About Tenchozan
Tenchozan is a crater rows rising to 1,046 meters (3,432 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, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3.
Geography & Climate
Tenchozan is located in Japan, within the Kuril Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 44.04° N, 145.09° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,046 meters above sea level, Tenchozan is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Eruption History Summary
Tenchozan has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 100 CE to 100 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a severe eruption capable of regional ash fall and pyroclastic flows in 100 CE, reaching VEI 3 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 3, Tenchozan has produced eruptions capable of generating pyroclastic flows and significant ash fall in the surrounding area. While not among the largest eruptions globally, VEI 3 events pose serious hazards to local populations and can disrupt regional air travel.
GVP Reference Summary
Phreatic eruptions at Tenchozan occurred approximately 1,900 years ago. Towards the end of those eruptions there was a phreatomagmatic or small magmatic eruption. The chain of explosion craters, stretching from the NE to the SW, are considered to be a result of this series of eruptions (Goto et al., 2005; Goto, 2011).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 3 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Tenchozan
Is Tenchozan an active volcano?+
Tenchozan is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Tenchozan last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Tenchozan occurred in 100 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Tenchozan has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Tenchozan?+
Tenchozan has a summit elevation of 1,046 meters (3,432 feet) above sea level. At 1,046 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Tenchozan?+
Tenchozan is classified as a Crater rows. Crater rows volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Tenchozan located?+
Tenchozan is located in Japan, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kuril Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 44.044° latitude, 145.086° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Tenchozan?+
Tenchozan 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.
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