The volcano is currently in a very active phase. During the past 24 hours alone, at least 14 vulcanian explosions occurred, the largest of which produced ash plumes that rose to 11-13,000 ft (3-4 km) altitude.
The volcano remains in a very active phase with 5-10 daily explosions. An eruption on 16 March produced an ash plume to 14,000 ft (4.2 km) altitude, i.e. rising approx. 3 km above the Showa crater.
Wed, 18 Mar 2015, 06:00
Based on JMA notices, the Tokyo VAAC reported explosions from Aira Caldera's Sakurajima volcano during 18-25 March; plumes rose to altitudes of 1.5-3 km (5,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S, SE, E, and NE during 18-19 and 21-25 March. JMA reported that 19 explosions from Showa Crater ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m during 20-23 March.
Read allWed, 11 Mar 2015, 11:41
The volcano continues to produce frequent strombolian to vulcanian-type explosions, often accompanied by long-lasting periods of ash emissions.
Read allWed, 11 Mar 2015, 06:00
JMA reported that 10 explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera's Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m during 13-16 March. Incandescence from the crater was periodically visible at night, and inflation continued to be detected. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
Read allWed, 4 Mar 2015, 15:47
Ash plume from Sakurajima this morning drifting east
The volcano has had at least 7 explosions during the past 24 hours, including 3 which produced ash plumes to 10-12,000 ft (3-3.6 km) altitude. Most ash drifted to easterly directions, causing lots of light ash fall in that sector.
Wed, 4 Mar 2015, 06:00
JMA reported that seven explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera's Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m during 2-6 March. Incandescence from the crater was periodically visible at night, and inflation continued to be detected. During a field survey conducted on 4 March scientists observed deposits of tephra, up to 2 cm in diameter, in an area 3 km S of Showa Crater.
Read allWed, 25 Feb 2015, 06:00
JMA reported that eight explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera's Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m during 23-27 February. An explosion on 24 February generated an ash plume that rose 3.3 km. Incandescence from the crater was visible at night on 25 and 27 February, and inflation continued to be detected.
Read allThu, 19 Feb 2015, 18:11
36 explosions occurred from Showa Crater during 9-13 February and ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2015, 06:00
JMA reported that 10 explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera's Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m during 16-20 February. Incandescence from the crater was visible at night on 19 February, and inflation continued to be detected. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
Read allFri, 13 Feb 2015, 16:12
The volcano has been comparably active during the past days. Yesterday, 8 vulcanian explosions were reported. Today, an explosion occurred producing a plume rising to 10,000 ft (3.6 km) altitude.
Wed, 11 Feb 2015, 06:00
JMA reported that 36 explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera's Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m during 9-13 February. Incandescence from the crater was visible at night during 9-11 February, and inflation continued to be detected. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
Read allWed, 4 Feb 2015, 06:00
The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 28 January-3 February plumes from Aira Caldera's Sakurajima volcano rose to altitudes of 1.5-3.3 km (5,000-11,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, SE, and S. On 1 February pilots observed ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.7-3.3 km (9,000-11,000 ft) a.s.l.
Read allWed, 28 Jan 2015, 06:00
The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 28 January-3 February plumes from Aira Caldera's Sakurajima volcano rose to altitudes of 1.5-3.3 km (5,000-11,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, SE, and S. On 1 February pilots observed ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.7-3.3 km (9,000-11,000 ft) a.s.l.
Read allSat, 24 Jan 2015, 11:17
Mild explosive activity from Sakurajima today
An unusually strong explosion occurred yesterday at 20:36 local time. VAAC Tokyo reported an ash plume to 16,000 ft (5 km) altitude. Today, the volcano has been much calmer with only a few smaller eruptions and phases of ash emissions.
Wed, 21 Jan 2015, 06:00
JMA reported that three explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera's Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 800 m during 19-23 January. Incandescence from the crater was visible at night on 22 January. Inflation continued to be detected.
Read allTue, 20 Jan 2015, 11:02
Ash column from an eruption at Sakurajima yesterday
The volcano remains in a comparably active phase (compared to most of past year), producing 1-5 vulcanian explosions per day.
Read allWed, 14 Jan 2015, 06:00
The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 15 and 17-20 January plumes from Aira Caldera's Sakurajima volcano rose to altitudes of 1.8-3.4 km (6,000-11,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S, SE, and E. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
Read allWed, 7 Jan 2015, 06:00
JMA reported that four explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera's Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m during 5-9 January. Incandescence from the crater was visible at night during 7-8 January. Inflation continued to be detected.
Read allMon, 5 Jan 2015, 20:35
Ash plume from Sakurajima volcano this morning
The volcano is starting the new year with a phase of comparably intense activity. During the past few days, about 6-8 vulcanian explosions have occurred each day, often with ash plumes exceeding 10,000 ft (3 km) altitude.
Read all