Initialising ...
Initialising ...
Initialising ...
Initialising ...
Initialising ...
Initialising ...
Initialising ...
Kusano, Tomohiro; Ishii, Eiichi
JAEA-Data/Code 2015-024, 6 Pages, 2016/02
Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) is performing the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory Project, which includes a scientific study of the deep geological environment as a basis of research and development for geological disposal of high level radioactive wastes (HLW), in order to establish comprehensive techniques for the investigation, analysis and assessment of the deep geological environment in the sedimentary rock. This report aims at compiling fracture data of drill core obtained from the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory Project (Phase 1).
Umeda, Koji; Asamori, Koichi; Kusano, Tomohiro
Applied Geochemistry, 37, p.134 - 141, 2013/10
Times Cited Count:12 Percentile:39.57(Geochemistry & Geophysics)This study was undertaken to elucidate spatial and temporal changes of He/He ratios around a source region before and after an inland earthquake using both new and existing helium isotope data from hot spring and drinking water wells. Most gas samples near the seismic source region are characterized by increase in postseismic He/He ratios. In contrast, the postseismic ratios decrease by up to about 30% away from the seismic source region. Episodic faulting could release accumulated radiogenic helium from host rocks, or enhance the transfer of mantle volatiles through permeable fault zones, such that subsequent fluid flow proximal to the source region could then explain the spatio-temporal variations in He/He ratios.
Umeda, Koji; Kusano, Tomohiro; Ninomiya, Atsushi*; Asamori, Koichi; Nakajima, Junichi*
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 73, p.95 - 102, 2013/09
Times Cited Count:4 Percentile:12.41(Geosciences, Multidisciplinary)A linear zone with high strain rates along the Japan Sea coast, the Niigata-Kobe Tectonic Zone (NKTZ), is considered to be associated with rheological heterogeneities in the lower crust and/or upper mantle. Helium isotope variations along the NKTZ reveal a close association with the geophysical evidence for rheological heterogeneities in the crust and mantle. In the northern NKTZ where two large inland earthquakes occurred recently, there appear to be many samples with He/He ratios significantly higher than those observed in the fore-arc side of northeast Japan. A plausible source of mantle helium could be attributed to upward mobilization of aqueous fluids generated by dehydration of the subducting Pacific Plate slab.
Umeda, Koji; Ban, Masao*; Hayashi, Shintaro*; Kusano, Tomohiro
Journal of Earth System Science, 122(1), p.137 - 147, 2013/02
Times Cited Count:6 Percentile:18.21(Geosciences, Multidisciplinary)From a compilation and analysis of stratigraphy, radiometric age and data on erupted magma volumes, 176 eruptive episodes identified from 69 volcanoes so far, indicate that notable changes in eruption style, magma discharge rates and distribution of eruptive centers occurred around 1.0 Ma. Before ca. 1.0 Ma in northeast Japan, large-volume felsic eruptions were dominant, forming large calderas in the frontal arc, a region of low crustal strain rate. After ca. 1.0 Ma to the present, the calc-alkaline andesite magma eruptions in the frontal and rear arcs, synchronous with crustal shortening characterized by reverse faulting, resulting in stratovolcano development along narrow uplifted zones.
Umeda, Koji; Kusano, Tomohiro; Asamori, Koichi; McCrank, G. F.*
Journal of Geophysical Research; Solid Earth, 117(B10), p.B10204_1 - B10204_13, 2012/10
Times Cited Count:3 Percentile:12.08(Geochemistry & Geophysics)In order to elucidate the geographic distribution of He/He ratios in Southwest Japan, the data from a total of 924 sites were compiled and synthesized. There appears to be good correlation between variations in mantle helium and the geophysical evidence indicating the configuration of the subducting Philippine Sea plate. The helium isotopes observed on the Earth's surface may be efficient geochemical indicators of the configuration of a relatively younger, warm aseismic slab, especially useful in seismically inactive areas.
Asamori, Koichi; Niwa, Masakazu; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Yamada, Kunimi; Kusano, Tomohiro; Makuuchi, Ayumu; Takatori, Ryoichi; Kokubu, Yoko; Matsubara, Akihiro; Ishimaru, Tsuneari; et al.
JAEA-Research 2012-024, 132 Pages, 2012/09
This annual report documents the progress of R&D in the 2nd fiscal year during the JAEA 2nd Midterm Plan (FY 2010 - 2014) to provide the scientific base for assessing geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the high-level radioactive waste. The planed framework is structured into the following categories: (1) development and systematization of investigation techniques for selecting suitable sites in geosphere stability, (2) development, application and verification 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.
Kusano, Tomohiro; Asamori, Koichi; Umeda, Koji
JAEA-Data/Code 2012-017, 19 Pages, 2012/09
We constructed "Helium Isotopic Database in Japan", which includes isotope ratios of noble gases and chemical compositions of gas samples collected from hot springs and water wells. The helium isotopes are excellent natural tracers for indicating the presence of mantle derived volatiles, because they are chemically inert and thus conserved in crustal rock-water systems. It is common knowledge that mantle degassing does not occur homogeneously over the Earth's surface. The He/He ratios higher than the typical crustal values are interpreted to indicate that transfer of mantle volatiles into the crust by processes or mechanisms such as magmatic intrusion, faulting. In particular the spatial variation of helium isotope ratios could provide a valuable information to identify volcanic regions and tectonically active areas. The database was compiled geochemical data of groundwater from 108 published papers. As a result of the data compiling, the database has 1728 Helium isotopic data.
