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Nishiyama, Nariaki; Goto, Akira*; Tsukahara, Yuzuko; Kawamura, Makoto; Umeda, Koji*; Niwa, Masakazu
JAEA-Testing 2022-003, 51 Pages, 2022/09
JAEA-Testing-2022-003.pdf:5.24MB
JAEA-Testing-2022-003-appendix(CD-ROM).zip:1.12MB
Advancement of the evaluation technology of the magma activity range is essential as one of the technical issues related to volcanic and igneous activities in the evaluation of the long-term stability of the geological environment in the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste. As an effective method, topographical analysis of volcanic edifices is expected to be used to determine the distribution area of dikes. In recent years, the development of computer-based topographic analysis technology has made it possible to simply perform a large volume of work that would otherwise be difficult due to the manual handling. This report describes an analysis method for the shape of contour lines that forms volcanic edifices using GIS software.
Sasao, Eiji; Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Niwa, Masakazu; Shimada, Akiomi; Shimada, Koji; Watanabe, Takahiro; Sueoka, Shigeru; Yokoyama, Tatsunori; Fujita, Natsuko; Ogita, Yasuhiro; et al.
JAEA-Review 2022-022, 29 Pages, 2022/09
JAEA-Review-2022-022.pdf:0.97MB
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 2022. The objectives and contents in fiscal year 2022 are described in detail based on the JAEA 4th Medium- and Long-term Plan (fiscal years 2022-2028). 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; Shimo, Michito*; Shimada, Koji; Goto, Akira
JAEA-Research 2022-004, 38 Pages, 2022/06
JAEA-Research-2022-004.pdf:2.86MBJAEA-Research-2022-004-appendix(CD-ROM).zip:0.41MB
Methane (CH
) seepage to the surface in the early stage of hydrocarbon exploration has attracted increasing attention. Also, detection of CH-rich fluid emission can be applied to reconnaissance surveys for safety management in geological disposal of radioactive waste because high-temperature fluids that come from slab dehydration along a subduction zone are often rich in CH. These fluids likely migrate along faults and fractures. In this study, we employed a portable analyzer that used a wavelength-scanned cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) with high accuracy (in ppb levels) and short measurement intervals (
1 s). An on-vehicle measurement that employed the CRDS system was performed in the Hongu area in southeast Kii Peninsula, Japan, which included CH-bearing hot springs (Kawayu and Yunomine). The measurement near the hot springs detected a clear CH anomaly (
2 ppm) that exceeded the background concentration. The estimation of CH diffusion in air based on the Gaussian plume model corresponded to the result of the on-vehicle measurement. This study confirmed that the method using the vehicle-mounted CRDS analyzer can help in quickly and easily identifying CH-bearing fluid emissions at the surface. Additionally, directions for use of the analyzer were summarized in this report.
Watanabe, Takahiro; Kagami, Saya; Niwa, Masakazu
Marine Geology, 444, p.106704_1 - 106704_13, 2022/02
Times Cited Count：0 Percentile：0.01(Geosciences, Multidisciplinary)Miyazaki plain on the Pacific coast of southwest Japan along the Nankai-Suruga trough was also affected by marine incursion by the past interplate earthquakes and tsunami. Notably, paleotsunami deposits were found on the area and important clues to reconstruct the past marine incursion by earthquakes and tsunami. However, geochemical and heavy mineral analyses on the area were not enough to characterize the deposits. Therefore, quantification analyses with high-time resolution by portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (portable XRF), scanning by X-ray analytical microscope (XGT), statistical analyses for chemical components, and heavy mineral analyses were performed for the paleotsunami deposits of the Kanbun Hyuganada earthquake with the age of 1662 CE from the south Miyazaki plain in this study. Based on our research, we summarized as follows: (1) increases in the titanium normalized values of S, Ca, Fe and Sr, and depletions of Si, K, and Rb were observed in the deposits, (2) Zr accumulations and heavy minerals such as zircon were found in the deposits caused by possible high energy tsunami, and (3) cluster analyses of the geochemical data from the core by portable XRF distinguished the paleotsunami deposits on the Miyazaki plain.
