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Sumisujima

Photo of this volcano
  • Country
  • Volcanic Region
  • Landform | Volc Type
  • Last Known Eruption
  • 31.44°N
  • 140.051°E

  • 136 m
    446 ft

  • 284080
  • Latitude
  • Longitude

  • Summit
    Elevation

  • Volcano
    Number

Most Recent Weekly Report: 18 September-24 September 2024 Citation IconCite this Report

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) discolored water around Sumisujima was observed on 18 September during an overflight conducted by the Japan Coast Guard. An area of pale-blue to white discolored water extended about 1.8 km NW of the N coast of the island. A very small amount of grayish-white material was floating in the same area as the discolored water and along the W coast. At 1100 on 19 September JMA issued an “eruption warning” noting that an eruption could affect the surround waters of the island.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)


Most Recent Bulletin Report: October 1992 (BVE 32)

Discolored water with sulfur odor reported by fishing boat

[The following provides additional information about the 7 October 1992 observation.]

"Shira-ne, a small rock mass of two pyroxene andesite 7.7 m below sea level, located about 7.5 km NE of Smith Rocks and about 500 km S of Tokyo, forms an E part of a submarine caldera about 8 km in diameter (figure 1). Smith Rocks, 136 m a.s.l., forming S rim of the caldera are of olivine basalt.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 1. Submarine topography of Shira-ne and nearby area.

"On October 7, 1992, yellow discolored water smelling sulfur was reported by a fishing boat, Daini-Odamaru, suggesting a submarine volcanic activity. The area of discoloration was 6 km long and 30 m wide."

"Reference: Hydrographic Department, Japan Maritime Safety Agency (1992): Recent activity of submarine volcanoes and volcanic islands. Rept. Coordinating Committee for Predication of Volcanic Eruption, No. 54, p. 77.

"(Communication from: H. Furukawa, Japan Maritime Safety Agency, Tsukiji 5-3-1, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104, Japan.)"

Reference. Bulletin of Volcanic Eruptions, 1995, Annual Report of the World Volcanic Eruptions in 1992: Volcanological Society of Japan, no. 32, p. 134-135.

Information Contacts:

Weekly Reports - Index


2024: July | September


18 September-24 September 2024 Citation IconCite this Report

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) discolored water around Sumisujima was observed on 18 September during an overflight conducted by the Japan Coast Guard. An area of pale-blue to white discolored water extended about 1.8 km NW of the N coast of the island. A very small amount of grayish-white material was floating in the same area as the discolored water and along the W coast. At 1100 on 19 September JMA issued an “eruption warning” noting that an eruption could affect the surround waters of the island.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)


17 July-23 July 2024 Citation IconCite this Report

The Japan Coast Guard reported that an area of discolored water, brown to yellow-green in color, was visible about 300 m E of the E coast of Sumisujima on 18 July. The report noted that areas of discolored water had occasionally been seen in the vicinity of the island since 2017, though usually characterized as pale blue to white and smaller in size. Sailors were warned to exercise caution in the area.

Source: Japan Coast Guard


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.

10/1992 (BGVN 17:10) Small zone of discolored water

10/1992 (BVE 32) Discolored water with sulfur odor reported by fishing boat




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


October 1992 (BGVN 17:10) Citation IconCite this Report

Small zone of discolored water

A zone of discolored yellowish water 30 m [wide] and [6 km long] was observed by fishing crews at around 1100 on 7 October. A JMSA overflight on 9 October showed no anomaly. The volcano last erupted in 1916, ejecting tephra. Discoloration was seen at the shore and near the island in 1975, 1976, 1977, 1989, and August 1992.

Information Contacts: JMA; JMSA.


October 1992 (BVE 32)

Discolored water with sulfur odor reported by fishing boat

[The following provides additional information about the 7 October 1992 observation.]

"Shira-ne, a small rock mass of two pyroxene andesite 7.7 m below sea level, located about 7.5 km NE of Smith Rocks and about 500 km S of Tokyo, forms an E part of a submarine caldera about 8 km in diameter (figure 1). Smith Rocks, 136 m a.s.l., forming S rim of the caldera are of olivine basalt.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 1. Submarine topography of Shira-ne and nearby area.

"On October 7, 1992, yellow discolored water smelling sulfur was reported by a fishing boat, Daini-Odamaru, suggesting a submarine volcanic activity. The area of discoloration was 6 km long and 30 m wide."

