The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the number of shallow volcanic earthquakes at Kuchinoerabujima began to decline in July; they had been frequent since the beginning of April, with most epicenters located near Furudake Crater, and a few near Shindake Crater (just N of Furudake). No large-amplitude earthquakes were recorded. There were no notable changes to hydrothermal fields observed during 19-21 August. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions were at low levels, fluctuating between 20 and 70 tons per day, and no changes to white gas-and-steam emissions were observed. The Alert Level was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) at 1100 on 5 September and the public was warned to exercise caution within 1 km of both Shindake and Furudake craters and within 2 km W of Shindake Crater.

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.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)