Asamori, Koichi; Niwa, Masakazu; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Yamada, Kunimi; Kusano, Tomohiro; Makuuchi, Ayumu; Takatori, Ryoichi; Kokubu, Yoko; Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Umeda, Koji
JAEA-Review 2012-024, 44 Pages, 2012/07
The concept of geological disposal of HLW in Japan is based on a multi-barrier system which combines a stable geological environment with a robust barrier system. Potential geological host formations and their surroundings are chosen, in particular, for their long-term stability, taking into account the fact that Japan is located in a tectonically active zone. This report is a plan of research and development (R&D) on geosphere stability for long-term isolation of HLW in JAEA, in fiscal year 2012. The objectives and contents in fiscal year 2012 are described in detail based on the outline of 5 years plan (fiscal years 2010-2014). In addition, the planed 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.
Yasue, Kenichi; Asamori, Koichi; Tanikawa, Shinichi; Yamada, Kunimi; Yamasaki, Seiko; Kokubu, Yoko; Niwa, Masakazu; Doke, Ryosuke; Kusano, Tomohiro; Hanamuro, Takahiro; et al.
JAEA-Research 2011-023, 113 Pages, 2011/10
This annual report documents the progress of R&D in the first fiscal year during the JAEA 2nd Midterm Plan (FY 2010 - 2014) to provide the scientific base for assessing geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the high-level radioactive waste. The planed framework is structured into the following categories: (1) development and systematization of investigation techniques for selecting suitable sites in geosphere stability, (2) development, application and verification 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.
Kosaka, Hiroshi; Saegusa, Hiromitsu; Yasue, Kenichi; Kusano, Tomohiro; Onoe, Hironori
Proceedings of 19th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering (ICONE-19) (CD-ROM), 9 Pages, 2011/10
The methodology for estimation of the long-term evolution of groundwater flow conditions are being developed using approaches on the basis of deductive and inductive methods in the case of Tono area. Based on the studies using the approach on the basis of deductive method, it has been confirmed that the method combining physical modeling of topographic change and groundwater flow simulations is useful for estimating of changes in groundwater flow conditions in the future due to topographic and climatic perturbations. Existing information for estimation of surface hydrological conditions, which are to be used for assignment of boundary conditions for the groundwater flow simulation, has been gathered from many sources and reviewed based on modern-analogue methods. In the studies using the approach on the basis of inductive method, paleo-hydrogeological studies have been carried out on several spatial and time scales. Through the study on the largest spatial scale, a methodology needed to understand changes of groundwater flow conditions due to long-term topographic change is proposed to efficiently identify the area to be carried out site characterization involving field investigations. And then, information to estimate the paleo-topography and paleo-climate has been obtained from literature surveys and field investigations. Through these studies, it has been confirmed that these two approaches are useful for estimation of the long-term evolution of deep groundwater flow conditions.
Yasue, Kenichi; Asamori, Koichi; Kusano, Tomohiro; Kokubu, Yoko; Tanikawa, Shinichi; Niwa, Masakazu; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Yamasaki, Seiko; Yamada, Kunimi; Ishimaru, Tsuneari; et al.
JAEA-Review 2011-023, 43 Pages, 2011/07
The concept of geological disposal of HLW in Japan is based on a multibarrier system which combines a stable geological environment with an engineered barrier system. Potential geological host formations and their surroundings are chosen, in particular, for their long-term stability, taking into account the fact that Japan is located in a tectonically active zone. This report is a plan of research and development (R&D) for geosphere stability for long-term isolation of HLW in JAEA, in fiscal year 2011. The objectives and contents in fiscal year 2011 are described in detail based on the outline of 5 years plan (fiscal years 2010-2014). In addition, 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.
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
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.
Umeda, Koji; Asamori, Koichi; Negi, Tateyuki; Kusano, Tomohiro
Journal of Geophysical Research, 116(B1), p.B01207_1 - B01207_12, 2011/01
Times Cited Count:15 Percentile:42.25(Geochemistry & Geophysics)A magnitude () 7.3 intraplate earthquake occurred in the western Tottori area, southwest Japan, on 6 October 2000, where there was no apparent prefaulting subsurface indication of the source fault of the 2000 earthquake. Magnetotelluric soundings were taken in and around the aftershocks occurred in order to image 3D electrical resistivity structure at depths of up to 40 km, which could indicate an anomalous conductor in the crust to the upper mantle on the southwest side of the source fault. Free gas and dissolved gases collected from groundwater wells around the seismic source region are characterized by He/He ratios several times higher than the atmospheric value. Although alkali basalts of early Pleistocene age are sparsely distributed in the western Tottori area, the observed He/He ratios are higher than the calculated He/He ratio derived from the ancient magmatism, considering post-extrusive radiogenic ingrowth of He by decay of U and Th included in the magma. Therefore, it is concluded that the geophysical anomaly imaged to the southwest of the source fault is attributed to latent magmatism in the present-day subduction system. Aqueous fluids separated from the cooling crustal magma could cause deep low-frequency earthquakes around the Moho discontinuity and migrate into the brittle upper crust. In addition, the presence of aqueous fluid is expected to weaken the crustal materials. Locally anelastic deformation, implying notable compressive deformation in the E-W direction, was observed in the region where aftershocks were distributed. Under overpressure conditions, the existing fault could serve as a pathway for aqueous fluids expelled from magma with high He/He ratios, so that the upwelling of overpressurized fluids toward the Earth's surface results in the emanation of groundwaters with high He/He ratios along the trace of the source fault segments.
