Geological and topographical data concerning normal faults (Kawaminami Fault) in the northern Miyazaki Plain, Southern Kyushu, Japan

Niwa, Masakazu; Kurosawa, Hideki*; Kosaka, Hideki*; Ikuta, Masafumi*; Takatori, Ryoichi*

JAEA-Data/Code 2017-009, 71 Pages, 2017/06

JAEA-Data-Code-2017-009.pdf:13.8MB
JAEA-Data-Code-2017-009-appendix(CD-ROM).zip:50.09MB

Changes of stress state due to the 2011 off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake triggered normal displacements of faults that have not been regarded as active faults. In this study, geological survey for normal faults in coastal region was conducted in order to understand the mechanism of reactivation of inactive faults triggered by megathrust earthquakes. This report includes topographical and geological data obtained by field works in and around the Kawaminami Fault in northern margin of the Miyazaki Plain, with results of microscopic examination, analyses of X-ray diffraction and particle size distribution for clayey samples, analyses of tephra and plant opal, and radiocarbon dating.

Enhancement of the methodology of repository design and post-closure performance assessment for preliminary investigation stage, 3; Progress report on NUMO-JAEA collaborative research in FY2013 (Joint research)

Shibata, Masahiro; Sawada, Atsushi; Tachi, Yukio; Makino, Hitoshi; Wakasugi, Keiichiro; Mitsui, Seiichiro; Kitamura, Akira; Yoshikawa, Hideki; Oda, Chie; Ishidera, Takamitsu; et al.

JAEA-Research 2014-030, 457 Pages, 2015/03

JAEA-Research-2014-030.pdf:199.23MB

JAEA and NUMO have conducted a collaborative research work which is designed to enhance the methodology of repository design and post-closure performance assessment in preliminary investigation stage. With regard to (1) study on rock suitability in terms of hydrology, based on some examples of developing method of hydro-geological structure model, acquired knowledge are arranged using the tree diagram, and model uncertainty and its influence on the evaluation items were discussed. With regard to (2) study on scenario development, the developed approach for "defining conditions" has been reevaluated and improved from practical viewpoints. In addition, the uncertainty evaluation for the effect of use of cementitious material, as well as glass dissolution model, was conducted with analytical evaluation. With regard to (3) study on setting radionuclide migration parameters, based on survey of precedent procedures, multiple-approach for distribution coefficient of rocks was established, and the adequacy of the approach was confirmed though its application to sedimentary rock and granitic rock. Besides, an approach for solubility setting was developed including the procedure of selection of solubility limiting solid phase. The adequacy of the approach was confirmed though its application to key radionuclides.

Identification of pathways for hydrogen gas migration in fault zones with a discontinuous, heterogeneous permeability structure and the relationship to particle size distribution of fault materials

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

Pure and Applied Geophysics, 168(5), p.887 - 900, 2011/07

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-010-0167-0

Previous studies have reported that high concentrations of H gas are released from active fault zones. Experimental studies suggest that the H gas is derived from the reaction of water with free radicals formed when silicate minerals are fractured at hypocenter depths during fault activities. Based on the H gas measurements and the particle size distribution analyses, the deep-seated H gas is considered to have migrated in permeable damage zones mostly by advection with groundwater. Multipoint H gas measurement will be effective in delineating qualitatively, variations in permeability of regional structures.

Spatial distribution and characteristics of fracture zones near a long-lived active fault; A Field-based study for understanding changes in underground environment caused by long-term fault activities

Niwa, Masakazu; Kurosawa, Hideki; Ishimaru, Tsuneari

Engineering Geology, 119(1-2), p.31 - 50, 2011/04

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2011.01.011

Fracture zone development has a substantial impact on long-term changes in the underground environment because fracture zones are leading candidates as groundwater flowpaths as well as a locus for mechanical disturbance by fracturing. For understanding fracture zone development we surveyed the spatial distribution and characteristics of fracture zones in an area 4 km to the north and 6 km to the south from the western part of the Atotsugawa Fault, a long-lived active fault in central Japan. This study suggests that fracture zones along the Atotsugawa Fault act as a major conduit controlling regional groundwater flow. Based on rock features and deformation fabrics at meso- and microscopic scales, once fracture zones had formed, epigenetic deformation was concentrated in the ancient fracture zones.

Study on method of fault zone survey by use of in-situ fault gas (H, CO, CH) measurement (Measurement data set)

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

JAEA-Data/Code 2010-036, 199 Pages, 2011/03

JAEA-Data-Code-2010-036.pdf:28.4MB
JAEA-Data-Code-2010-036-appendix(CD-ROM).zip:2.65MB

Research on the influence of fault activity on deep geological environments contributes to the reliability of geological disposal systems for high level radioactive wastes. Measurement of deep-seated gas discharged along faults is proposed as an effective method to understand the extent of influence of fault activity. In this study, in-situ and short-lasting measurement of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane gases by use of a portable monitor is tested for prehension of spatial distribution of active faults. The gas measurement data are compiled and recorded on CD-ROM.

