Major Actu\ivity
Major Activities (GSJ)
Major activities and fields of research
Other Info ...
The Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ) is the only national institute
for integrated earth science research in Japan. It was established in
1882 with the aims of making geological maps of the country and to
undertake research related to the exploration of mineral resources.
GSJ has contributed to the rapid progress in geophysical and
geochemical exploration methods for minerals since 1950's.
In response to changing social needs, since the 1970's it has
expanded scientific activities into the additional fields of marine
geology, geothermal research, local and global environmental issues,
and prediction and prevention of natural hazards.
GSJ encourages international collaboration with many countries
and communities, and dissemination of geoscientific information to
the public.
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Maintenance of an adequate supply of energy and mineral resources
is a crucial issue for our country. We aim to evaluate the domestic
potential of mineral resources, geothermal and fuel energy resources,
and also to explore geological fields abroad. Our research is supported
by advanced geoscientific knowledge and technology, and international
cooperation.
-Exploration of non-conventional energy resources
-Evaluation of deep geothermal energy
Hypocenter distribution (red crosses) in the Kakkonda geothermal
field, northern Japan
Microearthquakes often occur in geothermal fields due to changes
in pore pressure in reservoir fractures, associated with the
production and re-injection of geothermal fluids. The clusters of
microearthquakes delineate geothermal reservoirs suitable for
exploration. A temperature of over 500¡C, as predicted, was measured
in the bottom (3729 m) of well NEDO WD-1 in the Kakkonda geothermal
field in northern Japan.
Model of Osorezan-type gold deposit
Hydrothermal activity in the Osorezan caldera, northern Japan,
represents a unique type of volcano-hosted gold mineralization.
The hydrothermal system is a spectacular example of an active
gold depositing environment. The sediment in the ancient eruption
crater is highly enriched in Au, Hg, As, Te, Pb and Zn.
The gold mineralization at Osorezan is unique also because of the
presence of magmatic-dominant waters in the hot springs.
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Extended industrial activities may cause serious damage to the global
and local environment, while our integrated and overgrown
infrastructure (industries, information, transportation etc.) is still
vulnerable to natural hazards. We conduct baseline geoscientific
studies on protection of the global and local environment, prediction
of earthquake and volcanic eruption, technology of radioactive waste,
and carbon cycling through oceans.
-Protection of global environment
-Sustainable land use and mitigation of geohazards in urban areas
-Geological evaluation of processing technology of radioactive waste
-Study of earthquakes, active faults and volcanoes
A time-series sediment trap (Left) and a trapped calcareous
planktonic foraminifer (Right; 0.8 mm dia.)
Global warming caused by CO2, a greenhouse gas, is one of the most
serious environmental issues facing humanity. The long term history of
carbon in its chief reservoir, the global ocean, is revealed by
sedimentological, geochemical and biological studies of changes in
climate, material cycling and other environmental parameters in the
modern and past oceans.
Surface fault rupture associated with the 1995 Earthquake
The1995 Hyogo-ken Nanbu (Kobe) Earthquake of MJMA 7.2 (MS >6.9)
caused a 10.5 km long surface fault rupture to appear along the active
fault system on the coast of Awaji Island, central Japan.
GSJ has been carrying out paleoseismological study on the faulting
histories of major active faults in Japan to evaluate the probability of
earthquakes in the near future.
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International collaboration and the exchange of scientific and
technological data increases our shared knowledge and aids the
development of new technologies available for development and
management of resources and prediction of natural hazards.
The International Geology Office assists and coordinates various
scientific activities and projects in the East and Southeast Asia and
other areas world-wide, which are supported by international
agreements, official development assistance, and United Nation
programs.
-Contribution to geoscience research in East and Southeast Asia
Digital compilation of regional geologic maps of East and
Southeast Asia (Vladivostok area)
To help promote regional cooperation in geoscience, geological,
tectonic, geophysical and geo-hazard maps are compiled in
collaboration with national geologic organizations in this region.
