Sakurajima – yksi maapallon aktiivisimmista tulivuorista

Sakurajima composite volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world today. It is located on Kyushu Island in southern Japan, next to the city of Kagoshima. It emerged above sea level 13,000 years ago from a large caldera (Aira) and its current elevation is more than 1100 m above sea level. The latest active phase began in 1955 and has continued to present day with the most active period taking place during 2009–2015: in 2011 there were almost one thousand recorded eruptions. Despite (or, actually, because of ) its continuous activity, Sakurajima’s eruptions are usually not dangerous or extremely violent and it can be considered one of the safest places on Earth to observe a volcano that mainly erupts pyroclastic material. The current behavior of Sakurajima is probably the result of a continuous supply of basic magma from Earth’s mantle that is mixed with more acidic magma in crustal magma chambers. Nearby areas are well-equipped to cope with the ash fall and even large channels have been constructed to direct possible lahar flows away from settlements. Sakurajima is an important part of the culture of the Kagoshima area, which is sparsely populated by Japanese standards and a wonderful location to visit.