Based on satellite images and information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 24-28 October ash plumes from Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater rose to altitudes of 0.9-1.5 km (3,000-5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. JMA scientists noted no changes in the thermal anomalies at the crater during a field observation on 28 October. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Geological Summary. A group of young stratovolcanoes forms the eastern end of the irregularly shaped island of Kuchinoerabujima in the northern Ryukyu Islands, 15 km W of Yakushima. The Furudake, Shindake, and Noikeyama cones were erupted from south to north, respectively, forming a composite cone with multiple craters. All historical eruptions have occurred from Shindake, although a lava flow from the S flank of Furudake that reached the coast has a very fresh morphology. Frequent explosive eruptions have taken place from Shindake since 1840; the largest of these was in December 1933. Several villages on the 4 x 12 km island are located within a few kilometers of the active crater and have suffered damage from eruptions.

Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)