The Kobe University Submarine Exploration Center (KOBEC) is believed to have been formed after this eruption in the submarine volcano "Kikai Caldera" off the coast of Kagoshima Prefecture, which caused the most recent (7300 years ago) giant caldera eruption in the Japanese archipelago. I found a large lava dome.With a volume of more than 32 cubic kilometers, it is said to be one of the largest in the world.
It is said that a "giant caldera eruption" that erupts magma of 40 cubic kilometers or more at once will occur in the Japanese archipelago with a probability of about 100% in the next 1 years, and once it occurs, it is expected to cause great damage.Elucidation of the mechanism of occurrence and examination of eruption prediction are urgent issues.
So far, KOBEC has conducted three exploration voyages using the "Fukae Maru" training ship attached to the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences, Kobe University, at the Kikai Caldera.We have conducted precision seafloor topography surveys, seismic reflection surveys, observations with underwater robots, collection and analysis of rock samples, and observations using seafloor seismometers and potential difference meters.
As a result, it was confirmed that the largest lava dome on the earth, which exceeds 7300 cubic kilometers, was formed in a short time after the eruption of the huge caldera 32 years ago.The lava is also said to have different chemical properties from the ejecta of the giant caldera eruption 7300 years ago, which means that the Kikai caldera has had a large magma chamber since 7300 years ago, and now. Also suggests that it may exist.
In the future, we will confirm the existence of a huge magma chamber by seismological and electromagnetic methods, carry out large-scale underground structural exploration in collaboration with the Ocean Research and Development Organization, etc., and reach the lower part of the crust (about 30 kilometers deep). It is said that it will challenge high-resolution visualization for all magma systems.By monitoring based on the results, he hopes to pave the way for the prediction of a giant caldera eruption.
In addition, Tackey & Tsubasa Hideaki Takizawa is also listed as an author in this paper, and from the spring of 2018, NHK BS Premium will be "Hideaki Takizawa's Volcano Exploration Journey-Approaching the Mystery of the Giant Caldera (tentative)" Has been done.
Paper information:[Scientific Reports] Giant rhyolite lava dome formation after 7.3 ka supereruption at Kikai caldera, SW Japan
