Volcano World

Suwanose-jima, located in Japan's Ryukyu Islands, is an andesitic stratovolcano that is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan. The volcano has two craters that have been historically active. The northeast crater has experienced extended periods of intermittent strombolian activity, whereas lava flows have emanated from the southwest crater. A large crater, breached to the east, is also present and was formed by a pre-historic debris avalanche.

The largest historical eruption occurred in 1813-1814 causing the island to be completely evacuated, after which it remained unpopulated for 70 years.

Photo courtesy of Taketo Shimano

Click here to a listing of old literature refering to Suwanose-Jima