Mount Kirishima

Mount Kirishima

Kirishima Volcano Group
Highest point
Peak Karakuni-dake
Elevation 1,700 m (5,600 ft)
Coordinates 31°56′17″N 130°51′41″E / 31.93806°N 130.86139°E / 31.93806; 130.86139Coordinates: 31°56′17″N 130°51′41″E / 31.93806°N 130.86139°E / 31.93806; 130.86139
Geography
Country Japan
States/Provinces Kagoshima prefecture and Miyazaki prefecture
Relief map of Kirishima Volcano
View on the southern side of the volcano group.

Mount Kirishima (霧島山 Kirishimayama) is a 1700 meter high active volcano group in Kagoshima Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan. Numerous eruptions have been recorded since 742. Very strong eruptions happened in 788, 1716 and 1717. Augite-hypersthene andesite is the dominant rock type.[1]

The highest peak is Mount Karakuni (韓国岳 Karakunidake) (1700 m). Other peaks are Takachiho-no-mine (高千穂峰) (1573 m) and Shinmoedake (新燃岳), both active volcanos. They are part of Kirishima-Yaku National Park near Kirishima City. Upon the summit of Takachiho was stuck the mysterious spear Ama-no-Sakahoko, by the legendary Ninigi-no-Mikoto. Mount Kirishima is considered one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. The area is often foggy, and it is believed that the name Kirishima comes from the mountain looking like an island in the fog.

The Kongō-class battlecruiser Kirishima of the Imperial Japanese Navy, and the Kongō-class guided missile destroyer Kirishima of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force were both named after this mountain.

Shinmoedake erupted in January 2011 and again in March 2011.

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://web.mac.com/japan_geoparks/JGN/member/kirishima/kirishima-e.html
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