Aira Caldera – Super Volcano Watch
Aira Caldera – Sakura-Jima Volcano
Current Volcanic Warnings (Japan)
Asia – Japan | Ryukyu Islands and Kyushu
Location: 31°35’34.8″N 130°39’25.2″E
Type: Stratovolcano
Elevation: 1,117 m (3,664 ft)
VEI: 7
Last Major Eruption: ~22,000 years ago
Last Known Eruption: 2014 – ongoing
Sakurajima webcams
Sakurajima volcano videos
Aira Caldera- Sakurajima Volcano from space. Image Credit: NASA/JPL- Caltech
Image Caption:
The active volcano Sakura-Jima on the island of Kyushu, Japan is shown in the center of this radar image. The volcano occupies the peninsula in the center of Kagoshima Bay, which was formed by the explosion and collapse of an ancient predecessor of today’s volcano. The volcano has been in near continuous eruption since 1955. Its explosions of ash and gas are closely monitored by local authorities due to the proximity of the city of Kagoshima across a narrow strait from the volcano’s center, shown below and to the left of the central peninsula in this image. City residents have grown accustomed to clearing ash deposits from sidewalks, cars and buildings following Sakura-jima’s eruptions. The volcano is one of 15 identified by scientists as potentially hazardous to local populations, as part of the international “Decade Volcano” program.
The image was acquired by the Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C/X-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) onboard the space shuttle Endeavour on October 9, 1994. SIR-C/X-SAR, a joint mission of the German, Italian and the United States space agencies, is part of NASA’s Mission to Planet Earth. The image is centered at 31.6 degrees North latitude and 130.6 degrees East longitude. North is toward the upper left. The area shown measures 37.5 kilometers by 46.5 kilometers (23.3 miles by 28.8 miles). The colors in the image are assigned to different frequencies and polarizations of the radar as follows: red is L-band vertically transmitted, vertically received; green is the average of L-band vertically transmitted, vertically received and C-band vertically transmitted, vertically received; blue is C-band vertically transmitted, vertically received.
Background:
Aira Caldera is a gigantic volcanic caldera in the south of the island of Kyushu, Japan. The caldera was created by a massive eruption, approximately 22,000 years ago. The major city of Kagoshima and the 13,000 year old Sakurajima volcano lies within the caldera. Sakura-jima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, is a post-caldera cone of the Aira caldera at the northern half of Kagoshima Bay. Eruption of voluminous pyroclastic flows accompanied formation of the 17 x 23 km wide Aira caldera at the eruption 22,000 years ago. Together with a large pumice fall, these amounted to more than 400 km3 of tephra (VEI 7).
The Aira caldera in the northern half of Kagoshima Bay contains the post-caldera Sakurajima volcano, one of Japan’s most active. Eruption of the voluminous Ito pyroclastic flow accompanied formation of the 17 x 23 km caldera about 22,000 years ago. The smaller Wakamiko caldera was formed during the early Holocene in the NE corner of the Aira caldera, along with several post-caldera cones. The construction of Sakurajima began about 13,000 years ago on the southern rim of Aira caldera and built an island that was finally joined to the Osumi Peninsula during the major explosive and effusive eruption of 1914. Activity at the Kitadake summit cone ended about 4850 years ago, after which eruptions took place at Minamidake. Frequent historical eruptions, recorded since the 8th century, have deposited ash on Kagoshima, one of Kyushu’s largest cities, located across Kagoshima Bay only 8 km from the summit. The largest historical eruption took place during 1471-76.
Source: GVP
Ongoing Activity:
Vulcanian explosion at Sakurajima 24 October 2014. (Tarumizu webcam)
Friday Oct 24, 2014 14:54 PM
Following a week of relatively low activity, the volcano has become more active again during the past days. A particularly strong vulcanian explosion occurred this morning and produced an ash plume that rose to 15,000 ft (4.5 km) altitude.
Source: Volcano Discovery
22 October-28 October 2014
JMA reported that two explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano were detected during 20-24 October; an explosion on 24 October generated a plume that rose 3.2 km. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that on 24 October ash plumes rose to altitudes of 3-4.6 km (10,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. During 25-26 October plumes rose to altitudes of 2.4-2.7 km (8,000-9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. On 28 October plume rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
15 October-21 October 2014
JMA reported that three explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m during 14-17 October. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that on 16, 18, and 21 October ash plumes rose to altitudes of 1.8-3 km (6,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S, SE, and NE.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
8 October-14 October 2014
JMA reported that six explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m during 6-10 October. Incandescence from Showa Crater was visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 9-10 October plumes rose to altitudes of 1.5-1.8 km (5,000-6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
1 October-7 October 2014
JMA reported that five explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m from the crater during 29 September-3 October. Incandescence from Showa Crater was visible at night during 2-3 October. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 2-7 October plumes rose to altitudes of 1.2-3.7 km (4,000-12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. On 2 October a pilot observed an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
24 September-30 September 2014
JMA reported that 12 explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m during 26-29 September. Incandescence from Showa Crater was visible at night during 26-27 September. An explosion on 28 September produced a dense ash plume that rose 3 km. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 24-30 September plumes rose to altitudes of 1.8-4 km (6,000-13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W, S, SE, and E. On 27 September a pilot observed an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
17 September-23 September 2014
JMA reported that 24 explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m during 16-19 September. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 17-23 September plumes rose to altitudes of 1.8-3.4 km (6,000-11,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. During 17-18 and 23 September pilots observed ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 2-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
10 September-16 September 2014
During 8-16 September JMA maintained Alert Level 3 for Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano. Volcanic earthquakes and tremor were detected during this time period. There were 12 explosions that ejected tephra up to 1,300 m above Showa crater. Sustained eruptions from the crater were recorded on 10 and 11 September and nighttime incandescence was detected during 11-16 September.
