Shiga

Shield(s) in Japan

Key Facts

Elevation

2,041 m (6,696 ft)

Type

Shield(s)

Location

36.688°, 138.519°

Region

Northeast Japan Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

The Shiga volcanic complex immediately north of Kusatsu-Shirane volcano consists of a group of small andesitic shield volcanoes and pyroclastic cones. A large lava plateau was erupted between about 200-300 ka. The latest activity occurred between about 250,000 and 10,000 years ago (Nakano et al.

, 2001-). The Shiga-Kogen (Shiga Plateau) area is a popular winter sports destination.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

Risk Level

Population at RiskHigh

Infrastructure RiskModerate

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

Evidence Uncertain

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	Unknown	Historical	Historically 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: 283121
•Evidence: Evidence Uncertain
•Epoch: Holocene

About the Photo

Yokoteyama volcano of the Shiga volcanic complex is seen from Kasagatake to its west. Ski trails are prominent in this summer view of the Shiga-Kogen (Shiga Plateau). The Shiga volcanic complex is located immediately N of Kusatsu-Shiranesan.

Copyrighted photo by Shun Nakano (Japanese Quaternary Volcanoes database, RIODB, http://riodb02.ibase.aist.go.jp/strata/VOL_JP/EN/index.htm and Geol Surv Japan, AIST, http://www.gsj.jp/).