About Kaitoku Seamount
Kaitoku Seamount is a stratovolcano rising to -95 meters (-312 feet) in Japan's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 2023 CE. The volcano has produced 6 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1.
Geography & Climate
Kaitoku Seamount is located in Japan, within the Ogasawara Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 26.12° N, 141.10° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. With an elevation of -95 meters — below sea level — Kaitoku Seamount is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature. Submarine volcanoes make up the majority of Earth's volcanic activity, though most eruptions go unobserved beneath the ocean surface. 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
Kaitoku Seamount 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 Kaitoku Seamount, 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 basalt / picro-basalt, 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
Kaitoku Seamount has 6 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1543 CE to 2022 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a gentle, effusive event in 1984 CE, reaching VEI 1 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings. With eruptive activity as recently as 2022 CE, Kaitoku Seamount remains an actively monitored volcano.
Significance
With 6 recorded eruptions on file, Kaitoku Seamount has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior. Given its recent activity, Kaitoku Seamount is closely monitored by geological survey organizations to provide early warning of future unrest.
GVP Reference Summary
Submarine eruption have been observed during March 1984 and August 2022-January 2023 from Kaitoku Seamount (Kaitoku Kaizan), a three-peaked submarine volcano 80 km NNW of Kita-Ioto. The type of activity related to other observations of discolored water or bubbling, including an observation from 1543 CE, is uncertain.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
6 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 2001 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 1986 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 1984 | 1 | Confirmed Eruption | Higashi-Kaitokuba |
| 1984 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 1543 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | WSW of Kaitoku summit area |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Kaitoku Seamount
Is Kaitoku Seamount an active volcano?+
Yes, Kaitoku Seamount is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 2023 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Kaitoku Seamount last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Kaitoku Seamount occurred in 2022 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Kaitoku Seamount has 6 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Kaitoku Seamount?+
Kaitoku Seamount has a summit elevation of -95 meters (-312 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -95 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Kaitoku Seamount?+
Kaitoku Seamount 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 Kaitoku Seamount located?+
Kaitoku Seamount is located in Japan, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Ogasawara Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 26.122° latitude, 141.095° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Kaitoku Seamount?+
Visiting Kaitoku Seamount requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 2023 CE, conditions can change rapidly. Always consult local geological authorities and follow official warnings before visiting. Many active volcanoes have designated safe viewing areas and guided tour options.
