Azumayama

Stratovolcano(es) in Japan

Last Eruption: 1977

Key Facts

Elevation

1,949 m (6,394 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano(es)

Location

37.735°, 140.244°

Region

Northeast Japan Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

The Azumayama volcanic group consists of a cluster of stratovolcanoes, shield volcanoes, lava domes, and pyroclastic cones. The andesitic and basaltic complex was constructed in two E-W rows above a relatively high basement of Tertiary sedimentary rocks and granodiorites west of Fukushima city. Volcanic activity has migrated to the east, with the Higashi-Azuma volcano group being the youngest.

The symmetrical Azuma-Kofuji crater and a nearby fumarolic area on the flank of Issaikyo volcano are popular tourist destinations. The Azumayama complex contains several crater lakes, including Goshikinuma and Okenuma. Historical eruptions, mostly small phreatic explosions, have been restricted to Issaikyo volcano at the northern end of the Higashiyama group.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

Risk Level

Population at RiskHigh

Infrastructure RiskHigh

Aviation RiskSignificant

Geological Composition & Structure

Rock Types

Primary

Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Silica Content

Intermediate (57-63% SiO₂)

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Formed by oceanic plate subduction, typically producing explosive eruptions due to water-rich magmas.

Age & Formation

Epoch

Holocene

Evidence

Eruption Observed

Eruption Statistics & Analysis

Metric	Value	Global Ranking	Significance
Total Recorded Eruptions	Unknown	Low	Moderately active volcano
Maximum VEI	VEI Unknown	Minor	Local impact potential
Recent Activity	49 years ago	Recent	Recently active

Monitoring & Alert Status

Monitoring Networks

Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Real-time seismic monitoring

Geological Survey of Japan

Geochemical monitoring

Global Volcanism Program

International eruption database

Current Status

Watch

Dormant but monitored. Capable of renewed activity.

Nearby Volcanoes in Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions

Regional Volcanic Activity

The Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions contains multiple active volcanic systems. Cross-regional magma interactions and tectonic stresses can influence eruption patterns across the entire arc. Monitor regional seismic activity and volcanic alerts.

Quick Info

•Smithsonian ID: 283180
•Evidence: Eruption Observed
•Epoch: Holocene

About the Photo

The Azuma Kofuji cone with its 300-m-wide crater is one of many volcanic features of the Azumayama complex. This volcano group consists of a cluster of cones and lava domes. Volcanic activity has migrated to the E, with the Higashi-Azuma volcano group being the youngest. This photo was taken from the NW on the flanks of Issaikyoyama, which has been the site of historical eruptions (mostly small phreatic explosions).

Photo by Lee Siebert, 1988 (Smithsonian Institution).