About Rishirizan
Rishirizan is a stratovolcano rising to 1,721 meters (5,647 feet) in Japan's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 5830 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Rishirizan is located in Japan, within the Kuril Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 45.18° N, 141.24° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,721 meters above sea level, Rishirizan 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
Rishirizan 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 Rishirizan, 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 andesite / basaltic andesite, 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
Rishirizan has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 5830 BCE to 5830 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
Rishirizan is a highly dissected andesitic stratovolcano that forms a 20-km-wide island west of the northern tip of Hokkaido. Extensive erosion has produced an extremely rugged topography, with a dramatic sharp-topped, summit flanked by steep-sided radial ridges. A stratovolcano and flank lava domes were constructed beginning less than 200,000 years ago. After about 37,000 years ago only flank vents were active. Late-stage eruptions took place from scoria cones and maars along a 15-km-long NW-SE trend that extends to the SE coast. Flank eruptions were dominantly basaltic, but also included andesitic and rhyolitic activity. Extensive lava flows during the late Pleistocene form much of the northern and western coasts and extend offshore. The latest eruptions took place a few thousand years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5830 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Rishirizan
Is Rishirizan an active volcano?+
Rishirizan is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 5830 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Rishirizan last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Rishirizan occurred in 5830 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Rishirizan has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Rishirizan?+
Rishirizan has a summit elevation of 1,721 meters (5,647 feet) above sea level. At 1,721 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Rishirizan?+
Rishirizan 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 Rishirizan located?+
Rishirizan is located in Japan, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kuril Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 45.179° latitude, 141.242° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Rishirizan?+
Rishirizan 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.
