Based on reports from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 9-11 February explosions from Shinmoe-dake (Shinmoe peak), a stratovolcano of the Kirishima volcano group, produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 1.8-4 km (6,000-13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and SE. On 11 and 14 February, pilots observed ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 4.6-6.1 km (15,000-20,000 ft) a.s.l. According to a news article, rocks ejected during an eruption on 14 February broke windows in cars parked at the Kirishima service area on the Miyazaki expressway and in several places in Kobayashi, 13 km NE.

Geological Summary. Kirishimayama is a large group of more than 20 Quaternary volcanoes located north of Kagoshima Bay. The late-Pleistocene to Holocene dominantly andesitic group consists of stratovolcanoes, pyroclastic cones, maars, and underlying shield volcanoes located over an area of 20 x 30 km. The larger stratovolcanoes are scattered throughout the field, with the centrally located Karakunidake being the highest. Onamiike and Miike, the two largest maars, are located SW of Karakunidake and at its far eastern end, respectively. Holocene eruptions have been concentrated along an E-W line of vents from Miike to Ohachi, and at Shinmoedake to the NE. Frequent small-to-moderate explosive eruptions have been recorded since the 8th century.

Sources: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Japan Today