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Where Is the World's Largest Active Caldera?

geologygeography

Quick Answer

The Aira Caldera in southern Japan (containing Sakurajima) spans about 17 Γ— 23 km.

The Full Story

The Aira Caldera, located in Kagoshima Bay in southern Kyushu, Japan, measures roughly 17 by 23 kilometres and was formed by a massive eruption about 22,000 years ago. Within it sits Sakurajima, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, which erupts hundreds of times per year, sometimes sending ash plumes several kilometres high. About 600,000 people live in Kagoshima City on the caldera's rim. The Yellowstone Caldera (about 55 Γ— 72 km) is larger but classified as dormant rather than regularly active.

Key Facts

1.Sakurajima was originally an island but became a peninsula after a 1914 eruption.
2.Kagoshima residents regularly carry umbrellas to shield themselves from volcanic ash.
3.The 22,000-year-old Aira eruption ejected about 400 cubic kilometres of material.

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"Living Inside a Supervolcano β€” Kagoshima and the Aira Caldera"

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