About Fukue
Fukue is a volcanic field rising to 315 meters (1,034 feet) in Japan's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 400 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Fukue is located in Japan, within the Nankai Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 32.66° N, 128.85° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. At just 315 meters above sea level, Fukue is a relatively low-elevation volcanic feature. Despite its modest height, it remains an active geological formation with the same underlying magmatic processes as its taller counterparts. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Fukue sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Japan near Fukue, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is basalt / picro-basalt, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
Eruption History Summary
Fukue has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 400 BCE to 400 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
A group of small olivine basaltic shield volcanoes and cinder cones lies at the eastern end of Fukuejima in the Goto Islands off the western coast of Kyushu. Activity at the Fukue volcano group began about 900,000 years ago, and the latest activity took place about 2,000-3,000 years ago (Nakano et al., 2001-). The volcanic field, whose high point is the Onidake cinder cone (about 300 m elevation), forms peninsulas at the E and SE tips of Fukue Island as well as several smaller islands to the SE.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Hino-take |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Fukue
Is Fukue an active volcano?+
Fukue is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 400 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Fukue last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Fukue occurred in 400 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Fukue has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Fukue?+
Fukue has a summit elevation of 315 meters (1,034 feet) above sea level. At 315 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Fukue?+
Fukue is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Fukue located?+
Fukue is located in Japan, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Nankai Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 32.657° latitude, 128.849° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Fukue?+
Fukue can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Japan may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
