About Washiba-Kumonotaira
Washiba-Kumonotaira is a shield(s) rising to 2,924 meters (9,594 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
Washiba-Kumonotaira is located in Japan, within the Nankai Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 36.41° N, 137.59° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 2,924 meters above sea level, Washiba-Kumonotaira rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a shield, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
GVP Reference Summary
The Washiba-Kumonotaira volcano group consists of a cluster of small shield volcanoes with possible lava domes in a remote area in Chubu Sangaku National Park in the heart of the Northern Japan Alps. Iwagokekodani, an older Kumonotaira volcano was active from about 1-0.9 million years (Ma). The younger Kumonotaira volcano was active about 300-100 ka. Washiba-ike volcano is younger than 120 ka (Nakano et al., 2001-). Hayakawa (2009 pers. comm.) indicated that the Washiba-ike explosion crater was formed in an area that post-dates the latest Pleistocene glaciation, and produced a tephra layer consisting of accretionary lapilli and fresh volcanic bombs. However, the Japan Meteorological Agency (2013) did not include it in their national catalogue of Holocene volcanoes.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Washiba-Kumonotaira.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Washiba-Kumonotaira
Is Washiba-Kumonotaira an active volcano?+
Washiba-Kumonotaira is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "unknown." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Washiba-Kumonotaira?+
Washiba-Kumonotaira has a summit elevation of 2,924 meters (9,594 feet) above sea level. At 2,924 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Washiba-Kumonotaira?+
Washiba-Kumonotaira is classified as a Shield(s). Shield volcanoes are broad, gently sloping volcanoes built by fluid lava flows. They produce less explosive eruptions compared to stratovolcanoes and tend to have effusive lava rather than violent blasts.
Where is Washiba-Kumonotaira located?+
Washiba-Kumonotaira is located in Japan, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Nankai Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 36.408° latitude, 137.594° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Washiba-Kumonotaira?+
Washiba-Kumonotaira 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.
