Lava flow from Mt. Fuji eruption double previous estimate
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A revised hazard map for volcanic Mount Fuji in central Japan suggests the volume of lava flow from a major eruption would likely be double that of previous estimates.
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The updated finding was put together by an organization made up of the three prefectures considered most at risk. They are Yamanashi, Shizuoka and Kanagawa.
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The hazard map was first compiled in June 2004. Discussions on a revision got under way in fiscal 2018 in light of new research.
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One finding was that the volume of lava flow from a Mount Fuji eruption would likely reach 1.3 billion cubic meters, not 700 million cubic meters as previously projected.
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Seven cities and five towns in the three prefectures are now included in areas at risk of a lava flow. They include Sagamihara city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Shizuoka city and Otsuki in Yamanashi Prefecture.
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The first hazard map was based on a study of Mount Fuji’s eruptions over 32 million years. The revised hazard map pushed the date back to 56 million years ago. The range of possible craters was also expanded.
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Under the revised hazard map, which also reflects topographical details, there are now 27 municipalities at risk of a lava flow from the 3,776-meter peak. The volume of a possible pyroclastic flow rose about fourfold from the previous estimate of 2.4 million cubic meters to 10 million cubic meters.
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