Kusatsu-shirane

Japan - Honshu

SUMMARY:

Type: composite
Activity: active
Last Eruption: 1989 AD
Rock Type: ?
Eruptive Volume: ? cu km
Location Map from Xerox PARC
Latitude: 36.62 N
Longitude: 138.55 E

GEOLOGIC HISTORY

Kusatsu-Shirane stratovolcano sits immediately north of the frequently active Asama volcano. Its summit area includes overlapping cones and three crater lakes. Craters include Yu-gama, Mizu-gama, Yumi-ike, and Kara-gama.

Historic Activity: All historical eruptions have consisted of phreatic explosions from the acidic crater lakes or their margins; Yu-gama has frequently been a source vent. Last eruption in 1982-1983.

Recent Activity:

  • Small eruption in January 1989 consisted of 24 hours of volcanic tremor associated with emission of steam or water from the NW part of Yugama Crater, which distributed a small amount of ash over the crater lake.
  • High levels of volcanic tremor during Jan. 1991-April 1991.
  • Many small earthquakes were detected near the vent on July 8, 1996

Data Sources

  • Smithsonian's SEAN Bulletin (V. 8, No. 4 to V. 11, No. 6)
  • Global Volcanism Network (V. 15, No. 2 to V. 21, No. 7).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Last Update: 2/27/00