During 10-16 September JMA reported ash eruptions, causing the Tokyo VAAC to issue regular advisories; however, ash was not visible in satellite images.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
3 September-9 September 2014
During 1-9 September JMA maintained Alert Level 3 for Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano. There were 23 explosions recorded from Showa crater from 1 to 4 September; during 5-7 September there were 18 explosions.
During 3-7 September JMA reported ash eruptions, causing the Tokyo VAAC to issue regular advisories; however, ash was not visible in satellite images. At 0437 on 9 September, ash was visible in satellite images and reached 3,300 m (11,000 ft) a.s.l. drifting S. On 2 and 3 September, ballistics reached 1,300-1,800 m above the crater. Nighttime incandescence was detected during 4-5 September from Showa crater. Volcanic earthquakes and tremor were detected during 1-8 September.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
27 August-2 September 2014
During 27 August-2 September JMA reported 42 explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano that ejected ballistics 800-1300 m from the crater. The explosions were accompanied by volcanic earthquakes and volcanic tremor. On 30-31 August clear incandescence was visible by high-sensitivity camera at night, with a “smoke” plume rising 3 km above the crater on the 31st. The Tokyo VAAC reported explosions during 13-17 August with plumes that rose to an altitude of 1.2-4 km (4,000-13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E, NE, N, and SE. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
20 August-26 August 2014
During 20-26 August JMA reported 17 explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano that were accompanied by volcanic earthquakes and volcanic tremor, and which ejected ballistics 500-800 m away. On 20-24 August clear incandescence was visible using high-sensitivity camera at night. On 20-26 August the Tokyo VAAC reported explosions with plumes that rose to an altitude of 1.2-2.7 km (4,000-9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and N, though volcanic ash could not be identified in satellite data. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
13 August-19 August 2014
During 11-15 August JMA reported 14 explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano that ejected ballistics 800-1300 m away. During 15-18 August were four more explosions with similar ballistic ejections. The explosions were accompanied by volcanic earthquakes and volcanic tremor. On most days faint to clear incandescence was visible using a high-sensitivity camera at night. On 13-17 August the Tokyo VAAC reported explosions with plumes that rose to an altitude of 1.5-3 km (5,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and N, though volcanic ash could not be identified in satellite data. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
6 August-12 August 2014
JMA reported an explosion from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano on 6 August that ejected ballistics 300-500 m from Showa crater and a plume that rose 500 m above the crater. On 10 August three explosions ejected ballistics 500-800 m from Showa crater accompanied by volcanic earthquakes and volcanic tremor. On 6-11 August, incandescence was clearly visible at night by high-sensitivity camera. The Tokyo VAAC reported that plumes from explosions on 6, 8-10 August rose to an altitude of 1.2-2.4 km (4,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, N, E, SE, and S. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
30 July-5 August 2014
JMA reported an explosion from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano on 30 July that ejected ballistics 300-500 m from Showa crater and six other explosions on 31 July accompanied by volcanic earthquakes and volcanic tremor. In general, explosions, volcanic tremor and volcanic earthquakes decreased 1-4 August. On 31 July-4 August, incandescence was clearly visible by high-sensitivity camera at night. The Tokyo VAAC reported that a plume from the 30 July explosion rose to an altitude of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
23 July-29 July 2014
JMA reported three explosive eruptions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano on 22, 25, and 27 July that ejected ballistics 300-800 m away. In general, the eruptions were accompanied by volcanic earthquakes and increasing volcanic tremor. On 28 July a very small eruption cloud rose 200 m above Minami-Dake Crater. The Tokyo VAAC reported that on 23, 25, and 27 July plumes rose to an altitude of 1.5-2.5 km (5,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and NE. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
16 July-22 July 2014
JMA reported that seven explosive eruptions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano during 14-22 July ejected ballistics 500-800 m from Showa crater. In general, volcanic earthquakes decreased and tremor increased. The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 16-20 July plumes rose to an altitude of 2-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and SE; on 22 July a plume rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
9 July-15 July 2014
During 11-14 July, JMA reported four large explosions that ejected deposits 800-1,300 m from Showa crater. Volcanic earthquakes decreased and tremor continued. The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 3-14 July plumes rose to altitudes of 2-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, SE, and E. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
25 June-1 July 2014
JMA reported that during 23-27 June six explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m. During 27-30 June there were four explosions. A significant explosion on 29 June lasted for 17 minutes.The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 25 June-1 July plumes rose to altitudes of 1.2-3.9 km (4,000-13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, SE, and E. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
18 June-24 June 2014
JMA reported that during 13-23 June, 4-10 explosions occurred each day from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano. Tephra ejected from these events landed as far as 1,800 m away. A significant explosion on 19 June lasted for 17 minutes; the plume rose ~3,000 m above the crater rim and tephra was ejected to a distance of 1,300-1,800 m. Field surveys conducted on 12 June determined an SO2 flux of 270 tons/day (previous measurement of 2,300 tons/day was measured on 9 May). During this reporting period there was no activity from Minamidake summit crater.
