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Tokachidake

Stratovolcano(es) in Japan

Last Eruption: 2004

Key Facts

Elevation

2,077 m (6,814 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano(es)

Location

43.418°, 142.686°

Region

Kuril Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

Tokachidake volcano consists of a group of dominantly andesitic stratovolcanoes and lava domes arranged on a NE-SW line above a plateau of welded Pleistocene tuffs in central Hokkaido. Numerous explosion craters and cinder cones are located on the upper flanks of the small stratovolcanoes, with the youngest Holocene centers located at the NW end of the chain. Frequent historical eruptions, consisting mostly of mild-to-moderate phreatic explosions, have been recorded since the mid-19th century.

Two larger eruptions occurred in 1926 and 1962. Partial cone collapse of the western flank during the 1926 eruption produced a disastrous debris avalanche and mudflow.

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

    MetricValueGlobal RankingSignificance
    Total Recorded EruptionsUnknownLowModerately active volcano
    Maximum VEIVEI UnknownMinorLocal impact potential
    Recent Activity22 years agoRecentRecently 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: 285050
    • Evidence: Eruption Observed
    • Epoch: Holocene

    About the Photo

    Snowpack on the western flank of Tokachi preserves individual layers of pyroclastic surge and pyroclastic flow deposits from the 1988-89 eruption. Because the eruptions took place during the winter, snowfall proved very useful to scientists in distinguishing the deposits of small-scale eruptions that lasted only a very short time.

    Photo courtesy of Japan Meteorological Agency, 1988.

    Basic Information

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