Landforms and Geology in Japan
Overview
- Japan in a subduction zone
- Outline of landforms and geology
- Submarine topography
- Formation history of the Japanese Islands
- Volcanoes
- Regional division (for reading contents)
Regional

- Hokkaido
- Northeastern Honshu (Tohoku)
- Central Honshu (Kanto and Chubu)
- Southwestern Honshu (Kinki and Chugoku) and Shikoku
- Kyushu
- Nansei Islands
- Izu-Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands
Topics
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Structures found on wave-cut benches in the southern Miura Peninsula Various interesting structures, such as structural relief, faults, vein structure, chaotic rock, and duplex, are found on uplifted wave-cut benches in the southern Miura Peninsula near Tokyo. |
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Accretionary lapilli Accretionary lapilli are pellets of very fine volcanic ash formed by accretion in eruptive columns. This topic introduces accretionary lapilli in the Boso Peninsula which suggests the location an old vanished volcano. |
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The 1888 eruption of Bandai-san and
colored lakes The 1888 eruption caused widespread damage, changed landforms and formed many lakes. Some of the lakes have impressive colors. What is making the colors? |
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Tei mélange and Muroto -- Shimanto accretionary complex Good exposures of accretionary complex rocks which are essentials in development of island arc, and records of uplifts in Muroto |
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Columnar joints and landscapes Erosion of rocks developed columnar joints often creates splendid landscapes. This topic introduces six scenic spots of columnar jointing: Tsumekizaki, Kawazu Nanadaru, Jogasaki Coast, Hinomisaki, and Takachihokyo. |
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| Goshogake and Tamagawa
hot springs Mud volcanoes in the Goshogake hot springs and volumes of pH 1.2 hot water discharged in the Tamagawa hot springs demonstrate lively geothermal activities. |
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| Neodani fault The Neodani fault caused the huge Nobi earthquake in 1891. The Earthquake Fault Observation Museum has a trench to exhibit 6-m vertical offset of the Neodani fault. |


