Japanese Asosan volcano experienced a new eruption at 01:33 UTC on December 23, 2014. Tokyo VAAC reported volcanic ash cloud reached an altitude of 2.1 km (7 000 feet) and extended East. At 06:11 UTC it rose to approximately 2.3 km (8 000 feet) and was still extending East.
Asosan is a famous volcano for its largest caldera in the world. It is located at the center of Kyushu, Japan, about 1 000 km WSW of Tokyo. More than 10 volcanic cones are distributed in the large caldera of 25 km in diameter. Among these, Nakadake frequently erupted in the form of Strombolian eruption within recorded history causing casualties in some cases, JMA explains.
Recently, JMA reported that, based on seismicity and infrasound data, the eruption from Asosan’s Nakadake Crater that began on November 25, 2014 continued during December 8 - 12; but inclement weather often prevented observations of the crater. A webcam recorded tephra being carried by high winds and deposited in an area 1 km W.
