9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
[MIS08-02] Uniqueness of the Tokachidake area as a geopark
Keywords:Tokachidake Geopark, active volcano, large-scale pyroclastic flow deposits, snowmelt-type lahar
There are 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) in the world (as of January 2024). Based on detailed reviews of scientific research papers, geological maps, and websites by geopark management organizations, 23 UGGps have active volcanoes (volcanoes that have been active within the past 10,000 years) and 14 have Quaternary volcanoes (excluding active volcanoes). Therefore, 19% of the UGGps have volcanoes. Regardless of the age of activity, more than half of the UGGps have traces of former volcanic activity, such as volcanic rocks and pyroclastic materials.
Meanwhile, Tokachidake Geopark was recognized as a Japanese Geopark (not a UNESCO Global Geopark) on January 28, 2022. The area encompasses the towns of Biei and Kamifurano in the center of Hokkaido. Mt. Tokachidake, an active volcano, is located at the southeastern part of the geopark, and a series of quaternary volcanoes with elevations of approximately 2,000 m extend from the eastern side of the area to Daisetsuzan (Asahidake). Thus, most of the geological history in the Tokachidake Geopark is related to volcanic activity. The landscape of the area is dominated by the active volcano, the volcanic chain formed in the past million years, and the wavelike hills formed by large-scale pyroclastic flow deposits. In addition, a disaster caused by the snowmelt-type volcanic mudflow following the eruption of Tokachidake on May 24, 1926, and the recovery process is important aspects of the local history. The natural environment, industry, and culture of the region are all closely related to volcanic activity, and the goals of the geopark activities are also focused on creating a region that coexists with the active volcano.
There are many UGGps in the world with similar characteristics to Tokachidake. For example, there are a number of UGGps with large pyroclastic flow deposits in the Japanese archipelago and Indonesia (e.g., Toya-Usu, Aso, and Batur). There are also UGGps that experience snowmelt-type volcanic mudflows in areas where glaciers and perennial snow exist (e.g., Kütralkura, Chile; Katla, Iceland). Unzen Volcanic Area is probably the best example of a UGGp that focuses on volcanic disasters and recovery.
However, the following features are considered unique to Tokachidake: (1) it has repeatedly erupted on a large scale throughout Quaternary, (2) because it is located in a cold region, volcanic landforms dating back several hundred years can be observed without being covered by vegetation, (3) the volcanic activity has been featured as a motif in many artistic and literary works produced in the area, and (4) the local community and government are working together to prevent volcanic disasters.
Volcanoes, which allow visitors to experience dynamic changes in topography and natural environment, are an attractive theme in the world of geoparks, and geopark activities are being conducted in many regions. Tokachidake Geopark is unique in that local industry, culture, and history are directly related to volcanic activities, and is expected to attract global attention in the future.
Meanwhile, Tokachidake Geopark was recognized as a Japanese Geopark (not a UNESCO Global Geopark) on January 28, 2022. The area encompasses the towns of Biei and Kamifurano in the center of Hokkaido. Mt. Tokachidake, an active volcano, is located at the southeastern part of the geopark, and a series of quaternary volcanoes with elevations of approximately 2,000 m extend from the eastern side of the area to Daisetsuzan (Asahidake). Thus, most of the geological history in the Tokachidake Geopark is related to volcanic activity. The landscape of the area is dominated by the active volcano, the volcanic chain formed in the past million years, and the wavelike hills formed by large-scale pyroclastic flow deposits. In addition, a disaster caused by the snowmelt-type volcanic mudflow following the eruption of Tokachidake on May 24, 1926, and the recovery process is important aspects of the local history. The natural environment, industry, and culture of the region are all closely related to volcanic activity, and the goals of the geopark activities are also focused on creating a region that coexists with the active volcano.
There are many UGGps in the world with similar characteristics to Tokachidake. For example, there are a number of UGGps with large pyroclastic flow deposits in the Japanese archipelago and Indonesia (e.g., Toya-Usu, Aso, and Batur). There are also UGGps that experience snowmelt-type volcanic mudflows in areas where glaciers and perennial snow exist (e.g., Kütralkura, Chile; Katla, Iceland). Unzen Volcanic Area is probably the best example of a UGGp that focuses on volcanic disasters and recovery.
However, the following features are considered unique to Tokachidake: (1) it has repeatedly erupted on a large scale throughout Quaternary, (2) because it is located in a cold region, volcanic landforms dating back several hundred years can be observed without being covered by vegetation, (3) the volcanic activity has been featured as a motif in many artistic and literary works produced in the area, and (4) the local community and government are working together to prevent volcanic disasters.
Volcanoes, which allow visitors to experience dynamic changes in topography and natural environment, are an attractive theme in the world of geoparks, and geopark activities are being conducted in many regions. Tokachidake Geopark is unique in that local industry, culture, and history are directly related to volcanic activities, and is expected to attract global attention in the future.