Geophysical studies of Aso have been carried out by mainly Aso Volcanological Laboratory of Kyoto University and Aso Weather Station of Japan Meterological Agency. Aso Volcanological Laboratory was founded in 1928 and is located 7 km west of active craters of Nakadake. Photograph courtesy of and copyrighted by Paul J. Buklarewicz.
The data from nine seismic stations around active craters of Naka-dake are telemetred to the observatory. The Aso caldera is monitored by 6 seismic stations. Ground deformation is measured using water-tube tiltmeters and three super-invar bar extensometers. Precise levelling surveys and gravity variation measurements are also made. Several magnetometers measure changes in the volcano's geomagnetic field. Surveys of the geothermal state inside the active crater of Naka-dake show that the higher temperature inside the active crater have increased in closely connection with the volcanic active stages.
Aso Volcanological Laboratory monitored the 1995 eruption of Kuju volcano.
Contact information:
Aso Volcanological Laboratory Kyoto University, Choyo-Mura Aso-Gun, Kumamoto-Ken 869-14 Japan Telephone: (81) 9676-7-0022 Telefax: (81) 9676-7-2153 Director: Prof. Ichiro Nakagawa (at Kyoto city)
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