The Tokyo VAAC reported that volcanic ash was visible in satellite images at 0541 on 23 June. The plume reached 1,830 m (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) via the Volcano Research Center; Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
4 June-10 June 2014
JMA reported that during 19-23 May two explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra that landed as far as 1,300 m away. Incandescence from the crater was detected at night during 19-20 May. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that on 6 and 9 June plumes rose to altitudes of 2.1-5.5 km (7,000-18,000 ft) a.s.l. Plumes drifted NW on 9 June.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
28 May-3 June 2014
Based on JMA notices, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 31 May explosions from Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano generated plumes that rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.
Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
21 May-27 May 2014
JMA reported that during 19-23 May two explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m. Incandescence from the crater was detected at night during 19-20 May. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 23-25 May plumes rose to altitudes of 2.4-4 km (8,000-13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S, SE, and N.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
14 May-20 May 2014
JMA reported that an explosion from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano at 2229 on 12 May ejected tephra as far as 1.8 km from the crater and produced a plume that rose 1.6 km above the crater rim. Incandescence from the crater was detected at night during 13-14 May.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
7 May-13 May 2014
JMA reported that a small non-explosive eruption from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano occurred during 7-9 May. Incandescence from the crater was detected at night. A very small eruption at Minamidake Crater at 1151 on 8 May produced a plume that rose 400 m above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 10 and 12 May plumes rose to altitudes of 2.4-5.5 km (8,000-18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W, SE, and E. On 13 May a pilot observed an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) a.s.l.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
30 April-6 May 2014
JMA reported that during 28 April-2 May four explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 500 m. Incandescence from the crater was detected at night during 28-30 April. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 30 April-3 May and on 5 May plumes rose to altitudes of 1.8-3 km (6,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E, SE, and SW. On 30 April a pilot observed an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l.
Sources: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC); Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
23 April-29 April 2014
JMA reported that seven explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano during 22-25 April ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m. Incandescence from the crater was detected at night. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 23-24 and 26 April plumes rose to altitudes of 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, W, and SE. On 26 April a pilot observed an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WNW. An explosion was reported on 29 April.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
9 April-15 April 2014
JMA reported that during 7-11 April two explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 800 m. Incandescence from the crater was detected during the night of 10 April. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that on 10 and 12 April plumes rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. Plumes drifted SE on 10 April.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
2 April-8 April 2014
JMA reported that during 31 March-4 April two explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m. Incandescence from the crater was occasionally detected at night. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that. During 2 and 5-7 April plumes rose to altitudes of 1.5-2.4 km (5,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW, S, SE, and E.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
26 March-1 April 2014
JMA reported that 20 explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano during 24-28 March ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m. Incandescence from the crater was detected at night on 25 March. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported an explosion on 26 March. During 27-29 March plumes rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.4 km (6,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, N, and NW.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
19 March-25 March 2014
JMA reported that during 17-20 March five explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m. Incandescence from the crater was detected at night during 17-18 March. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 20-25 March plumes rose to altitudes of 1.2-2.7 km (4,000-9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, SW, N, and NE.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
15 March – 18 March, 2014
JMA reported that during 10-14 March two explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m. Incandescence from the crater was detected at night. Volcanologists conducting a field survey on 10 March noted that sulfur dioxide emissions were 190 tons per day, lower than the 1,900 tons per day they measured on 4 March. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
The Tokyo VAAC reported explosions during 12 and 15-17 March. On 12 March pilots observed ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 1.2-1.8 km (4,000-6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N. During 15-18 March plumes rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.7 km (6,000-9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E, SE, and S. Pilots observed ash plumes drifting SE at an altitude of 3.4 km (11,000 ft) a.s.l. on 16 March, and drifting SE at an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 18 March.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
19 February-25 February 2014
JMA reported that during 17-21 February three explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that explosions during 19-20 and 22-25 February generated ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 1.8-3.7 km (6,000-12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, SE, and S. A pilot observed ash on 20 February.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Global Volcanism Program
See: Decade Volcano Map
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