Explosions at Shinmoedake volcano, first pyroclastic flow, Japan

Explosive eruptions and Kyushu's Shinmoedake volcano on Sunday, March 25, 2018, sent plumes of gas and ash 4.8 km (16 000 feet) above sea level and created first pyroclastic flow since the volcano started erupting at the beginning of the month.

Explosive eruptions at the volcano were recorded at 07:35 and 08:45 JST on March 25, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The pyroclastic flow was produced during the second eruption, as well as a co-pyroclastic plume, and was confirmed over a distance of about 800 m (2 624 feet) west of the crater. The flow did not approach any residential area, the agency said.

Tornadoes of dust have also been observed, remobilizing the ashes deposited on overheated soil.

The JMA maintains the alert level for the volcano at 3, meaning people should stay away from the mountain.

Local residents are urged to be cautious about pyroclastic flows within an area of 2 km (1.2 miles) from the crater as well as for large flying rocks within 3 km (1.8 miles) of the crater.

Shinmoedake volcano started erupting at 20:34 UTC on October 10, 2017 after 6 years of quiescence. The volcano soon quieted down and was building up energy until March 1, 2018 when it started erupting again.

Geological summary

Kirishimayama is a large group of more than 20 Quaternary volcanoes located north of Kagoshima Bay. The late-Pleistocene to Holocene dominantly andesitic group consists of stratovolcanoes, pyroclastic cones, maars, and underlying shield volcanoes located over an area of 20 x 30 km (12.4 – 18.6 miles).

The larger stratovolcanoes are scattered throughout the field, with the centrally located, 1700-m-high (5 577 feet) Karakunidake being the highest.

Onamiike and Miike, the two largest maars, are located SW of Karakunidake and at its far eastern end, respectively. Holocene eruptions have been concentrated along an E-W line of vents from Miike to Ohachi, and at Shinmoedake to the NE. Frequent small-to-moderate explosive eruptions have been recorded since the 8^th century. (GVP)

Teo Blašković

I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.

• Teo Blašković

  M6.8 solar flare erupts from Active Region 4473
• Teo Blašković

  The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: June 11-17, 2026
• Teo Blašković

  Shallow M6.6 and M6.0 earthquakes hit near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia
• Teo Blašković

  Shallow M6.6 earthquake hits central Mid-Atlantic Ridge