A breathtaking eruption at Sakurajima volcano is taking place on the western Japanese mainland island of Kyushu. A plume of suffocating ash burst forth early on Tuesday this week, reaching heights of more than 5 kilometers (3 miles), according to the Japan Times. This is the first time since August 2013 that an ash column has reached this height.
Volcanic lightning, an effervescent byproduct of some eruptions that scientists still don’t fully understand, was also seen at the site. Lava has been spotted pouring down its slopes, and several lava bombs have been seen flying out from the top of the fiery mountain.
As demonstrated by a previous outburst back in February, this volcano erupts frequently throughout the year, but this new explosive episode appears to be somewhat more energetic than usual. Back then, authorities expanded the pre-existing no-go zone around the volcano to a radius of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), and this new violent eruption easily justifies that decision.
Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Since 1955, it has engaged in almost daily displays of Strombolian activity, a type of eruption that involves huge slugs of gas propelling lava blebs up from the conduit to the open vent. Although jettisoning some ash and even a lava bomb or two onto its surroundings, this type of activity is so predictable and low-energy that it’s rarely dangerous.
However, its past has been far more violent, as is clear from the etymology of its name. Sakurajima means “cherry blossom island,” which is somewhat odd considering it’s actually a peninsula attached to the mainland.
In 1914, the volcano erupted in what came to be the most powerful in 20th-century Japan. Along with huge pyroclastic flows traveling at perhaps supersonic speeds, massive lava flows covered the strait between the volcano and Kyushu, forming a new land bridge that stands to this day.
For more info, source: http://www.iflscience.com/environment/spectacular-eruption-japanese-volcano-creates-sky-high-plume-bathed-lightning/