[O-05] Understanding of formation process of Japanese archipelago from Japanese Geoparks

[O05-P22] Geology, topography and life of the people in Oita Himeshima Geopark

*Yu Horiuchi¹, Takeaki Suga¹, Norimitsu Suka¹ (1.Oita Himeshima Geopark Promotion Office)

Keywords:Quaternary, monogenetic volcano, Seto Inland Sea, the West Japan Volcanic Belt, sand bar, coastal erosion

Oita Himeshima Geopark is a certified Japanese Geopark as of 2013, known as "A mysterious island formed from volcanoes". Himeshima is an isolated island, which is located westernmost area of Seto Inland Sea, Southwest Japan. The island measures 2.6 km from the north to the south, and 6.6 km from the east to the west, and has a perimeter of 17 km.
Himeshima is located on the West Japan Volcanic Belt and characterized by the Quaternary monogenetic volcanoes. Coastal erosion and sedimentation of the Seto Inland Sea formed unique topography of Himeshima. Life, history, and culture of the people are also attractive aspects of the Oita Himeshima Geopark.
In this presentation, we discuss the formation process of the topography and geology found in Himeshima with the positioning in the Japanese archipelago, and the relationship with the life, history and culture of the people living there.