In News:

Japan’s Sakurajima volcano, located in Kagoshima Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu, recently erupted sending a dense ash plume 3,000 metres into the sky. The eruption originated from the Minamidake summit crater and was accompanied by a Level 3 volcanic alert, advising people to stay away from the vicinity.

Key Features of Sakurajima Volcano:

• Type: Stratovolcano (composite volcano)
• Geological Setting: Situated on a convergent plate boundary, formed from subduction-related volcanic activity.
• Structure: Comprises North Peak and South Peak, and lies on the southwestern rim of the Aira Caldera.
• Historical Significance: Was an island until the 1914 eruption, which connected it to the ?sumi Peninsula.
• Frequent Activity: One of Japan's most active volcanoes, experiencing daily minor eruptions and emitting continuous volcanic smoke.

Volcanic Characteristics:

• Lava Type:Andesitic – high in gas content and viscosity, leading to explosive eruptions.
• Hazards: Produces ash fall, pyroclastic flows, volcanic bombs, and toxic gases.
• Proximity to Populated Areas: Only 4 km from Kagoshima City, making it a high-risk volcano with strict monitoring by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

Impact and Preparedness:

• No injuries or major damages have been reported as of now.
• Ash fall warnings were issued for Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki prefectures.
• The eruption highlights Japan’s robust disaster preparedness and early warning systems, essential due to the country's location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.