Daikai Rikuto published his research work on the movement of the Unzen Dome in the top journal in volcanology: Journal of volcanology and Geothermal Research. Congratulation Daikai-san!
Rikuto Daikai, Christopher Gomez, Norifumi Hotta, Yoshinori Shinohara, 2026. Long-term deformation and surface change of the Heisei-Shinzan lava dome revealed by integrated monitoring,
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 108643, ISSN 0377-0273,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2026.108643.
Abstract: The Heisei-Shinzan lava dome at Unzen remains a potential hazard because deformation and surface modification have continued long after the end of lava extrusion. In this study, we integrate ground-based synthetic aperture radar (GBSAR; 2013–2025), electronic distance measurement (EDM; 2007–2025), and multi-temporal digital elevation models (DEMs; 2011–2024) to investigate long-term post-eruptive deformation and decadal-scale topographic change of the dome. The combined datasets document persistent but spatially heterogeneous line-of-sight (LOS) displacement, expressed as multiple temporal patterns across the monitored sectors, together with cumulative topographic modification and a net surface loss of approximately 11,600 m3 between 2011 and 2024. Because both GBSAR and EDM measure only LOS displacement, interpretation of motion geometry requires caution. Localized positive or near-zero LOS trends are therefore interpreted as projection-dependent expressions of surface motion rather than as direct evidence of true uplift. When considered together with the DEM record, the observations suggest that long-term dome evolution at Heisei-Shinzan has involved progressive surface degradation coupled with internal structural adjustment. Although no catastrophic collapse was documented during the study period, gradual deformation and topographic change remained active over multiyear timescales. These results highlight the importance of integrated long-term monitoring for improving stability assessment and hazard evaluation at long-lived lava domes.
新論文: 雲仙の溶岩ドーム移動Long-term deformation and surface change of the Heisei-Shinzan lava dome revealed by integrated monitoring
