About Akusekijima
Akusekijima is a stratovolcano(es) rising to 555 meters (1,821 feet) in Japan's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Akusekijima is located in Japan, within the Ryukyu Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 29.46° N, 129.59° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 555 meters above sea level, Akusekijima 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
Akusekijima 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 Akusekijima, 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.
GVP Reference Summary
Akusekijima is a small stratovolcano in the southern Ryukyu Islands. Most of the island is surrounded by steep cliffs, and beaches are found only on the SW and SE sides. The andesitic-dacitic volcano consists of two older somma volcanoes, Biroyama and Nakadake. Mitake lava dome forms the high point of the small 2.5 x 3.2 km wide island. The dacitic Omune lava flow on the NE flank was K-Ar dated at less than 80,000 BP; its youthful morphology and lack of overlying tephra layers suggests it could be as young as the Holocene (Furuyama et al., 2002). The lava flow, the youngest product of the volcano, forms a low-angle plateau overlying cliffs forming the northern coast.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Akusekijima.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Akusekijima
Is Akusekijima an active volcano?+
Akusekijima 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.
How high is Akusekijima?+
Akusekijima has a summit elevation of 555 meters (1,821 feet) above sea level. At 555 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Akusekijima?+
Akusekijima is classified as a Stratovolcano(es). Stratovolcano(es) volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Akusekijima located?+
Akusekijima is located in Japan, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Ryukyu Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 29.465° latitude, 129.594° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Akusekijima?+
Akusekijima 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.
