Why in news?
Recently, Japan’s Sakurajima volcano erupted multiple times and sent a plume of smoke and ash as high as 4.4 kilometres into the air.
Key facts about Sakurajima Volcano
Location and Type
- Sakurajima is a stratovolcano located in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan, standing 1,117 meters tall with an area of about 80 km² and a circumference of approximately 52 km.β
Structure and Peaks
- The volcano has three main peaks: Kita-dake (north), Naka-dake (central), and Minami-dake (south). Minami-dake is the currently active summit.β
- The lava flows from the 1914 eruption connected Sakurajima, formerly an island, to the Εsumi Peninsula, turning it into a peninsula.β
Hazards and Monitoring
- Eruptions are typically explosive, producing ash, pyroclastic flows, volcanic bombs, and poisonous gases. The lava is andesitic, making it thick and gas-rich.β
- The Japan Meteorological Agency closely monitors Sakurajima and issues eruption alerts; a Level5 (highest) alert was issued in July 2022 after a powerful eruption.β
Significance
- Sakurajima is a symbol of Kagoshima Prefecture and is one of the world's most studied active volcanoes due to its accessibility and frequent activity.β
- Its eruptions have shaped the local environment and influenced regional culture and disaster preparedness.β
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