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Norikuradake

Stratovolcano(es) in Japan

Last Eruption: -50

Key Facts

Elevation

3,026 m (9,928 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano(es)

Location

36.106°, 137.554°

Region

Nankai Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

Norikuradake volcano consists of an elongated group of small andesitic stratovolcanoes and craters arranged along a N-S line above a ridge crest in the southern part of the Northern Japan Alps. The 3026-m-high andesitic-to-dacitic volcano is the third highest in Japan and lies at the center of the Norikura volcanic zone extending from Yakedake on the north to Ontake on the south. Early eruptions occurred at both the northern and southern ends of the present-day volcano, forming stratovolcanoes that have been largely buried by later southward-migrating eruptions.

It was active during the early Holocene, and the last eruption took place about 2000 years ago.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

    Risk Level

    Population at RiskHigh
    Infrastructure RiskModerate
    Aviation RiskSignificant

    Geological Composition & Structure

    Rock Types

    Primary
    Andesite / Basaltic Andesite
    Silica Content
    Intermediate (57-63% SiO₂)

    Tectonic Setting

    Subduction zone
    Formed by oceanic plate subduction, typically producing explosive eruptions due to water-rich magmas.

    Age & Formation

    Epoch
    Holocene
    Evidence
    Eruption Dated

    Eruption Statistics & Analysis

    MetricValueGlobal RankingSignificance
    Total Recorded EruptionsUnknownLowModerately active volcano
    Maximum VEIVEI UnknownMinorLocal impact potential
    Recent Activity2076 years agoHistoricalHistorically active

    Monitoring & Alert Status

    Monitoring Networks

    Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
    Real-time seismic monitoring
    Geological Survey of Japan
    Geochemical monitoring
    Global Volcanism Program
    International eruption database

    Current Status

    Normal
    No recent activity. Routine monitoring continues.

    Nearby Volcanoes in Western Pacific Volcanic Regions

    Regional Volcanic Activity
    The Western Pacific Volcanic Regions contains multiple active volcanic systems. Cross-regional magma interactions and tectonic stresses can influence eruption patterns across the entire arc. Monitor regional seismic activity and volcanic alerts.

    Quick Info

    • Smithsonian ID: 283060
    • Evidence: Eruption Dated
    • Epoch: Holocene

    About the Photo

    The summit of Norikura contains many small peaks and craters. The E (right) side of Enkodake (center) contains Kamegaike crater. Tsurugaike crater contains the pond in the center of the photo. The latest activity occurred during the Holocene and a recent eruption took place at the summit crater of Ichinoike.

    Photo by Lee Siebert, 1977 (Smithsonian Institution).

    Basic Information

    This page shows basic data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. For more detailed information, visit the official Smithsonian page.