"Reference: Hydrographic Department, Japan Maritime Safety Agency (1992): Recent activity of submarine volcanoes and volcanic islands. Rept. Coordinating Committee for Predication of Volcanic Eruption, No. 54, p. 77.

"(Communication from: H. Furukawa, Japan Maritime Safety Agency, Tsukiji 5-3-1, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104, Japan.)"

Reference. Bulletin of Volcanic Eruptions, 1995, Annual Report of the World Volcanic Eruptions in 1992: Volcanological Society of Japan, no. 32, p. 134-135.

Information Contacts:

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 2 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

[ 2005 Mar 8 - 2005 Mar 8 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
2005 Mar 8 - 2005 Mar 8 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
2005 Mar 8    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 2003 Nov 6 - 2003 Nov 6 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
2003 Nov 6 - 2003 Nov 6 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
2003 Nov 6    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 2002 Sep 4 - 2002 Sep 4 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
2002 Sep 4 - 2002 Sep 4 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
2002 Sep 4    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 2001 Oct 31 - 2002 Feb 28 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
2001 Oct 31 - 2002 Feb 28 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
2001 Oct 31    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 2000 Oct 30 - 2000 Oct 30 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
2000 Oct 30 - 2000 Oct 30 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
2000 Oct 30    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1998 Oct 27 - 1999 Jan 13 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1998 Oct 27 - 1999 Jan 13 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1998 Oct 27    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1997 Nov 21 - 1997 Nov 21 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1997 Nov 21 - 1997 Nov 21 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1997 Nov 21    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1996 Jan 22 - 1996 Jan 22 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1996 Jan 22 - 1996 Jan 22 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1996 Jan 22    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1995 Jul 5 - 1995 Jul 7 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1995 Jul 5 - 1995 Jul 7 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1995 Jul 5    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1994 Jul 27 - 1994 Jul 27 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1994 Jul 27 - 1994 Jul 27 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1994 Jul 27    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1994 Jan 17 - 1994 Jan 17 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1994 Jan 17 - 1994 Jan 17 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1994 Jan 17    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1993 Sep 8 - 1993 Sep 10 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1993 Sep 8 - 1993 Sep 10 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1993 Sep 8    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1992 Aug 5 - 1992 Oct 7 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Shirane (7.5 km NE of Smith Rocks)
1992 Aug 5 - 1992 Oct 7 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at Shirane (7.5 km NE of Smith Rocks)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1992 Aug 5    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1991 Nov 5 - 1991 Nov 5 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1991 Nov 5 - 1991 Nov 5 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1991 Nov 5    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1989 Jul 18 - 1989 Jul 18 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1989 Jul 18 - 1989 Jul 18 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1989 Jul 18    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1989 Jan 18 - 1989 Jan 18 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1989 Jan 18 - 1989 Jan 18 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1989 Jan 18    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1977 Oct 16 ± 15 days - 1977 Oct 16 ± 15 days ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1977 Oct 16 ± 15 days - 1977 Oct 16 ± 15 days Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1977 Oct    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1976 Aug 16 ± 15 days - 1976 Aug 16 ± 15 days ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1976 Aug 16 ± 15 days - 1976 Aug 16 ± 15 days Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1976 Aug    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1975 Aug 13 - 1975 Sep 26 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1975 Aug 13 - 1975 Sep 26 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1975 Aug 13    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1974 Jul 6 - 1974 Jul 6 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1974 Jul 6 - 1974 Jul 6 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1974 Jul 6    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1916 Jun 21 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 0

Episode 1 | Eruption Just west of Smith Rock
1916 Jun 21 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at Just west of Smith Rock

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1916 Jun 21    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1873 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption 31.28 N 139.92 E
1873 - Unknown Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at 31.28 N 139.92 E

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1873    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1870 May Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption 18 km SW of Smith Rock
1870 May - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at 18 km SW of Smith Rock

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Island ephemeral
1870 May    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1672 (?) ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption 31.58 N 140.25 E
1672 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at 31.58 N 140.25 E

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1672
(?)
   - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)
Deformation History

There is no Deformation History data available for Sumisujima.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Sumisujima.

GVP Map Holdings

Maps are not currently available due to technical issues.

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.

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

There are no samples for Sumisujima in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences Rock and Ore collection.

External Sites