In a sequence of three survey expeditions conducted in 2017, Professor Tatsumi, alongside his team uncovered the base of Kikai Caldera. During the process of exploration, they identified the magma dome, which ascends 600 meters above sea level and spans 10 km in width. Immersed in water, this volcanic formation is situated off the shore of Japan.
As per scientists, this volcano experienced its most recent eruption 7,300 years ago and is currently in the process of readying for a resurgence. The eruption is believed to have eradicated the ancient Jomon culture that inhabited the southern Japanese island of Kyushu during that era. In accordance with the report, the structure, containing 32 cubic km of molten rock, is progressively expanding in size and possesses the potential to erupt spontaneously. However, the researchers who discovered the magma dome expressed minimal likelihood of a catastrophic eruption.
The image employed serves merely as a representation.
Though the probability of a colossal caldera eruption impacting the Japanese archipelago within the next century is estimated at one percent, it has the capacity to obliterate approximately 100 million individuals out of the total population. Professor Tatsumi intends to embark on his subsequent expedition to the location in March to validate the discovery. They will also utilize subaquatic robots to investigate the process that initiated the formation of the volcano.
Additional Reading: Intimate Embraces and Unposed Shots With An Erupting Volcano In The Background
Category: Travel Story
