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Takeuchi, Ryuji; Nishio, Kazuhisa*; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Kokubu, Yoko
JAEA-Data/Code 2022-010, 110 Pages, 2023/03
JAEA-Data-Code-2022-010.pdf:6.2MB
The Tono Geoscience Center of Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has been conducting the environmental monitoring investigation to confirm the environmental impacts associated with the backfilling of shafts and tunnels at the Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory (MIU). This report summarizes the results of environmental impact investigations conducted as part of the environmental monitoring investigation around the MIU Site from FY2020 to FY2021, which include groundwater level measurement in wells, river flow rate measurement, water analysis of Hazama river, noise and vibration surveys, and soil survey.
Fujita, Natsuko; Miyake, Masayasu*; Matsubara, Akihiro; Kokubu, Yoko; Klein, M.*; Scognamiglio, G.*; Mous, D. J. W.*; Columna, E. L.*; Shimada, Akiomi; Ishimaru, Tsuneari
Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B, 533, p.91 - 95, 2022/12
Times Cited Count：0 Percentile：0.02(Instruments & Instrumentation)In the Tono Geoscience Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, investigation of deep underground environments for R&D program related to the geological disposal of High-Level Radioactive Waste has been performed by using various dating systems including an AMS system. In response to the increasing demand for our AMS measurements especially from a newly established R&D program supporting development of technology for geological disposal of HLW, a state-of-the-art multi-nuclide AMS system was installed. This system is equipped with a 300 kV AMS. The system has capability to measure four nuclides: carbon-14, beryllium-10, aluminium-26 and iodine-129. The system structure and features, as well as the results of performance test will be presented.
Fujita, Natsuko; Matsubara, Akihiro; Kimura, Kenji; Jinno, Satoshi; Kokubu, Yoko
Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B, 532, p.13 - 18, 2022/12
Times Cited Count：0 Percentile：0.02(Instruments & Instrumentation)Over the last decade, significant technological advances were made to downsize the AMS systems. Japan Atomic Energy Agency has started a project for developing a prototype downsized AMS system (with the footprint of the system is 1.9 m 
1.9 m) based on the surface stripper technique. Although the system configuration using an ion source, magnets, and detectors is similar to that in conventional systems, there is no tandem accelerator as well as a gas stripper. The ion acceleration is provided in the ion source (maximum ion energy 40 keV). For proof-of-principle experiments, we have planned two steps: (1) Observation of the specular reflection and the dissociation by using a compact electrostatic analyzer located just behind the stripper, and (2) Demonstration of 
C measurement, along with the experimental confirmation of the isobar suppression capability of the surface stripper.
Kokubu, Yoko; Matsubara, Akihiro; Fujita, Natsuko; Kuwabara, Jun; Kinoshita, Naoki
JAEA-Technology 2021-028, 33 Pages, 2022/02
JAEA-Technology-2021-028.pdf:2.18MB
Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has two facilities of accelerator mass spectrometry, JAEA-AMS-TONO and JAEA-AMS-MUTSU at Tono Geoscience Center and Aomori Research and Development Center, respectively. In this report, characteristics of each facility and results of standard samples in the inner-comparison test of carbon isotope measurement will be described. Both facilities have been used for research by not only JAEA's staff but also researchers who belong to universities and other institutes on the shared use program of JAEA facilities. Recently, researchers trend to use both facilities with the expansion of demand for the carbon isotope measurement by using the accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS). However, each facility has a spectrometer made by a different manufacturer and equipped with different mechanical components. There is a difference in each ability to the carbon isotope measurement such as background level. This is, for example, due to different ion injection system adapted at each spectrometer. Further, each facility uses a different analytical method adjusted to each main research field. When a researcher uses both facilities, the researcher understands more about the characteristics and need to make a suitable choice of a facility for samples and the analytical method. The report presents a detailed information of characteristics of the spectrometer, sample preparation method and analytical method, and of ability of the measurement based on the inner-comparison test.
Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Ogata, Nobuhisa; Kokubu, Yoko; Shimada, Koji; Niwa, Masakazu; Shimada, Akiomi; Watanabe, Takahiro; Sueoka, Shigeru; Yokoyama, Tatsunori; Fujita, Natsuko; et al.
