Spatial distribution of hydrogen gas released from active fault zones

Ishimaru, Tsuneari ; Shimada, Koji   ; Niwa, Masakazu   ; Kurosawa, Hideki; Kosaka, Hideki*

Hydrogen gas measurements have been carried out in active faults, for assessments of fault activities or earthquake prediction. Recently, Shimada et al. (2008) invented the new method by use of a portable hydrogen gas monitor, allowing measurements in many localities over a short amount of time. We examine the applicability of this method to understanding the feature of fractures as a conduit-barrier system and their linkage with active faults. In this presentation, we show a case study of the measurements in the Atotsugawa Fault, Gifu Prefecture.