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Report on Fukujin (United States) — February 1977


Fukujin

Natural Science Event Bulletin, vol. 2, no. 2 (February 1977)
Managing Editor: David Squires.

Fukujin (United States) Zone of discolored water observed from the air

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 1977. Report on Fukujin (United States) (Squires, D., ed.). Natural Science Event Bulletin, 2:2. Smithsonian Institution. https://doi.org/10.5479/si.GVP.NSEB197702-284133



Fukujin

United States

21.93°N, 143.47°E; summit elev. -217 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


A yellowish-green zone of discolored water was observed from the air at this site on 3 December 1976. By 11 February 1977, activity had declined. The strongest recent activity occurred on 15 October 1973, when explosions intermittently ejected a "smoke" cloud containing blocks to 50-80 m above the ocean surface. Explosions were reported by fishing boats on 18 January and 20 February 1974 and discoloration of water on several other occasions.

The JMSA ship Syoko visited the area in August 1976 and reported a conical submarine volcano rising 3,000 m from the ocean floor. A depth of 3 m was recorded by a fishing boat on 20 March 1974.

Geological Summary. Fukujin seamount in the Mariana Volcanic Arc has risen on occasion to just beneath the ocean surface. Intermittent periods of water discoloration have been observed since the mid-20th century, and eruptions producing floating pumice were noted on several occasions.

Information Contacts: JMA, Tokyo; Japanese Press.