About Shiretoko
Shiretoko is a stratovolcano rising to 1,254 meters (4,114 feet) in Japan's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Shiretoko is located in Japan, within the Kuril Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 44.23° N, 145.28° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,254 meters above sea level, Shiretoko 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.
GVP Reference Summary
Shiretoko volcano, the NE-most in Hokkaido, was active about 0.6-0.2 million years ago (Nakano et al., 2001-). The andesitic Shiretoko-dake volcano lies at the tip of the Shiretoko Peninsula.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Shiretoko.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Shiretoko
Is Shiretoko an active volcano?+
Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko?+
Shiretoko has a summit elevation of 1,254 meters (4,114 feet) above sea level. At 1,254 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Shiretoko?+
Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko located?+
Shiretoko is located in Japan, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kuril Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 44.230° latitude, 145.278° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Shiretoko?+
Shiretoko 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.
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