Study plan for research on long-term stability of geological environments in FY2008

Nakatsuka, Noboru; Nohara, Tsuyoshi   ; Umeda, Koji; Ishimaru, Tsuneari ; Hanamuro, Takahiro  ; Saito, Tatsuo  ; Yasue, Kenichi; Niwa, Masakazu   

The Japanese islands are located in the tectonically active Circum-Pacific Mobile Belt. As a result, Japan has a high frequency of earthquakes and eruptions. Special consideration is given to the long-term stability of the geological environment, taking into account volcanism, faulting, uplift, denudation, climatic change and sea-level change in Japan. Development of research/prediction technologies for geotectonic events has been carried out to evaluate the long-term stability of the geological environment in Japan. During fiscal year 2008, research/prediction about the following items will be carried out. Concerning earthquake and fault movement, we continue to develop research techniques for evolutional history and activity of fault, and carry out case studies for development of effective assessment model in the fault zones will be carried out. For volcanological and geothermal studies, we are planning to provide an integrated approach for detecting crustal magma and/or geothermal fluid in deep underground using geophysical and geochemical data, and models assessing the likelihood of future volcanism and its influence on geological environment. Concerning uplift, denudation, climatic change and sea-level change, we plan to arrange research techniques for reconstruction of paleo-topography and paleo-climate, and to establish a simulation model for landform development. Concerning a general evaluation study about the long-term stability of the geological environment, information maintenance about a change of geological environment with hydrothermal activity, and development of simulation techniques for groundwater flow related by crustal movement, climatic change will be carried out. In addition, maintenance of development of analytical methods to perform the data acquisition that is necessary for these studies will be carried out.