JAEA-Research 2021-007, 65 Pages, 2021/10
JAEA-Research-2021-007.pdf:4.21MB
This annual report documents the progress of research and development (R&D) in the 6th fiscal year during the JAEA 3rd Mid- and Long-term Plan (fiscal years 2015-2021) to provide the scientific base for assessing geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the high-level radioactive waste. The planned framework is structured into the following categories: (1) Development and systematization of investigation techniques, (2) Development of models for long-term estimation and effective assessment, (3) Development of dating techniques. The current status of R&D activities with previous scientific and technological progress is summarized.
I/
I and 
C records in a modern coral from Rowley Shoals off northwestern Australia reflect the 20th-century human nuclear activities and ocean/atmosphere circulationsMitsuguchi, Takehiro; Okabe, Nobuaki*; Yokoyama, Yusuke*; Yoneda, Minoru*; Shibata, Yasuyuki*; Fujita, Natsuko; Watanabe, Takahiro; Kokubu, Yoko
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 235-236, p.106593_1 - 106593_10, 2021/09
Times Cited Count：1 Percentile：14.15(Environmental Sciences)For a contribution to developing the usage of iodine-129 (I) as a tracer of deep-seated fluid, I/I and C were measured for annual bands (AD 1931-1991) of a modern coral collected from Northwestern Australia; the measurements were performed using the JAEA-AMS-TONO-5MV for I/I and an AMS facility of the University of Tokyo for C. Results indicate that both I/I and C distinctly increase from 1950s. The C increase can be ascribed to atmospheric nuclear tests, while the I/I increase is due to nuclear-fuel reprocessing as well as atmospheric nuclear tests. These results are in good agreement with previous studies, indicating that the I/I measurement by JAEA-AMS-TONO-5MV has been further developed.
Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Kokubu, Yoko; Shimada, Koji; Shimada, Akiomi; Niwa, Masakazu; Watanabe, Takahiro; Sueoka, Shigeru; Yokoyama, Tatsunori; Fujita, Natsuko; Ogita, Yasuhiro; et al.
JAEA-Review 2021-012, 48 Pages, 2021/08
JAEA-Review-2021-012.pdf:1.64MB
This report is a plan of research and development (R&D) on geosphere stability for long-term isolation of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) in Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), in fiscal year 2021. The objectives and contents in fiscal year 2021 are described in detail based on the JAEA 3rd Medium- and Long-term Plan (fiscal years 2015-2021). In addition, the background of this research is described from the necessity and the significance for site investigation and safety assessment, and the past progress. The plan framework is structured into the following categories: (1) Development and systematization of investigation techniques, (2) Development of models for long-term estimation and effective assessment, (3) Development of dating techniques.
Yamada, Ryuji*; Kimura, Takashi*; Kariya, Yoshihiko*; Sano, Masaki*; Tsushima, Akane*; Li, Z.*; Nakatsuka, Takeshi*; Kokubu, Yoko; Inoue, Kimio*
Sabo Gakkai-Shi, 73(5), p.3 - 14, 2021/01
We discuss the applicability of dating methods for determining landslide chronologies in relation to the type of samples and the sampling location. Case studies are carried out with fossil wood samples buried in the colluvial soil of large-scale landslides occurred in two areas of the Japanese Alps region. Ages are determined by accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon dating and dendrochronological analysis using the oxygen isotope composition of tree ring cellulose. Most of ages for Dondokosawa rock avalanche are concordant with the period of AD 887 Ninna (Goki-Shichido) earthquake. Ages for Ohtsukigawa debris avalanche are not concentrated in a specific period. In order to obtain accurate age of large-scale landslide, utilizing buried large diameter tree trunk or branches with the good preservation condition has a lot of advantages because it allows us to compare the landslide chronology with historical records of heavy rainfall and large earthquakes.
Watanabe, Takahiro; Fujita, Natsuko; Matsubara, Akihiro; Miyake, Masayasu*; Nishio, Tomohiro*; Ishizaka, Chika; Kokubu, Yoko
Geochemical Journal, 55(4), p.277 - 281, 2021/00
Times Cited Count：1 Percentile：23.14(Geochemistry & Geophysics)Small-mass radiocarbon dating less than 0.1 mg carbon has been developed by Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and manual preparation techniques using the vacuum glass lines. Because geological samples are limited for the dating in many cases, preparation techniques should be improved for small samples and high efficiency analysis. For radiocarbon dating of geological and other organic samples, small-mass graphitization of international standard reference materials (ca. 0.1 and 0.05 mg carbon) was evaluated using the elemental analyzer and automated graphitization equipment 3 (EA-AGE3; IonPlus AG) in our study. Additionally, this paper presents the first data for the small samples by the EA-AGE3. The average radiocarbon concentration of the small-mass international standards (NIST-SRM4990C, IAEA-C5, and C7) prepared by the EA-AGE3 were agreement with the consensus values within 
2
. Therefore, small-mass graphitization using the EA-AGE3 can be adapted for AMS radiocarbon measurements in our case (down to ca. 0.05 mg carbon).
