JMA reported an increase in volcanic earthquakes just below Shinmoedake (Shinmoe peak, a stratovolcano of the Kirishimayama volcano group). A total of 21 events were recorded during 26-27 March, prompting JMA to raise the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) on 27 March. Volcanic earthquakes continued to be recorded during 27-28 March. A two-minute-period of volcanic tremor began to be recorded at 1624 on 28 March. Minor deflation first recorded in December 2021 was ongoing. Fumarolic plumes continued to rise no higher than 100 m from a fissure on the W flank. The public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the crater.

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.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)