About Kuchinoshima
Kuchinoshima is a stratovolcano(es) rising to 628 meters (2,060 feet) in Japan's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1190 CE. The volcano has produced 4 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Kuchinoshima is located in Japan, within the Ryukyu Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 29.97° N, 129.93° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 628 meters above sea level, Kuchinoshima 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
Kuchinoshima 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 Kuchinoshima, 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
Kuchinoshima has 4 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 6750 BCE to 1190 CE. These eruptions span roughly 7,940 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
Kuchinoshima, lying in the northern Ryukyu Islands between the volcanic islands of Nakanoshima and Kuchinoerabujima, consists of two andesitic stratovolcanoes and a NW-SE-trending chain of lava domes. Two small villages, Nishinohama and Kuchinoshima, lie at the northern end of the mostly uninhabited island. The compound 628-m-high Maedake lava dome, forming the highest point on the 3 x 7 km wide island, was constructed east of the summit of 501-m-high Yokodake stratovolcano. The last magmatic eruption took place about 1200-1300 years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
4 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1190 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 750 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 900 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 6750 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Yoko-dake, Mae-dake |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Kuchinoshima
Is Kuchinoshima an active volcano?+
Kuchinoshima is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1190 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Kuchinoshima last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Kuchinoshima occurred in 1190 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Kuchinoshima has 4 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Kuchinoshima?+
Kuchinoshima has a summit elevation of 628 meters (2,060 feet) above sea level. At 628 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Kuchinoshima?+
Kuchinoshima is classified as a Stratovolcano(es). Stratovolcano(es) volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Kuchinoshima located?+
Kuchinoshima is located in Japan, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Ryukyu Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 29.968° latitude, 129.926° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Kuchinoshima?+
Kuchinoshima 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.