Koarashi, Jun; Atarashi-Andoh, Mariko; Nagano, Hirohiko*; Sugiharto, U.*; Saengkorakot, C.*; Suzuki, Takashi; Kokubu, Yoko; Fujita, Natsuko; Kinoshita, Naoki; Nagai, Haruyasu; et al.
JAEA-Technology 2020-012, 53 Pages, 2020/10
JAEA-Technology-2020-012.pdf:3.71MB
There is growing concern that recent rapid changes in climate and environment could have a significant influence on carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems (especially forest ecosystems) and could consequently lead to a positive feedback for global warming. The magnitude and timing of this feedback remain highly uncertain largely due to a lack of quantitative understanding of the dynamics of organic carbon stored in soils and its responses to changes in climate and environment. The tracing of radiocarbon (natural and bomb-derived C) and stable carbon (
C) isotopes through terrestrial ecosystems can be a powerful tool for studying soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. The primary aim of this guide is to promote the use of isotope-based approaches to improve our understanding of the carbon cycling in soils, particularly in the Asian region. The guide covers practical methods of soil sampling; treatment and fractionation of soil samples; preparation of soil samples for C (and stable nitrogen isotope, 
N) and C analyses; and C, N, and C measurements by the use of isotope ratio mass spectrometry and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The guide briefly introduces ways to report C data, which are frequently used for soil carbon cycling studies. The guide also reports results of a case study conducted in a Japanese forest ecosystem, as a practical application of the use of isotope-based approaches. This guide is mainly intended for researchers who are interested but are not experienced in this research field. The guide will hopefully encourage readers to participate in soil carbon cycling studies, including field works, laboratory experiments, isotope analyses, and discussions with great interest.
Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Ogata, Nobuhisa; Kokubu, Yoko; Shimada, Koji; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Shimada, Akiomi; Niwa, Masakazu; Asamori, Koichi; Watanabe, Takahiro; Sueoka, Shigeru; et al.
JAEA-Research 2020-011, 67 Pages, 2020/10
JAEA-Research-2020-011.pdf:3.87MB
This annual report documents the progress of research and development (R&D) in the 5th fiscal year during the JAEA 3rd Mid- and Long-term Plan (fiscal years 2015-2021) to provide the scientific base for assessing geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the high-level radioactive waste. The planned framework is structured into the following categories: (1) Development and systematization of investigation techniques, (2) Development of models for long-term estimation and effective assessment, (3) Development of dating techniques. The current status of R&D activities with previous scientific and technological progress is summarized.
Wijesinghe, J. N.*; Koarashi, Jun; Atarashi-Andoh, Mariko; Kokubu, Yoko; Yamaguchi, Noriko*; Sase, Takashi*; Hosono, Mamoru*; Inoue, Yuzuru*; Mori, Yuki*; Hiradate, Shuntaro*
Geoderma, 374, p.114417_1 - 114417_10, 2020/09
Times Cited Count：6 Percentile：47.76(Soil Science)Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Ogata, Nobuhisa; Shimada, Koji; Kokubu, Yoko; Niwa, Masakazu; Asamori, Koichi; Watanabe, Takahiro; Sueoka, Shigeru; Komatsu, Tetsuya; Yokoyama, Tatsunori; et al.
JAEA-Review 2020-010, 46 Pages, 2020/07
JAEA-Review-2020-010.pdf:1.89MB
This report is a plan of research and development (R&D) on geosphere stability for long-term isolation of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) in Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), in fiscal year 2020. The objectives and contents in fiscal year 2020 are described in detail based on the JAEA 3rd Medium- and Long-term Plan (fiscal years 2015-2021). In addition, the background of this research is described from the necessity and the significance for site investigation and safety assessment, and the past progress. The plan framework is structured into the following categories: (1) Development and systematization of investigation techniques, (2) Development of models for long-term estimation and effective assessment, (3) Development of dating techniques.
