Sakurajima (桜島) is the most active volcano in Japan ; it’s most recent eruption was on the 7th of November 2019, so 6 days ago. The name means “Cherry Blossom Island”. Sakurajima is located in Kagoshima, which is on the south-west of Kyushu. It is a destructive composite volcano.

cause of the eruptions: While it is on the Philippine plate and not the Pacific plate, it is still constantly active. That is because it is a subduction zone, where the oceanic crust falls under the continental crust.

Effects

negative

1. ash emitted from the volcano caused crop damage and traffic disruption
2. in 1980, the island’s electricity grid was cut-off
3. affecting air traffic to the Kagoshima Airport
4. increase in respiratory diseases

positive

1. helps with research about volcanoes
2. creates fertile soil
3. attracts tourists

Response

• an annual evacuation drill in the memory of the 1914 explosion
• an observatory was set up

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