Yamamoto, Yusuke; Watanabe, Takahiro; Niwa, Masakazu; Shimada, Koji
JAEA-Testing 2021-003, 58 Pages, 2022/01
JAEA-Testing-2021-003.pdf:6.82MB
A long term geosphere stability for geological disposal is evaluated by the past geological environmental changes and modern conditions. Whole-rock geochemical compositions in rocks and sediments are useful information to estimate the past environmental changes and modern conditions. Recently, the portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were installed in the Tono Geoscience Center for rapid and simple whole-rock geochemical analyses (original specification; 8 mm-diameter analysis). In particular, the 3 mm-diameter small spot analysis using the portable XRF was performed for quantitative analyses of small-weight geological samples. In this study, we reported a quantitative method for major and trace elements using calibration curves by standard reference materials, as well as evaluation tests of uncertainty by repeated analyses of the standards measured by the portable XRF (3 mm-diameter small spot analysis). Furthermore, the small spot quantitative analyses by the portable XRF were also applied to fault rock samples that have been analyzed in previous studies.
Shimo, Michito*; Niwa, Masakazu; Miyakawa, Kazuya; Yasue, Kenichi*; Tonokura, Kenichi*; Tokunaga, Tomochika*
Fukada Chishitsu Kenkyujo Nempo, (23), p.21 - 34, 2022/00
no abstracts in English
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.
Shimada, Koji; Goto, Akira; Niwa, Masakazu; Shimo, Michito*
Chishitsugaku Zasshi (Internet), 127(10), p.I - II, 2021/10
Continuous leaking point of high-temperature fluid (liquid/gas) from underground can be easily grasped by infrared images. We show images confirmed by a FLIR C5 camera that can simultaneously obtain an infrared image and a visible light image at the outcrops of Kawayu Onsen that naturally spring along the river. Outcrops and river surface temperature rise due to hot springs that leaking from riverbanks and riverbeds, rock temperature rise around cracks where gas containing high-concentration methane leaks with hot springs, abandoned fluid pathway due to construction of the bank and damming river for hot spring river bath in winter can be confirmed at a glance. Infrared images may be useful for quick identification of hot fluid leaking points from underground.
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.
Tateishi, Ryo*; Shimada, Koji; Shimizu, Mayuko; Ueki, Tadamasa*; Niwa, Masakazu; Sueoka, Shigeru; Ishimaru, Tsuneari
Oyo Chishitsu, 62(2), p.104 - 112, 2021/06
We attempted to discriminate between active and non-active faults by linear discriminant analysis using the chemical composition data of fault gouges in Japan, and then examined the elements that represent the difference between them and better discriminants. As a result, the multiple discriminants obtained could discriminate between them with high probability. In addition, the generalization performance of these discriminants is discussed, and the discriminants that can be expected to have high discriminant performance for unknown samples are presented. Also, from the combination of elements common to these discriminants, we narrowed down the number of elements that represent the difference between active and non-active faults to 6, and showed that the combination of TiO
and Sr contributing the most to the discrimination. The method applied in this study is an innovative one that can discriminate the activity by chemical analysis of fault rocks that are universally present in the bedrock.
Yonaga, Yusuke; Sano, Naomi*; Amamiya, Hiroki*; Ogita, Yasuhiro; Niwa, Masakazu; Yasue, Kenichi*
Oyo Chishitsu, 62(1), p.2 - 12, 2021/04
Provenance analysis based on quick identification of heavy minerals using an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) was applied to samples from Pleistocene sediments in Horonobe region, Hokkaido, where major provenance rocks can be sedimentary and mafic igneous rocks. The concentrations of 16 elements were measured in individual grains to identify the mineral species based on their chemical composition. In addition, microscopic observation of thin sections and gravel composition analysis were conducted to confirm the validity of the quick identification of heavy minerals. These analyses clarify that combinations of several heavy mineral species can be a useful index of provenance rocks from the Soya Hill and Teshio Mountains, and suggest that uplift of the Soya Hill after ca. 1.5 Ma constrained supply of sediments from the Teshio Mountains. On the other hand, minerals uncommon both in the Soya Hill and Teshio Mountains, such as hornblende, are included in the Pleistocene sediments. This suggests that a sediment supply from distant area was also significant, like transportation by the Teshio River. The method for quick identification of heavy minerals using EPMA can provide an information about provenance rocks difficult to identify only by gravel composition analysis.
