About Takaharayama
Takaharayama is a stratovolcano rising to 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) in Japan's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 4570 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4.
Geography & Climate
Takaharayama is located in Japan, within the Northeast Japan Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 36.90° N, 139.78° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,795 meters above sea level, Takaharayama 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
Takaharayama 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 Takaharayama, 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
Takaharayama has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 4570 BCE to 4570 BCE. The most powerful recorded event was a cataclysmic eruption with ash columns reaching the stratosphere in 4570 BCE, reaching VEI 4 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 4, Takaharayama has demonstrated the capacity for significant explosive eruptions that can impact regional aviation, agriculture, and communities tens of kilometers from the summit. VEI 4 eruptions produce ash columns reaching 15-25 kilometers into the atmosphere.
GVP Reference Summary
Takaharayama is a small stratovolcano with lava domes located SW of Nasudake volcano and NNW of Utsunomiya city in central Honshu. The basaltic-to-dacitic volcano lies within the Shiobara caldera, which was formed during the late Pleistocene at the time of the eruption of the Otawara pumice-flow deposit. The latest dated eruption of Takahara took place about 6500 years ago along the NW-SE-trending Yumoto-Shiobara fissure system within the caldera. Eruptions along this fissure initially produced the phreatic Takahara-Uenohara tephra deposit, which was distributed primarily to the east. The symmetrical Fujiyama lava dome, one of many conical volcanoes named after Japan's renowned Mount Fuji, was extruded at the end of the eruption.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4570 BCE | 4 | Confirmed Eruption | Fuji-san lava dome |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Takaharayama
Is Takaharayama an active volcano?+
Takaharayama is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 4570 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Takaharayama last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Takaharayama occurred in 4570 BCE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Takaharayama has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Takaharayama?+
Takaharayama has a summit elevation of 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) above sea level. At 1,795 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Takaharayama?+
Takaharayama 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 Takaharayama located?+
Takaharayama is located in Japan, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northeast Japan Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 36.900° latitude, 139.777° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Takaharayama?+
Takaharayama 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.
