Japan, Mt Ontake Volcano 2014

Question 1

background/tectonic info

Answer 1

27th sep 2014
phreatic event
located: Honshu, 200km west of Tokyo
volcano type: stratovolcano, composite cone
part of the ring of fire
plates: eurasian, Philippines, pacific and North American
destructive plate boundary
erupted violently; not under alerts of warnings

Question 2

social impacts

Answer 2

huge pyroclastic flow which trapped 250 people on its slope
63 deaths in total, 31 found near summit
40 other injured due to tephra ejected at speeds of 300km/hr
unexpected -> neighbouring countries not prepared
stress, trauma

Question 3

economic impacts

Answer 3

air space closed -> possible damaging effects of volcanic ash on jet engines, closed airports
tourist industry declined, cancelled bookings
ski resorts closed

Question 4

environmental impacts

Answer 4

heavy, toxic ash up to 40-50cm thick covered much of the mountain
Co2 + sulphur dioxide released
animal habitats affected

Question 5

political impacts

Answer 5

2 seismonitors not working -> taken to court, accused of not maintaining
JMA had not put out warning -> suits brought against central gov caused mistrust amongst population