The World's Angriest Volcanoes Revealed

6. Sakurajima, Japan

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An active composite volcano in southern Kyushu, Japan, Sakurajima is evidence of the dynamic and always changing character of our planet. Originally an island in Kagoshima Bay, Sakurajima has been joined to the Osumi Peninsula by lava flows from its major 1914 eruption, so transforming it. This geological site is not only a beautiful sight but also a continual reminder of the strong forces operating under the surface of Earth. The history of the volcano is distinguished by times of great activity broken up with milder phases. In recent Sakurajima history, the 1914 eruption marked a turning point. Starting on January 11, 1914, this event was the most strong eruption of Japan during the 20th century. It generated huge lava flows that permanently linked the island to the mainland by filling the small gap between them. Along with substantial ash fall—some places received up to 28 inches (72 cm)—the eruption also affected Although the eruption was large, there were quite few casualties; this was partly due to prior earthquakes that caused many people to flee. Sakurajima has been in a phase of continuous activity marked by regular minor to moderate eruptions since the 1914 one. With hundreds of little eruptions annually, the volcano is among the most active in Japan. Often producing ash plumes spanning several kilometres into the atmosphere, these eruptions have an impact on nearby towns and occasionally cause disturbance to air traffic. The surrounding terrain and ecosystem have been substantially changed by Sakurajima's continuous activities. The regular ash falls have produced the characteristic "white sands" highlands in the area, a particular habitat supporting specialised plant and animal populations suited for this hostile surroundings. Rich in minerals from the ash, the volcanic soil is also quite productive, which supports farming nearby. For the local residents, living under the shadow of an active volcano offers several difficulties. Just 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Sakurajima, Kagoshima has had to adjust to life with a neighbour always exploding. The city has put in place covered bus stops, specifically built buildings, and frequent street cleaning campaigns to handle the consistent ash falls. Many times, residents wear umbrellas to guard against falling ash as much as for rain. Such a big population near an active volcano calls for thorough monitoring and warning systems. With a network of seismometers, GPS sensors, tiltmeters, and webcams giving volcanologists real-time data, Sakurajima is among the most closely watched volcanoes on Earth. Forecasting possible major eruptions and the public timely warnings depend on this information. For volcanologists, Sakurajima provides a natural lab where they may investigate volcanic processes and advance knowledge of volcano behaviour. The regular eruptions let researchers test and develop models of volcanic activity, therefore enhancing our capacity to predict eruptions at other volcanoes all around the planet. Furthermore, the coexistence of a significant urban area with an active volcano offers valuable lessons in disaster readiness and resilience, so guiding knowledge applicable to other volcanic areas across the world.