Esan
Lava dome(s) in Japan
Key Facts
Elevation
618 m (2,028 ft)
Type
Lava dome(s)
Location
41.805°, 141.166°
Region
Northeast Japan Volcanic Arc
Rock Type
Andesite / Basaltic Andesite
Tectonic Setting
Subduction zone
Location
Loading map...
Overview
Esan is a small volcanic complex of seven overlapping andesitic-to-dacitic lava domes on the eastern tip of the Oshima Peninsula across the Tsugaru Strait from Honshu. The complex consists of five late Pleistocene and two early Holocene lava domes, Esan and Misaki. A minor phreatic eruption in 1846 produced a mudflow that caused many fatalities.
The latest activity was a small eruption in 1874. Active fumaroles occur at a thermal area on the upper NW flank.
Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment
Primary Hazards
Risk Level
Geological Composition & Structure
Rock Types
Tectonic Setting
Age & Formation
Eruption Statistics & Analysis
| Metric | Value | Global Ranking | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Recorded Eruptions | Unknown | Low | Moderately active volcano |
| Maximum VEI | VEI Unknown | Minor | Local impact potential |
| Recent Activity | 152 years ago | Historical | Historically active |
Monitoring & Alert Status
Monitoring Networks
Current Status
Nearby Volcanoes in Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions
Quick Info
- •Smithsonian ID: 285011
- •Evidence: Eruption Observed
- •Epoch: Holocene
About the Photo
Esan volcano has lava dome at the eastern tip of the Oshima Peninsula. This is Hokkaido's southernmost active volcano and a minor phreatic eruption in 1846 produced a lahar that caused many fatalities. Active fumaroles are at a thermal area on the upper NW flank.
Photo by Ken-ichi Arai, 1996 (Hokkaido University).
Authority Sources
Related Volcanoes
Basic Information
This page shows basic data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. For more detailed information, visit the official Smithsonian page.