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Kozushima

Lava dome(s) in Japan

Last Eruption: 838

Key Facts

Elevation

572 m (1,877 ft)

Type

Lava dome(s)

Location

34.219°, 139.153°

Region

Izu Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Rhyolite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

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Overview

A cluster of rhyolitic lava domes and associated pyroclastic deposits form the 4 x 6 km island of Kozushima in the northern Izu Islands. The island is the exposed summit of a larger submarine edifice more than 20 km long that lies along the Zenisu Ridge, one of several en-echelon ridges oriented NE-SW, transverse to the trend of the northern Izu arc. The youngest and largest of the 18 lava domes, Tenjosan, occupies the central portion of the island.

Most of the older domes, some of which are Holocene in age, flank Tenjosan to the north, although late-Pleistocene domes are also found at the southern end of the island. A lava flow may have reached the sea during an eruption in 832 CE. The Tenjosan dome was formed during a major eruption in 838 CE that also produced pyroclastic flows and surges.

Earthquake swarms took place during the 20th century.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

    Risk Level

    Population at RiskHigh
    Infrastructure RiskModerate
    Aviation RiskSignificant

    Geological Composition & Structure

    Rock Types

    Primary
    Rhyolite
    Silica Content
    High (>68% 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 Activity1188 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: 284030
    • Evidence: Eruption Observed
    • Epoch: Holocene

    About the Photo

    The agricultural area on floor of an explosion crater (left) and a flat-topped lava dome (right) are part of Kozushima volcano in the northern Izu Islands. The small 4 x 6 km island formed by a cluster of rhyolitic lava domes and associated pyroclastic deposits. The youngest and largest dome, Tenjoyama, occupies the central portion of the island. Most of the older domes are to the north. Two historical eruptions occurred during the 9th century.

    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.