The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that eruptive activity continued at Shinmoedake (Shinmoe peak, a stratovolcano of the Kirishimayama volcano group) during 10-16 July. The number of volcanic earthquakes with epicenters directly beneath Shinmoedake had been fluctuating since late October 2024; volcanic tremor was occasionally detected. Eruptive activity occurred intermittently with grayish-white plumes rising as high as 400 m above the crater rim. On 15 July sulfur dioxide emissions were high, averaging 1,600 tons per day. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale) and the public was warned to exercise caution within 3 km from Shinmoedake Crater.

Geological Summary. Kirishimayama is a large group of more than 20 Quaternary volcanoes located north of Kagoshima Bay. The late-Pleistocene to Holocene dominantly andesitic group consists of stratovolcanoes, pyroclastic cones, maars, and underlying shield volcanoes located over an area of 20 x 30 km. The larger stratovolcanoes are scattered throughout the field, with the centrally located Karakunidake being the highest. Onamiike and Miike, the two largest maars, are located SW of Karakunidake and at its far eastern end, respectively. Holocene eruptions have been concentrated along an E-W line of vents from Miike to Ohachi, and at Shinmoedake to the NE. Frequent small-to-moderate explosive eruptions have been recorded since the 8th century.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)