Research on geosphere stability for long-term isolation of radioactive waste (Progress report for fiscal years 2005 - 2009: H22 report)

Kusano, Tomohiro; Asamori, Koichi; Kurosawa, Hideki; Kokubu, Yoko; Tanikawa, Shinichi; Negi, Tateyuki; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Yasue, Kenichi; Yamasaki, Seiko; Yamada, Kunimi; et al.

JAEA-Research 2010-044, 153 Pages, 2011/01

JAEA-Research-2010-044.pdf:12.53MB

This progress report (H22 report) documents progress made during JAEA 1st Midterm Plan (FY 2005 - 2009) to provide the scientific base for assessing geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the high-level radioactive waste. For the current 5-year R&D programme, three major goals have been defined as follows: (1) development and synthesis of investigation techniques for selecting suitable sites in geosphere stability, (2) development, application, and evaluation of prediction models for evaluating the changes of geological environment in thermal, hydraulic, mechanical and geochemical conditions for a long period of time, and (3) development of new dating techniques for providing information about geologic history and the timing of geologic events. In this paper, the current status of R&D activities with previous scientific and technological progress is summarized.

Annual report for research on long-term stability of geological environments in FY2008

Kusano, Tomohiro; Asamori, Koichi; Kurosawa, Hideki; Tanikawa, Shinichi; Ninomiya, Atsushi; Negi, Tateyuki; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Yasue, Kenichi; Yamada, Kunimi; Ishimaru, Tsuneari; et al.

JAEA-Research 2009-072, 72 Pages, 2010/03

JAEA-Research-2009-072.pdf:11.27MB

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. In fiscal year 2008, we carried out the following researches. For studies on faulting and seismic activity, we developed investigation techniques for evolutional history and activity of fault, and carried out case studies for development of effective assessment model in the fault zones. For volcanological and geothermal studies, we provided an integrated approach for detecting crustal magma and/or geothermal fluid in deep underground using geophysical and geochemical data. For the general evaluation study on uplift/denudation and climatic/sea-level change, we arranged investigation techniques for reconstruction of paleo-topography and paleo-climate, and to establish a simulation model for landform development. For studies on the long-term stability of the geological environments, we developed simulation techniques for groundwater flow related by crustal movement.

Annual report for research on long-term stability of geological environments in FY2007

Kusano, Tomohiro; Nohara, Tsuyoshi; Umeda, Koji; Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Saito, Tatsuo; Yasue, Kenichi; Niwa, Masakazu; Shimada, Koji; Yamada, Kunimi; et al.

JAEA-Research 2009-022, 47 Pages, 2009/09

JAEA-Research-2009-022.pdf:48.94MB

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. In fiscal year 2007, we carried out the following researches, to confirm existence of the phenomena that have influences on geological disposal system (e.g., active faulting, volcanism), and to develop the investigation techniques to reconstruct the history of these phenomena. For studies of faulting and seismic activity, we developed the investigation techniques to research distribution of crush zone, process of faulting, activity, and so on. For volcanological and geothermal studies, we developed a technique for detecting crustal magma and/or geothermal fluid in deep underground. For studies of uplift/denudation and climatic/sea-level changes, we extracted investigation techniques for landform developments and uplift rate with river terraces.

Crush zone structure in a compressional step; An Example of the western part of the Atotsugawa Fault, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture of Japan

Niwa, Masakazu; Shimada, Koji; Kurosawa, Hideki; Miwa, Atsushi*

Chishitsugaku Zasshi, 114(10), p.495 - 515, 2008/10

https://doi.org/10.5575/geosoc.114.495

This paper provides a geological description of crush zones in the western part of the active Atotsugawa Fault, Gifu Prefecture of Japan, to understand crush zone structures in steps of strike-slip faults. By means of aerial photograph interpretation, we recognized that the occurrence of a step is suggestive in the Sangawara area, and that a long strand of the Atotsugawa Fault with ENE-WSW trend is traced in the Itani Area. On the Basis of the detailed geological observation, attitude and sense of shear planes, and thickness and clay mineral composition of fault gouge are different between crush zones of the Sangawara and Itani areas. In the Sangawara area, shear planes with NNE-SSW and NW-SE strikes, high-angle oblique to the trend of the Atotsugawa Fault, are characteristically developed. These shear planes can be a part of the composite planar fabric such as R2 surfaces which are dominantly developed within compressional steps.

Study on evaluation method of potential impact of natural phenomena on a HLW disposal system

Kawamura, Makoto; Oi, Takao; Niizato, Tadafumi; Yasue, Kenichi; Tokiwa, Tetsuya; Niwa, Masakazu; Shimada, Koji; Kurosawa, Hideki; Asamori, Koichi; Kawachi, Susumu; et al.

JAEA-Research 2008-018, 47 Pages, 2008/03

JAEA-Research-2008-018.pdf:24.18MB

In this report, we sophisticated the framework as a part of the total system performance assessment for two purposes: the first one is quantification of relationship of characteristic of natural phenomena between geological environmental conditions (THMCG), and the other one is quantification of relationship of THMCG condition between parameters of performance assessment. On the other hand, we applied the sophisticated framework to all natural phenomena. As a result, to apply the sophisticated framework, we could show that information integration could carry out efficiently. Moreover, we have checked that the framework was applicable to all phenomena. Furthermore, we could show that suitable scenarios might be chosen by information integration.