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Hachijojima

Stratovolcano(es) in Japan

Last Eruption: 1606

Key Facts

Elevation

854 m (2,802 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano(es)

Location

33.137°, 139.766°

Region

Izu Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

Hachijojima, in the central Izu Islands about 300 km S of Tokyo, consists of two small Quaternary dominantly basaltic stratovolcanoes forming an elongated NW-SE-trending island. The eroded Pleistocene-to-Holocene Higashiyama volcano occupies the SE end of the 14-km-long island. The symmetrical Holocene Nishiyama volcano the NW end has cones on the SE flank.

The small volcanic island of Kojima lies several kilometers W of Hachijojima. Growth of Higashiyama began several tens of thousands of years ago, and included the formation of two small calderas. The initial submarine and early subaerial eruptions of Nishiyama took place from 10,000 to 8,000 years before present (BP).

Its latest major activity, from the early Holocene until about 4,000 BP, was restricted to flank eruptions. Eruptions recorded since the 15th century have been restricted to the summit of Nishiyama and a submarine vent of unknown location.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

    Risk Level

    Population at RiskHigh
    Infrastructure RiskModerate
    Aviation RiskSignificant

    Geological Composition & Structure

    Rock Types

    Primary
    Basalt / Picro-Basalt
    Silica Content
    Low (45-52% 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

    MetricValueGlobal RankingSignificance
    Total Recorded EruptionsUnknownLowModerately active volcano
    Maximum VEIVEI UnknownMinorLocal impact potential
    Recent Activity420 years agoHistoricalHistorically 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

    Normal
    No recent activity. Routine monitoring continues.

    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: 284050
    • Evidence: Eruption Observed
    • Epoch: Holocene

    About the Photo

    Nishiyama volcano, seen here from the older Higashiyama, forms the NW part of Hachijojima island. The island's airport and its largest town occupy the flanks. The small volcanic island of Kojima (upper left) lies several kilometers to the west. Major activity from the early Holocene until about 4,000 years ago was restricted to flank eruptions.

    Photo by Ichio Moriya (Kanazawa University).

    Basic Information

    This page shows basic data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. For more detailed information, visit the official Smithsonian page.