Mt. Ontake Erupts? Japan Meteorological Agency Fail?

a reply to: TrueAmerican

Meteorologists study the weather.... I'm not sure how they are connected to a volcanic eruption. If anyone is to blame it would be Geologists, seismologists, and volcanologists(is that a real scientific study?).

As well, you need to keep in mind. Some times there is no great tell. Some Volcanoes build up pressure so slowly over the years it's breaking point is unknown.

They didn't expect St Helens to blow up the way it did either. # happens, we don't know everything.

a reply to: TrueAmerican

Meteorologists study the weather.... I'm not sure how they are connected to a volcanic eruption. If anyone is to blame it would be Geologists, seismologists, and volcanologists(is that a real scientific study?).

As well, you need to keep in mind. Some times there is no great tell. Some Volcanoes build up pressure so slowly over the years it's breaking point is unknown.

They didn't expect St Helens to blow up the way it did either. # happens, we don't know everything.

a reply to: Hijinx

The Japanese Meteorological Agency covers this type of activity in Japan.

Located in one of the most active seismic and volcanic zones in the world, Japan is frequently affected by earthquakes and volcanic disasters. JMA operationally monitors seismic and volcanic activity throughout the country and issues relevant warnings and information to mitigate damage caused by disasters related to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

Their version of the USGS.

unfortunately, they are now reporting more than 30 people dead from the volcano eruption.
link: news.yahoo.com...

a reply to: jadedANDcynical

Interesting, I suppose being such a small island this is something "weathermen/women" should cover in japan.

Still, it's pretty hard to accurately predict/warn of earthquakes and or eruptions. Sometimes they happen with out warning.

I say you screwed up not warning, after all you are the expert on warnings.
Just kidding .

Anyways it's a geological event not a weather event, isn't it ?

a reply to: violet
Hi violet,

it was a geological (volcanic) event, but JMA is not just concerned with weather. They are also responsible for monitoring and issuing warnings for various natural events. They talk about this in detail on their "About Us > Missions" page HERE.

They maintain warnings pages for various things, including volcanoes.
JMA Volcanic Warnings Page (with map, list & warning levels) (This is from the English language version of their site.)

When the great earthquake occurred in March 2011, the emergency warnings of the approaching shock (and ensuing tsunamis) that were broadcast by TV and radio networks were released by the JMA.

RIP to the lost souls on another tragic day for Japan.