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Nishinoshima

Caldera in Japan

Last Eruption: 2023

Key Facts

Elevation

100 m (328 ft)

Type

Caldera

Location

27.247°, 140.874°

Region

Ogasawara Volcanic Arc

Total Eruptions

7

Max VEI

VEI 2

Rock Type

Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Eruption Timeline

2023 CENotable

Most recent confirmed eruption

1998 CEVEI 2

Historical eruption (estimated)

1968 CEVEI 1

Historical eruption (estimated)

1961 CEVEI 2

Historical eruption (estimated)

1954 CEVEI 1

Historical eruption (estimated)

1944 CEVEI 1

Historical eruption (estimated)

1919 CEVEI 3

Historical eruption (estimated)

Overview

The small island of Nishinoshima was enlarged when several new islands coalesced during an eruption in 1973-74. Multiple eruptions that began in 2013 completely covered the previous exposed surface and continued to enlarge the island. The island is the summit of a massive submarine volcano that has prominent peaks to the S, W, and NE.

The summit of the southern cone rises to within 214 m of the ocean surface 9 km SSE.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

  • Pyroclastic flows and surges
  • Large explosive eruptions (VEI 4+)
  • Ash fall and tephra deposits
  • Lahars and debris flows

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

MetricValueGlobal RankingSignificance
Total Recorded Eruptions7LowModerately active volcano
Maximum VEIVEI 2MinorLocal impact potential
Recent Activity3 years agoVery RecentCurrently 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

Active
Recent volcanic activity detected. Continuous monitoring in place.

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: 284096
  • •Evidence: Eruption Observed
  • •Epoch: Holocene

About the Photo

A submarine explosion from Nishinoshima breaches the surface on 9 October 1973. Steam trails behind ejected hot blocks at the margin of the plume. Submarine eruptions began on 12 April 1973 and the new island was first observed on 11 September. Lava flows began in September and three new islands were formed, which joined together during October-November 1973.

Photo courtesy of Japan Meteorological Agency, 1973.

Authority Sources

Smithsonian GVP
Official volcano database
JMA Volcano Info
Japan Meteorological Agency
GSJ Volcano Database
Geological Survey of Japan
USGS Volcano Hazards
U.S. Geological Survey
Global Volcanism Program
Smithsonian Institution

Related Volcanoes

In Japan:
All Japan Volcanoes
105 active volcanoes
By Type:
Caldera Volcanoes
Large collapse features
By Region:
Kuril Volcanic Arc
Subduction zone volcanoes

Basic Information

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