Many people know that Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano, but it might be surprising to learn about its relatively short recurrence interval for eruptions.
Historically, Mount Fuji has erupted every 300 to 400 years. The last significant eruption occurred in the early 1700s, meaning it’s been over three centuries since a major event. This eruption, known as the Hoei Eruption, took place in 1707 during the Edo period.
It was triggered just 49 days after a large earthquake, the Hoei earthquake, which impacted a different part of Japan. This eruption produced a significant amount of ash, which even reached present-day Tokyo.
The curious interval raises some eyebrows since, statistically speaking, Mount Fuji could be due for another eruption in the relatively near future based on its history. It serves as a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our planet, even in places that seem eternally serene.