Necessity of Activities to Promote Public Understanding of the Nature of Science (NoS) in Geoparks: The Case of the Kita-Tajima Earthquake

Norihito Kawamura

Presentation information

[J] Poster

M (Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary) » M-IS Intersection

[M-IS10] Geopark

Mon. May 26, 2025 5:15 PM - 7:15 PM Poster Hall (Exhibition Hall 7&8, Makuhari Messe)

convener:Takayuki Ogata(Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus), Tatsuto Aoki(School of Regional Development Studies, Kanazawa University), Marekazu OHNO(General Incorporated Association Mt.Chokai and Tobishima Island Geopark Promotion Council), Ryosuke Doke(Graduate School of Science and Technology, Hirosaki University)

5:15 PM - 7:15 PM

[MIS10-P03] Necessity of Activities to Promote Public Understanding of the Nature of Science (NoS) in Geoparks: The Case of the Kita-Tajima Earthquake

*Norihito Kawamura¹ (1.School of Regional Resource Management, Graduate School, University of Hyogo)

Keywords:San'in Kaigan geopark, Kita-Tajima earthquake, science literacy, nature of science

Toyooka City Hall in Hyogo Prefecture changed the epicenter (original epicenter) of the Kita-Tajima Earthquake (1925) from “near the mouth of the Maruyama River” on its website to “the lower right bank of the Maruyama River” on May 23, 2024. In response to this, it was reported that some citizens were puzzled by the sudden change. This article discusses the background of this confusion regarding the major earthquake 100 years ago, and argues for the significance of improving the understanding of the Nature of Science (NoS) as a form of citizen education by the Geopark's management organization. The significance of the promotion of understanding the Nature of Science (NoS) as a form of public education by the Geopark management organization is discussed.