Suwanose-jima, Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Location: 29.53N, 129.72E
Elevation: 2621 ft. (799 m)
Last Updated: September 27, 2004
Suwanose-jima, located in Japan's Ryukyu Islands, is an andesitic stratovolcano that is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan. The volcano has two craters that have been historically active. The northeast crater has experienced extended periods of intermittent strombolian activity, whereas lava flows have emanated from the southwest crater. A large crater, breached to the east, is also present and was formed by a pre-historic debris avalanche. The largest historical eruption occurred in 1813-1814 causing the island to be completely evacuated, after which it remained unpopulated for 70 years.
Last known significant activity: 2004
2004 Reports
Previous years and a complete history is available HERE
6 July 2004
Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that several explosions occurred at Suwanose-jima during 30 June to 5 July. The highest rising plume reached ~1.9 km a.s.l.
Source: Tokyo VAAC
This information was summarized or obtaines from the GVP/USGS Suwanose-Jima Weekly Volcanic Activity Report
15 June 2004
An eruption at Suwanose-jima on 9 June at 1003 produced an ash plume visible on satellite imagery at a height of ~1.8 km a.s.l., extending E. Another explosion at 1300 that day produced an ash plume that reached an unknown height.
Source: Tokyo VAAC
This information was summarized or obtaines from the GVP/USGS Suwanose-Jima Weekly Volcanic Activity Report
8 June 2004
On 7 June Suwanose-jima erupted, producing a plume to ~2 km a.s.l. that extended E. Eruptions continued through 8 June with at least one explosion producing a gas-and-ash plume to ~2 km a.s.l. that also drifted E.
Source: Tokyo VAAC
This information was summarized or obtaines from the GVP/USGS Suwanose-Jima Weekly Volcanic Activity Report
4 May 2004
According to the Tokyo VAAC, ash emitted from Suwanose-jima was reported on 28 April at a height of ~3 km a.s.l. extending SE. No ash was visible on satellite imagery. JMA reported that an explosion occurred on 1 May at 0906, but it was not known if an ash cloud was produced.
Source: Tokyo VAAC
This information was summarized or obtaines from the GVP/USGS Suwanose-Jima Weekly Volcanic Activity Report
27 January 2004
Based on information from the Japanese Meteorological Agency, the Tokyo VAAC reported that explosions at Suwanose-jima on 21 and 22 January produced ash plumes to unknown heights.
Source: Tokyo VAAC
This information was summarized or obtaines from the GVP/USGS Suwanose-Jima Weekly Volcanic Activity Report
6 January 2004
Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 2 and 4 January small explosions occurred at Suwanose-jima producing ash plumes to unknown heights.
Source: Tokyo VAAC
This information was summarized or obtaines from the GVP/USGS Suwanose-Jima Weekly Volcanic Activity Report
Photo courtesy of Taketo Shimano
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