Geological information infrastructure

Geological maps displaying geological soil information provide basic information on the national land. They are helpful in ensuring protection against disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, assessing environmental preservation, and exploring resources, and serve as a foundation of the well being of the populace.

Use as disaster prevention data

Japan has incurred various natural disasters related to geological conditions. Geological maps can be fundamental data for predicting the occurrence of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides to reduce damages. They can also be used as fundamental data for examining land sinking, etc.

Use as environmental preservation data

Geological soil information is indispensable as basic information for assessing natural soil contamination and predicting the expansion of contaminants due to the flow of groundwater. It can also be used in working aimed at solving global issues such as global warming (ex. subsurface treatment of CO₂).

Use as data for exploring and assessing resources

Geological maps show the distribution of petroleum, coal, natural gas, metal ore deposits, geothermal resources, aggregate resources, and other natural resources.

Use as data for increasing the well being of the populace

Geological maps provide fundamental knowledge so as to enrich people’s lives, such as the location of hot springs, scenic gorges, or white sand beaches, or places where people can enjoy high quality spring water.

Regional geological map “Tanigumi” (1/50,000)
5万分の1地質図幅「谷汲」

Regional geological map “Tanigumi” (1/50,000):The Neodani Fault (active fault), which caused the Nobi earthquake (M8.0) of 1891, is located in the Seino region in Gifu Prefecture. Right after the earthquake, pictures of the fault scarp were taken at Midori in Neo village (present-day Motosu City). This regional geological map “Tanigumi” denotes the geological features and distribution of strata of the entire region, including the location of said fault scarp and active fault.

Mt. Fuji geological map
富士火山地質図

Mt. Fuji geological map: This map denotes the geological features of Mt. Fuji. Traces of lava flows and pyroclastic flows can be observed from the top of Mt. Fuji due to several eruptions in the past. The cross section on the right reveals the presence of ancient volcanic bodies, active in the past, and now hidden underneath present-day Mt. Fuji.

Regional geological map “Tateyama” (1/50,000)
5万分の1地質図幅「立山」

Regional geological map “Tateyama” (1/50,000): Mt. Tateyama in the North Alps is famous as one of the top alpine tourist destination in Japan. The mountain was formed in part through volcanic activity. This regional geological map “Tateyama” shows the details of the 1958 landslide disaster thereat, as well as distribution of eruption byproducts and formulation of a caldera.