The introduction of new digital methods is also an objective of
the project. Close collaboration and discussion over many years have
been required to establish criteria for map compilations which enable
the expertise of all members of the research team to be truly shared.
Remote sensing of geomorphic features near Dunhuang
in western China
Remote sensing is a technique to obtain images of geomorphic
features using the sensors on board artificial satellites or airplanes.
The technique is most helpful in areas without enough existing
land-based data.
We are applying remote sensing techniques in many areas overseas.
We are also undertaking research and development to improve the
analytical resolution of remote sensing and to better address user
requirements on the specifications of remote sensors.
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Fundamental theoretical and experimental studies and the
development of new analytical techniques are needed to understand
many geological problems, including those relating to mineral
resource exploration and environmental issues.
-Development of state-of-the-art techniques for earth sciences
Observations of energy and material fluxes in mid-oceanic ridges
The mid-oceanic ridges consist of giant, largely submarine volcano
chains totaling 70,000 km in length. Volcanic activity on such a large
scale can have a dramatic effect on the global marine environment and
climate.
Marine geologists, geochemists, and biologists have studied the
southern part of the East Pacific Rise to evaluate fluxes of heat and
materials to the ocean. Using the manned submersible "Shinkai 6000",
we found that this area produces of the greatest discharge of
volcanogenic materials known on Earth.
Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS)
The recently installed Cameca ims 1270 SIMS with high sensitivity
and high mass resolving power can determine fine-scale isotopic
variations in grained mineral intergrowth. The sample surface is
sputtered by a fine beam of primary ions, producing secondary ions
that are detected using a double-focusing mass spectrometer.
SIMS-documented heterogeneity or homogeneity of geological
samples at different scales answers many key questions of earth and
planetary sciences, such as the source of ore fluid responsible for
formation of mineral deposits.
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Whereas the major geological issue in the early industrialized
Japan was the development of natural resources, current public
interest focuses disaster prevention and mitigation, global
environmental issues, waste disposal, and land development.
More than 100 published geologic maps of 1:50,000 scale, including
maps of earthquake prone regions, have been utilized by various
communities for these and other purposes. Many strip maps around
disastrous active faults and active tectonic maps are published from
current earthquake research.
Other types of maps and databases are also being published in the
fields of marine geology, urban geology, water and mineral resources,
and geophysics.
-Publication of journals and maps
-Construction of public-access computer databases
-Geological Museum and Curatorial Works
Publication of digital geologic data on CD-ROM is now in progress.
The public can get access to a open bibliographic database for geology
on the Japanese islands and other information from GSJ via the internet.
Inquiries and questions about geosciences are accepted any time at
the Consultation Office, Geologic Museum, and Geologic Information
Center. The URL of the homepage of GSJ is
: www.gsj.go.jp/HomePage.html.
Geological map 1:50,000 "Chokaisan and Fukura"
Geological maps, overprinted on topography, show the distribution,
nature, age and structural relationships of rock units. The maps have
been made through skillful and careful examination of many rock
outcrops and samples by GSJ geologists.
About 70% of the land area of Japan has been covered at this scale.
High-resolution aeromagnetic anomaly map in the Kobe area
An aeromagnetic survey is a useful method for investigating
subsurface structure. This magnetic map reveals the characteristics
and distribution of each geologic unit and other artifacts in the city
area. Distance of the map is about 80 km across.
GSJ scientists helping children to identify their collections
The GSJ Geological Museum has permanent exhibitions for general
and educational purposes of minerals, rocks, fossils and of recent
research progress. The Museum holds special exhibitions once or twice
a year and also gives a special service of identification of minerals,
rocks, and fossils for school children at the end of summer vacation.
New Geoscience Annex building
The building was constructed to give more emphasis to the public
service function of GSJ. Facilities and computers for the compilation
and organization of useful geoscientific information are assembled
within the building.
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[Outline of the Geological Survey of Japan, 1997 (c) GSJ,
modified by GRC/TM 1998-08-24/1994-08-29]
