Why in the News?

Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji has set a new record for the longest delay in snowfall since records began in 1894.

Why delay in snowfall at Mount Fuji?

Higher Temperatures: Japan’s hottest summer on record and above-average October temperatures have delayed the cooling needed for snow.
Heatwave: Japan experienced numerous “extremely hot” days with temperatures exceeding 35°C, even into September.
Jet Stream Shift: A northerly shift in the sub-tropical jet stream brought warmer air over Japan, further hindering snow formation.

	Details
Location	Honshu Island, Japan, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo.
Height	3,776 meters (12,389 feet), making it the tallest mountain in Japan.
Type of Volcano	Stratovolcano, characterized by a conical shape formed from alternating layers of lava flow, ash, and tephra.
Eruptions	Last major eruption occurred in 1707 (Hoei eruption), causing ash to fall on Edo (now Tokyo).
Geological Formation	Formed through volcanic eruptions over thousands of years; current shape solidified around 300,000 years ago.
Climate	Varied climate with decreasing temperatures at higher altitudes; snow caps the summit from November to May.
Surrounding Area	Part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park; surrounded by five lakes: Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu.
Cultural Significance	• National symbol of Japan • Sacred in Shintoism, associated with the deity Konohanasakuya-hime • Known as one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains
Art and Literature	A popular subject in traditional Japanese art (e.g., Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji), referenced in poetry and literature.
UNESCO World Heritage Site	Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 for its cultural significance and beauty.
Cultural Festivals	Hosts various festivals, such as the Fuji Shiba-sakura Festival, celebrating local flora.

[2021] Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.