Miyakawa, Kazuya; Shimo, Michito*; Niwa, Masakazu; Amano, Kenji; Tokunaga, Tomochika*; Tonokura, Kenichi*
Fukada Chishitsu Kenkyujo Nempo, (22), p.139 - 153, 2021/00
no abstracts in English
Shimo, Michito*; Niwa, Masakazu; Miyakawa, Kazuya; Amano, Kenji; Tonokura, Kenichi*; Tokunaga, Tomochika*
Fukada Chishitsu Kenkyujo Nempo, (22), p.119 - 137, 2021/00
no abstracts in English
Niwa, Masakazu; Amano, Kenji; Takeuchi, Ryuji; Shimada, Koji
Groundwater Monitoring & Remediation, 41(3), p.41 - 50, 2021/00
Times Cited Count：0 Percentile：0(Water Resources)Identification of water-conducting fractures is important for the safety assessment of underground projects in crystalline rocks at geological disposal sites. We applied a portable methane gas analyzer by wavelength-scanned cavity ring-down spectroscopy to detect the water-conducting fractures in an underground tunnel excavated in granite with CH-rich groundwater. Two approaches were taken to obtain the profile of CH concentration along the gallery walls: (1) Scan by walking at the speed of 0.5 m/s and (2) monitoring for 30 s at 0.5 or 1-m intervals. In the Scan by walking approach, the peaks of the CH concentration corresponded well with the occurrence of high water flow rate fractures. Thus, this method is useful for rapid identification of major water-conducting fractures. Monitoring at constant intervals takes more time than the Scan by walking approach; however, this method can largely detect occurrences of fractures with low fluid fluxes.
Watanabe, Takahiro; Ishii, Chikako; Ishizaka, Chika; Niwa, Masakazu; Shimada, Koji; Sawai, Yuki*; Tsuchiya, Noriyoshi*; Matsunaka, Tetsuya*; Ochiai, Shinya*; Nara, Fumiko*
Journal of Mineralogical and Petrological Sciences, 116(3), p.140 - 158, 2021/00
Times Cited Count：3 Percentile：57.65(Mineralogy)A portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (potable XRF) can be an effective tool for detecting chemical elements in various materials, such as geological, and environmental samples. In this study, working curves were confirmed using reference materials, such as igneous rocks and other geochemical standards, distributed by national and international organizations. Subsequently, quantification and semi-quantification analyses were performed by the portable XRF for inorganic elements in (A) fault rocks, (B) lake sediments from the middle Japan, and (C) soils with paleotsunami deposits from the Pacific coast of northeast Japan. Twenty-four elements (Mg-U) in these geological samples were measured by potable XRF using our working curves. Measured values by the portable XRF of the samples were good agreement with the reported values in almost cases.
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.
Niwa, Masakazu
Fisshion, Torakku Nyusureta, (33), p.22 - 24, 2020/10
Understanding of an impact of fault activity to an underground rock mass is important for a safety assessment for geological disposal. This report introduced the geological survey on the Atotsugawa Fault, central Japan, to investigate spatial distribution and characteristics of fault zones.
Niwa, Masakazu; Ueki, Tadamasa*; Hoshi, Hiroyuki*; Sugisaki, Yuichi*; Yagi, Koshi*; Tozawa, Terumasa
Chishitsugaku Zasshi, 126(9), p.543 - 548, 2020/09
A large number of paleomagnetic and chronological studies have contributed to the elucidation of the early Miocene clockwise rotation of Southwest Japan associated with the major opening of back-arc basins of the Japan Sea. Paleomagnetic data from an andesitic parallel dike swarm in the Takane area, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, Central Japan, were previously reported, showing the easterly deflection of the observed magnetization direction compared to an early Miocene expected paleomagnetic direction. This must represent the clockwise rotation during the opening of the Japan Sea, if the dike swarm was intruded before the opening event. Here, we report new K-Ar hornblende ages from an andesite dike of the dike swarm. These ages are statistically indistinguishable, indicating emplacement of the dike swarm before the clockwise rotation.
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; Ueki, Tadamasa*; Hoshi, Hiroyuki*; Sugisaki, Yuichi*
JAEA-Research 2020-003, 33 Pages, 2020/07
JAEA-Research-2020-003.pdf:5.69MB
Ages of volcanic rocks are helpful information to understand the impact of volcanism concerning a site characterization and a safety assessment for geological disposal. In this study, mineralogical and geochemical data of altered volcanic rocks were collected using a polarizing microscope, X-ray diffractometer, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, X-ray analytical microscope, and electron probe microanalyzer, to select targets suitable for reliable K-Ar dating. In addition, sample preparation procedures such as freeze-thawing and HCl treatment were examined to concentrate unaltered plagioclase which is one of major phenocrysts in volcanic rocks. These data and procedures were compiled in this report.
