Kusatsu-Shirane Volcano Observatory, Japan
Kusatsu-Shirane Volcano is situated close to the sharp bend of the volcanic
front at the junction of the Northeastern Japan Arc and the Izu-Mariana Arc.
The top of the volcano is made of a group of pyroclastic cones. All recorded
eruptions of Kusatsu-Shirane Volcano have been steam explosions occurring in
and around "Yugama" crater except for the steam explosion at "Yumiike"
crater in 1902 and at "Mizugama" crater in 1976. There are many fumaroles
and hot springs around Kusatsu-Shirane Volcano. Kusatsu-Shirane Volcano
Observatory, the one observatory belonging to Tokyo Institute of Technology,
was established in 1988 and is located 8 km from the summit. According to a
national project for prediction of volcanic eruption, the Observatory mainly
takes charge of geochemical observations of Kusatsu-Shirane Volcano and
other active volcanoes (Usu, Tarumai, Tokachi, Meakan, Shiretoko-Iwo,
Hokkaido-Komagatake, Esan, Akita-Komagatake, Bandai, Azuma, Kiso-Ontake,
Izu-Oshima, Miyake, Aso, Suwanosejima, Ogasawara-Iwojima, Satsuma-Iwojima).
For details about specific monitoring activities at individual volcanoes
visit the WOVO Directory.
Contact information:
Kusatsu-Shirane Volcano Observatory
Tokyo Institute of Technology
Kusatsu, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-17
Japan
Telephone: (81)279-88-7715
Telefax: (81)279-88-7717
KSVO staff:
Dr. M. Yoshida Geochemist (Director)
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