Akita-Yakeyama is a stratovolcano located in Japan at a subduction zone and continental crust tectonic setting (elevation: 1,366 meters; latitude: 39.964, longitude: 140.757). According to the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program, the volcano has a recorded history of 16 confirmed eruptions spanning from the 31st century BCE to the late 20th century. The official record documents a largest recorded Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.0.
Overview of Recorded Eruptions
The confirmed eruption timeline for Akita-Yakeyama stretches across multiple millennia, utilizing various observation and dating methods ranging from thermoluminescence radiogenic dating to direct human observations. Out of the 16 confirmed eruptions in the official database, 11 have recorded VEI classifications.
The earliest recorded eruption in the collection is dated to 3050 BCE (with a year modifier indicating uncertainty) at the Onigajo lava dome, determined via thermoluminescence radiogenic evidence. Subsequent centuries show intermittent activity, with notable historical accounts documented at specific local activity areas such as Karenuma (also spelled Kare-numa).
Chronological Distribution by Century
Historical and pre-historical activity at Akita-Yakeyama is distributed unevenly across the centuries:
- 31st century BCE: 1 event
- 13th century BCE: 1 event
- 6th century CE: 1 event
- 14th century CE: 1 event
- 17th century CE: 1 event (including the reported VEI 2.0 eruption on February 22, 1678)
- 19th century CE: 3 events
- 20th century CE: 8 events
Recent Historical Activity
Activity during the 20th century included multiple recorded events with VEI ratings of 1.0 or 2.0. For instance, an eruption occurred on September 16, 1929, with a VEI of 2.0 based on reported observations. Later mid-century activity includes an event starting on July 2, 1950, at Kare-numa with a VEI of 1.0. The latest recorded activity in the official dataset took place at Kare-numa, starting and ending on August 16, 1997, with a VEI of 1.0. The volcano's last known eruption year in the profile is 1997.
Frequently asked questions
What type of volcano is Akita-Yakeyama and where is it located?
Akita-Yakeyama is a stratovolcano located in Japan.
How many eruptions have been recorded at Akita-Yakeyama?
The Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program records 16 confirmed eruptions for Akita-Yakeyama.
When was the earliest recorded eruption at Akita-Yakeyama?
The earliest recorded eruption in the official record dates back to 3050 BCE.
When was the most recent recorded eruption at Akita-Yakeyama?
The latest recorded eruption in the database occurred on August 16, 1997.
What is the largest recorded VEI for this volcano?
The largest recorded Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) for Akita-Yakeyama is 2.0.
Image credits
- Batholith — Wikimedia Commons source — Public domain
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.