As of Monday, Japan’s Mount Fuji remains snow-less, marking the latest date the mountain has remained without snow since records began 130 years ago. This unprecedented delay has raised concerns among meteorologists and climate experts.
Record-Setting Delay in Snowfall
Mount Fuji typically sees its snowcap forming around October 2, with the first snow often detected by early October. Last year, snow appeared on October 5. However, this year, no snowfall has been recorded yet, despite the calendar indicating that winter is approaching.
Yutaka Katsuta, a forecaster at the Kofu Local Meteorological Office, stated that the delay in snow formation is the latest on record since comparative data became available in 1894. The previous record was October 26, which was reached in 1955 and 2016.
Impact of Warm Weather
The delay is attributed to unusually warm temperatures, which have persisted through the summer and into September. These high temperatures prevented cold air from reaching Mount Fuji, hindering the formation of snow.
Katsuta also noted that climate change may have played a role in the delay. This year, Japan experienced its joint hottest summer on record, a situation exacerbated by extreme heatwaves affecting many parts of the globe, fueled by climate change.
Mount Fuji and Tourism
While Mount Fuji is covered in snow for most of the year, it attracts more than 220,000 visitors during the July-September hiking season. Many climbers ascend the mountain overnight to catch a breathtaking sunrise from the 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) summit.
However, fewer people climbed the mountain this year after Japanese authorities implemented an entry fee and capped daily visitor numbers to combat overtourism.
Cultural Significance
Mount Fuji remains an iconic symbol of Japan, immortalized in art and culture, most notably in Hokusai’s famous woodblock print, “The Great Wave.” It last erupted approximately 300 years ago, adding to its historical and cultural significance.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. When did Mount Fuji last remain snow-less as of the latest record?
A) September
B) October
C) November
D) December
Answer: B) October
2. What is the average date when Mount Fuji’s snowcap forms?
A) October 5
B) October 2
C) November 1
D) September 15
Answer: B) October 2
3. What was the previous record for the latest date without snow on Mount Fuji?
A) October 26
B) November 5
C) October 5
D) September 30
Answer: A) October 26
4. What is one possible factor contributing to the delayed snowfall on Mount Fuji this year?
A) High temperatures
B) Increased rainfall
C) Volcanic activity
D) Strong winds
Answer: A) High temperatures
5. How many visitors typically hike Mount Fuji during the July-September season?
A) 200,000
B) 250,000
C) 220,000
D) 300,000
Answer: C) 220,000
6. What measure was introduced by Japanese authorities to combat overtourism on Mount Fuji?
A) Reduced entry fees
B) Capping the number of daily visitors
C) Increasing hiking trails
D) Extended visiting hours
Answer: B) Capping the number of daily visitors
7. How long has it been since Mount Fuji last erupted?
A) 100 years
B) 500 years
C) 300 years
D) 200 years
Answer: C) 300 years