Yasue, Kenichi; Asamori, Koichi; Yamada, Kunimi; Kokubu, Yoko; Yamasaki, Seiko; Kurosawa, Hideki; Tanikawa, Shinichi; Negi, Tateyuki; Kusano, Tomohiro; Hanamuro, Takahiro; et al.
JAEA-Review 2010-034, 42 Pages, 2010/09
The concept of geological disposal of HLW in Japan is based on a multibarrier system which combines a stable geological environment with an engineered barrier system. Potential geological host formations and their surroundings are chosen, in particular, for their long-term stability, taking into account the fact that Japan is located in a tectonically active zone. This report is a plan of research and development (R&D) for geosphere stability for long-term isolation of HLW in JAEA, in fiscal year 2010. The objectives and contents in fiscal year 2010 are described in detail based on the outline of 5 years plan (fiscal years 2010-2014). In addition, 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.
Umeda, Koji; Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Yasue, Kenichi; Asamori, Koichi; Yamada, Kunimi; Kokubu, Yoko; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Tanikawa, Shinichi; Kusano, Tomohiro
JAEA-Review 2010-030, 48 Pages, 2010/09
The concept of geological disposal of HLW in Japan is based on a multibarrier system which combines a stable geological environment with an engineered barrier system. Potential geological host formations and their surroundings are chosen, in particular, for their long-term stability, taking into account the fact that Japan is located in a tectonically active zone. This report is to outline 5 years plan (fiscal years 2010-2014) of research and development (R&D) for geosphere stability for long-term isolation of the high-level radioactive waste in JAEA. Background of this research are clarified with the necessity and the significance, and the past progresses in this report. The objectives, outline, contents and schedule during the next 5 years are described in detail. In addition, 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.
Kusano, Tomohiro; Yasue, Kenichi; Takeuchi, Ryuji; Saegusa, Hiromitsu; Miyahara, Tomoya*
JAEA-Review 2009-079, 56 Pages, 2010/03
We paid attention to near-surface hydrology which influence the change of groundwater flow characteristic to grasp generally the width of long-term change of the geological environment condition with climatic / sea-level changes, and collected the data of evapotranspiration of 84 districts shown in about 50 parts domestic and foreign documents about evapotranspiration that it was difficult in the data of near-surface hydrology and arranged information about annual evapotranspiration. We collected the data of current Japan and the world district in a high latitude area (an area resemble climate of Japan of the glacial epoch) to consider the width of the change of near-surface hydrology with the climate change because data of the warmness period chilliness period in Japan were necessary. We compiled these information to the table which showed calculation technique or quantity of position / basin characteristic / evapotranspiration / precipitation every district.
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
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.
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
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.
Nohara, Tsuyoshi; Umeda, Koji; Sasao, Eiji; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Saito, Tatsuo; Yasue, Kenichi; Niwa, Masakazu; Mashima, Hidehisa*; Shimada, Koji; Yamada, Kunimi; et al.
JAEA-Research 2008-062, 61 Pages, 2008/07
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 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 2006, we carried out the following researches, to confirm existence of the phenomena that have influences on geological disposal system, and to develop the research techniques to reconstruct the history of these phenomena. For studies of active faulting and seismic activity, we reviewed the existing techniques to research past activities and distribution of active faults (migration, extension, development process of a deformation zone). For volcanological and geothermal studies, we extracted a technique 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. For studies of uplift/denudation and climatic/sea-level change, we constructed conceptual models such as landform development model.
Yasue, Kenichi; Tajikara, Masayoshi; Saegusa, Hiromitsu; Niwa, Masakazu; Kurosawa, Hideki; Kusano, Tomohiro
no journal, ,
The stability of geological environments is influenced by natural events such as uplift, denudation, and climate variation. It is important for the geological disposal of nuclear wastes to assess the stability of geological environments. The purpose of this study is to establish the comprehensive techniques and method to evaluate the effects of topographic and climatic variations on groundwater flow condition. For this purpose, we developed the following techniques. (1) Research techniques for paleo-topography and paleo-climate (2) Modeling and simulation techniques for landform development (3) Simulation techniques of groundwater flow in consideration of the time-variation of geological environment. In this presentation, we introduce briefly the some of research results.