2011 Japan earthquake could ramp up volcanic eruptions

Mount Fuji is among the Japanese volcanoes that could erupt after the 2011 earthquake. (Credit: Travel Busy, via Flickr/(CC BY 2.0)

The earthquake that struck Japan in 2011 could lead to an increase in the intensity and frequency of volcanic eruptions, Reuters reported. The heightened volcanic risk over the next few decades could even trigger Mount Fuji, which hasn’t erupted since 1707.

Volcanologist Toshitsugu Fujii said that earthquakes of at least magnitude 9.0, such as the 2011 quake, have been known to increase volcanic activity in the regions where they strike. But Japan regularly monitors less than half of its 110 volcanoes, and its budget for volcanic monitoring are slim.

Japan has experienced nine significant eruptions over the past four decades. The longest warning period was a week, while many of the others occurred within hours of the first alert.

Top image: Mount Fuji is among the Japanese volcanoes that could erupt after the 2011 earthquake. (Credit: Travel Busy, via Flickr/CC BY 2.0)