Sakurajima volcano on Kyushu, Japan, remains in a state of elevated activity. During the past week, strong vulcanian explosions from the Showa Crater often occurred multiple times per day, and generated tall ash plumes reaching 4 km altitude. A small pyroclastic flow reaching 300 m length occurred during an explosion on 21 May. ...more [read all]

Sakurajima volcano on the Island of Kyushu, Japan, continues to be more active than usually at the moment. Yesterday, a stronger explosion occurred that produced an ash column reaching 3 km altitude (Flight Level 90 = 9,000 feet) which drifted to the south, as the Tokyo VAAC reported. ...more [read all]

Moderately large eruptions have occurred at Mt. Sakurajima volcano in southern Kyushu, Japan. During the past few days, several vulcanian-type explosions took place that ejected large amounts of bombs, with some of 50 cm diameter landing in up to 2 km distance. Ash plumes produced reached a modest altitude of 8000 ft (ca. 2.5 km) (VAAC Tokyo). ...more [read all]

Sakurajima volcano appears to be at higher levels of activity, as the last week has seen an increased average number and size of eruptions. According to the latest USGS / Smithsonian report "explosions during the past week "often" produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 1.2-3 km (4,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, E, and SE." Many obseervations of ash plumes originate of analysis of satellite data and dedicated Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAAC) around the world monitor them and transmit real-time information about hazardous ash plumes to aircraft and air traffic control centers. Such reports are often complemented by direct observations from pilots passing nearby. ...more [read all]

Reports are appearing about unrest and signs of a possible awakening of Mt Fuji volcano in Japan. ...more [read all]