Niwa, Masakazu; Kamataki, Takanobu*; Kurosawa, Hideki*; Kokubu, Yoko; Ikuta, Masafumi*
Island Arc, 29(1), p.e12341_1 - e12341_26, 2020/01
Times Cited Count：3 Percentile：29.21(Geosciences, Multidisciplinary)Based on detailed geochemical and paleontological analyses for lowland sediments in the Miyazaki Plain, southwest Japan, we clearly identified environmental change from the lower terrestrial sediments to the upper shallow marine sediments. Radiocarbon ages and tephra data suggest that the environmental change is attributed to local subsidence due to the 1662 Kanbun Hyuganada Sea Earthquake shown in historical records. This findings are important for historical earthquake studies because the study area is a part of the expected focal region of megathrust earthquakes along the Nankai Trough.
Kokubu, Yoko; Nishio, Tomohiro; Fujita, Natsuko; Matsubara, Akihiro
Proceedings of the 8th East Asia Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Symposium and the 22nd Japan Accelerator Mass Spectrometry symposium (EA-AMS 8 & JAMS-22), p.91 - 93, 2020/00
no abstracts in English
Fujita, Natsuko; Matsubara, Akihiro; Miyake, Masayasu*; Watanabe, Takahiro; Kokubu, Yoko; Kato, Motohisa*; Okabe, Nobuaki*; Isozaki, Nobuhiro*; Ishizaka, Chika*; Nishio, Tomohiro; et al.
Proceedings of the 8th East Asia Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Symposium and the 22nd Japan Accelerator Mass Spectrometry symposium (EA-AMS 8 & JAMS-22), p.34 - 36, 2020/00
no abstracts in English
Minami, Yusuke*; Oba, Tsukasa*; Hayashi, Shintaro*; Kokubu, Yoko; Kataoka, Kyoko S.*
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 387, p.106661_1 - 106661_17, 2019/12
Times Cited Count：6 Percentile：39.8(Geosciences, Multidisciplinary)The study focuses on volcanic-fan deposits at Chokai Volcano in northeast Japan. The authors conducted sedimentary facies analysis, radiocarbon dating, and historical document analysis to understand the flow characteristics and history of far-reaching lahars. The volcanic fan is composed mainly of a series of lahar deposits formed by at least five large lahar events at: the 2nd - 5th century BC; 2nd to 4th century BC; AD 5th to 7th century; AD 871; and AD 1801 during last 2500 years. These lahar events can be classified into three types: (1) a cohesive debris flow sourced by the debris avalanche deposit; (2) a non-cohesive lahar by a magmatic eruption; and (3) a cohesive debris flow by a phreatic eruption. The lahar, incorporating debris avalanche deposit, flowed as hazardous cohesive debris flow; lahars after magmatic eruptions tends to be streamflow through the flow transformation of sandy debris flow; and a cohesive lahar by a phreatic eruption tends to be of small scale.
Takahashi, Hiroshi*; Minami, Masayo*; Aramaki, Takafumi*; Handa, Hiroko*; Kokubu, Yoko; Ito, Shigeru*; Kumamoto, Yuichiro*
Radiocarbon, 61(6), p.1879 - 1887, 2019/12
Times Cited Count：2 Percentile：15.49(Geochemistry & Geophysics)Water sample for interlaboratory comparison (here after "comparison water") must have inalterable C concentration during the comparison campaign and inter-batches homogeneity. In this study, the procedure for preparing of comparison water was discussed. We employed that comparison waters were artificially made by mixing chemical reagents, controlling C concentration and chemical composition. We could prepare six comparison waters, having 1, 14, 37, 56, 72 and 100 pMC, respectively. The stable carbon isotopic values and chemical compositions of some batches were measured to exanimate the inter- batches homogeneity. The C discrepancies among the batches were negligible for the inter-laboratory comparison. Finally, the results of trial comparison in Japan will be presented. Most of C results of CO
extracted by six laboratories showed good agreements each other.
Kokubu, Yoko; Matsushi, Yuki*; Ishizaka, Chika*; Hirao, Noriaki*; Yonaga, Yusuke; Yoshikawa, Kiyotaka*
JAEA-Testing 2019-002, 101 Pages, 2019/11
JAEA-Testing-2019-002.pdf:4.69MB
This report provides a description of sample preparation method for measurement of in-situ belliyum-10 (
Be) and allumium-26 (
Al) in terrestrial quartz using accelerator mass spectrometry at Tono Geoscience Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency. The report is based on the laboratory manual "Chemistry for in-situ Be and Al measurement for terrestrial quartz by AMS at MALT ver.1.3 and ver.2.2" prepared by ph.D Matsushi at Kyoto University.
