Natural Hazards in Japan

Frequency of mass movements in Japan per year.

• 500 mass movements

• 1,050 mass movements

• 2,000 mass movements

• 750 mass movements

Types of eruptions at Sakurajima

• Strombolian and Plinian eruptions

• Hawaiian and Vulcanian eruptions

• Phreatomagmatic and Freatic eruptions

• Surtseyan and Subplinian eruptions

Atmospheric hazards in Japan

• Tornadoes and droughts

• Typhoons and flooding

• Earthquakes and tsunamis

• Blizzards and heatwaves

Importance of surface geology mapping

• Weak rocks like clay can amplify ground shaking, leading to damage and liquefaction.

• Surface geology mapping is only important for mineral exploration.

• Surface geology mapping has no impact on earthquake preparedness.

• Surface geology mapping is primarily used for agricultural purposes.

Map showing Sakurajima Volcano with isopachyte lines indicating tephra deposit depth.

• The map shows potential tephra deposit depths and built-up areas.

• The map indicates the location of active lava flows.

• The map displays the historical eruptions of Sakurajima.

• The map outlines the evacuation routes for nearby residents.

Sakurajima volcano location

• Located in northern Honshu, 10 km from Sendai.

• Located in southern Kyushu, 6 km from Kagoshima.

• Located in central Shikoku, 8 km from Matsuyama.

• Located in western Hokkaido, 5 km from Sapporo.

Plinian eruptions

• Named after Pliny, who witnessed the eruption of Vesuvius in AD79.

• A type of eruption characterized by low viscosity lava flows.

• Named after the Roman general who conquered Pompeii.

• A volcanic eruption that produces a large amount of ash and gas.

Purpose of disaster anniversaries

• To celebrate the resilience of communities

• To remind people of their vulnerability and educate them about hazards.

• To promote tourism in affected areas

• To raise funds for disaster relief organizations.

Warmer air masses increase the likelihood of flash floods in Japan.

• True

• False

• Only during summer months

• Only in coastal areas

Responses to Typhoon Hagibis included urging over seven million people to leave homes.

• 50,000 people stayed in shelters.

• 100,000 people evacuated to other cities.

• 75,000 people were rescued by the coast guard.

• 30,000 people remained in their homes.