Aira Caldera
| Aira | |
|---|---|
| 姶良カルデラ | |
Radar image from a Space Shuttle of Aira Caldera in 1999, with Sakurajima in the bay formed by the caldera | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,117 m (3,665 ft) |
| Prominence | Sakurajima |
| Coordinates | 31°39′00″N 130°42′00″E / 31.65000°N 130.70000°E |
| Geography | |
| Geology | |
| Rock age | 29,428–30,148 years calibrated before present |
| Mountain type(s) | Caldera Somma volcano |
| Last eruption | 1955 to present |
Aira Caldera is a gigantic volcanic caldera located on the southern end of Kyushu, Japan. It is believed to have been formed about 30,000 years ago with a succession of pyroclastic surges. It is currently the place of residence to over 900,000 people. The shores of Aira Caldera are home to rare flora and fauna, including Japanese bay tree and Japanese black pine. The caldera is home to Mount Sakurajima, and the Mount Kirishima group of stratovolcanoes lies to the north of the caldera. The most famous and active of this group is Shinmoedake.
Aira Caldera has an underlying magma chamber that connects with the Kirishima magmatic system. This has enabled magma from the caldera to feed into Sakurajima stratovolcano, causing it to expand over time. Thus, Sakurajima has caused a series of disasters such as the eruption in 1914 which killed 58 people and sank the magma chamber by 60 cm.