Mount Fuji primed to spew after 307 years

It's been 307 years since mount Fuji erupted but a new study suggests it's closer than ever. Scientists believe that it's likely to be on the verge of eruption as the pressure beneath the volcano started building in 2011 after a devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit the country's eastern coast.


In order to see how volcanoes respond to the seismic waves, researchers looked at data from some 800 seismic sensors installed by Japan. These waves of energy generated by explosions called the seismic waves will be studied for their relationship with volcanoes as to how they affect volcanoes, to move scientists in a better position to predict eruptions.

Scrutiny has shown that the regions with greatest tumult were not anywhere near the epicentre of earth but were concentrated beneath volcanic regions which already carry boiling water, gases and magma. These fluids, after reaching the surface of earth, cause a volcano to erupt.


The last time mountain Fuji erupted was in 1707 and scientists say it likely happened after 49 days after a 8.7 magnitude earthquake hit. Scientists don't believe the Japan is facing any imminent danger but they do think that it's a potential threat needed to be taken seriously.


"All we can say now is that Mount Fuji is in state of pressure, which means it displays a high potential of disruption. The risk is clearly higher. " said Florent Blenguier, the lead researcher at the Institute of Earth Sciences in Grenoble France, in its communication with the Guardian.





















While the cause-and-effect relationship between seismic waves and volcano spewing is obscure, scientists have put forth some signs that the pressure beneath the rock is increasing. The warning is to be taken seriously because it casts a threat to 8 million Japanese people.


The Japanese government has laid audacious plans for local people to evacuate immediately in case of an eruption. The residents near Mount Fuji are vulnerable to the lava flow and those living farther are apprehending ashes can fall over them.