About Kita-Ioto
Kita-Ioto is a stratovolcano rising to 792 meters (2,599 feet) in Japan's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 2022 CE. The volcano has produced 20 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1.
Geography & Climate
Kita-Ioto is located in Japan, within the Ogasawara Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 25.42° N, 141.28° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 792 meters above sea level, Kita-Ioto is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. 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
Kita-Ioto 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 Kita-Ioto, 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
Kita-Ioto has 20 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1953 CE to 2023 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a gentle, effusive event in 2022 CE, reaching VEI 1 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. With an average interval of roughly 4 years between eruptions over a span of 70 years, this is one of the more frequently active volcanoes in the database. This persistent activity suggests a robust and well-supplied magma system beneath the volcano. With eruptive activity as recently as 2023 CE, Kita-Ioto remains an actively monitored volcano.
Significance
Its 20 recorded eruptions make it one of the most prolific volcanoes in our database, reflecting a persistent and well-documented eruptive history that has provided volcanologists with extensive data for understanding eruption patterns and forecasting future activity. Given its recent activity, Kita-Ioto is closely monitored by geological survey organizations to provide early warning of future unrest.
GVP Reference Summary
No historical eruptions have occurred from the deeply eroded Kita-Ioto stratovolcano, which forms a steep-sided basaltic cone rising about 800 m above the sea. However, eruptions have been recorded since the 18th century from Funka Asane, a submarine vent 4-5 km NW of the island. Kita-Ioto is the northernmost of the Kazan Retto (Volcano Islands), located in the middle of the Izu-Marianas arc.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
20 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 2022 | 1 | Confirmed Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 2007 | — | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 2006 | — | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 2003 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 2003 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 2002 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 2001 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 2000 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 2000 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 1999 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 1998 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 1998 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 1997 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 1989 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 1987 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 1983 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 1982 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 1968 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
| 1953 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | Funka-Asane |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Kita-Ioto
Is Kita-Ioto an active volcano?+
Yes, Kita-Ioto is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 2022 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Kita-Ioto last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Kita-Ioto occurred in 2023 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Kita-Ioto has 20 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Kita-Ioto?+
Kita-Ioto has a summit elevation of 792 meters (2,599 feet) above sea level. At 792 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Kita-Ioto?+
Kita-Ioto 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 Kita-Ioto located?+
Kita-Ioto is located in Japan, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Ogasawara Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 25.424° latitude, 141.284° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Kita-Ioto?+
Visiting Kita-Ioto requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 2022 CE, conditions can change rapidly. Always consult local geological authorities and follow official warnings before visiting. Many active volcanoes have designated safe viewing areas and guided tour options.
