About Sofugan
Sofugan is a stratovolcano rising to 99 meters (325 feet) in Japan's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Sofugan is located in Japan, within the Izu Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 29.79° N, 140.34° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. At just 99 meters above sea level, Sofugan 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 composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Sofugan 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 Sofugan, 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
Sofugan has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1975 CE to 1975 CE. The most recent eruption in 1975 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
Sofugan is a steep-sided pinnacle that rises 99 m above the sea surface south of Torishima volcano. Its dramatic and isolated setting prompted it to also be known as "Lot's Wife Rocks." The basaltic-to-andesitic pinnacle is the remnant of a large stratovolcano that is 28 km wide at its base and rises 2200 m above the sea floor. A submarine depression lies between the pinnacle and an arcuate submarine ridge to the SW that rises to less than 150 m of the sea surface. In 1975 discolored sea water was observed about 500 m north of Sofugan, and the volcano was reclassified as active by the Japan Meteorological Agency in 2003.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Sofugan
Is Sofugan an active volcano?+
Sofugan is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Sofugan last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Sofugan occurred in 1975 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Sofugan has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Sofugan?+
Sofugan has a summit elevation of 99 meters (325 feet) above sea level. At 99 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Sofugan?+
Sofugan is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Sofugan located?+
Sofugan is located in Japan, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Izu Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 29.794° latitude, 140.342° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Sofugan?+
Sofugan 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.