About Abu
Abu is a volcanic field rising to 641 meters (2,103 feet) in Japan's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 6850 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Abu is located in Japan, within the Nankai Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 34.48° N, 131.52° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 641 meters above sea level, Abu 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.
Geological Context
Abu 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 Abu, 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
Abu has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 6850 BCE to 6850 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The dominantly Pleistocene Abu volcano group, located along northern coast near the SW end of Honshu, consists of basaltic-to-dacitic lava flows, small shield volcanoes (some with associated cinder cones), and lava domes. More than 40 monogenetic volcanoes are located in an area of 400 km2. Iraoyama forms the high point of this group of edifices, some of which form offshore islands or submarine vents. Volcanism here is considered to be related to subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate. An earlier phase of activity during the late-Pliocene to early Pleistocene was followed by renewed activity about 800,000 years ago that continued into the Holocene. The latest known activity was determined by thermoluminescence to be about 8,800 years ago, when the Kasayama scoria cone was formed.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6850 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Kasa-yama |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Abu
Is Abu an active volcano?+
Abu is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 6850 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Abu last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Abu occurred in 6850 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Abu has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Abu?+
Abu has a summit elevation of 641 meters (2,103 feet) above sea level. At 641 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Abu?+
Abu is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Abu located?+
Abu is located in Japan, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Nankai Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 34.483° latitude, 131.517° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Abu?+
Abu 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.
