 1944-45 eruption. The dome eventually rose 275 m above the pre-eruption surface. Scientific observation was only sporadically possible during this war-time eruption. The local postmaster, Masao Mimatsu, made careful sketches of growth of the dome that provided an invaluable record of the eruption's progress.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1981.

Copyrighted image used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Contact photographer for any usage requests.

Toya