Thermal expansion of single-crystal tephroite

The thermal expansion of tephroite (Mn₂SiO₄) at temperatures between 25 and 850°C has been determined by a dilatometric technique. The analysis of data in terms of Grüneisen's theory yields the Grüneisen's parameter γ=1.04, and the pressure derivative of rigidity (?G/?P)=0.7.     

Examination of a Correction Procedure for the Flow Attenuation in Orthogonal Sonic Anemometers

In this study we examine the calibration of wind speed measured by a sonic anemometer, with an orthogonal probe configuration, with regard to the approximation of the flow angle, and the wind-speed dependence of the flow attenuation attributed to the transducer shadow. The flow angle should be calculated by the iterative method when the attenuation is relatively high. For a probe manufactured by Kaijo Co. TR-61C, the wind-speed dependence of the transducer shadow effect is formulated from the results of the wind-tunnel experiment. Assuming the equation is applicable to field observations, significant errors possibly remain especially when the wind speed is low, and /or the angle between the flow vector and the sonic path is small, if the wind-speed dependence in measurement errors is neglected.     

Tree ring information and rainfall characteristic for landslide in the Kobe District,Japan

Heavy rainfall on the south side of the Rokko Mountains has often caused severe landslides and debris flows. Analysis of the annual summation of rainfall in excess of 100 mm/day shows that the rainfall in this area has dominant periodicities of about 25–30, 10–13, and 5–7 years. The period of about 25–30 years corresponds to that of occurrence of the natural disasters produced by heavy rainfall; years when the maximum rainfall correspond to years when there have been severe landslides and debris flows in the area. Temporal change in this rainfall may provide a first approximation for erosional force. Analyses of tree ring width from these mountains indicate that the sequences have a dominant periodicity of about 25–30 years. Cross-spectral analyses for rainfall and ring width in this area show high coherency for the periods of about 25–30 years; evidence that variations in the ring width may be used as proxy data for erosional force.     

Quartz microtextures of the Sambagawa schists and their implications in convergent margin processes

Abstract Quartz c-axis fabrics of the Sambagawa schists produced along a late Mesozoic convergent plate margin were analysed so that their tectono-metamorphic history could be clarified. It has been noted by many authors that quartz fabrics produced by earlier phase deformation are easily modified by strain increment during later phase deformation. This paper attempts to elucidate the high-temperature phases of prograde metamorphism (Sim-Bim phase) and of retrograde metamorphism (Sb₁ phase and Sb₂₋₁ phase) from quartz grains included in garnet and plagioclase porphyroblasts. Quartz c-axis fabrics for all these phases are explained in terms of a type I crossed girdle, without (only rarely with) higher concentration in the principal axis of strain Y (X>Y>Z), that must have been produced by the activity of a dominant slip system such as rhomb and basal. As a result, the plastic deformation of quartz, which was responsible for the formation of the type I crossed girdle, occurred even under temperatures greater than 500°C and pressures a little greater than 10–11 kb, which correspond to the physical condition of the Sim-Bim phase. It has been assumed that a high strain rate (and/or low H₂O content) caused rhomb and basal to be active as dominant slip systems in the subduction zone related to the formation of the Sambagawa schists even under high temperatures (> 500°C).     

Geoengineering techniques used in the construction of underground openings in jointed rocks

Aoki, K. and Shiogama, Y., 1993. Geoengineering techniques used in the construction of underground openings in jointed rocks. In: M. Langer, K. Hoshino and K. Aoki (Editors), Engineering Geology in the Utilization of Underground Space.Eng. Geol., 35: 167–173.

Examples of underground openings used for pumped storage hydroelectric power stations and storage facilities for crude oil in Japan are described. In these examples the observational construction technique is important to compensate for missing data in the preliminary surveys. Some new drilling and assessment techniques that have been developed are also introduced.     

Dynamic behaviour of pile foundations in homogeneous and non-homogeneous media

A three-dimensional formulation based on Green's functions of cylindrical loads in layered semi-infinite media is employed to investigate the dynamic behaviour of piles in homogeneous and non-homogeneous half spaces. The pile-soil-pile interaction taking place in pile groups is incorporated in the model. The results presented in this paper include the dynamic stiffnesses and dampings of single piles as well as those of representative 2 × 2 and 4 × 4 square pile groups in the soil media considered in this study. In addition, the distribution of forces applied on the pile cap among the individual piles in a group is investigated.     

Seismotectonics of the Median Tectonic Line in southwest Japan: Implications for coupling among major fault systems

The relationship between the slip activity and occurrence of historical earthquakes along the Median Tectonic Line (MTL), together with that of the fault systems extending eastward has been examined. The MTL is divided into three segments, each containing diagnostic active faults. No historical earthquakes have been recorded along the central segment, although the segment has faster Quaternary slip rates compared with the other segments that have generated historical earthquakes. This discrepancy between earthquake generation and slip rate can be explained by a microplate model of southwest Japan. The microplate model also provides spatial and temporal coupling of slip on adjacent fault systems. In the context of this model, slip on adjacent faults reduces the normal stress on the MTL. Historical data and paleoseismic evidence indicate that slip on this segment occurs without significant strong ground motion. We interpret this as indicating anomalously slow seismic slip or aseismic slip. Slip on the central segment of the MTL creates transpressional regions at the eastern and western segments where historical earthquakes were recorded. Alternatively, the earthquakes at the eastern and western segments were triggered and concentrated shear stress at the edge of the segments resulted in postseismic slip along the central segment. The sequence of historical events suggests that the MTL characteristically does not produce great earthquakes. The microplate model also provides a tectonic framework for coupling of events among the MTL, the adjacent fault systems and the Nankai trough.     

Effects of bathymetry on tsunami propagation: Application of ray tracing to tsunamis

Ray tracing of seismic surface waves is applied to tsunami propagation to examine bathymetric effect along its propagation path. Computations are made for trans-Pacific tsunamis and for near-field tsunamis in the Japan Sea. For tsunamis across the Pacific Ocean, the comparison to a uniform ocean shows that focusing and defocusing, due to bathymetry, are significant for some combinations of source and receiver. For example, the refraction of rays is predominant at the East Pacific Rise for the tsunami from Chile. The tsunamis in the Japan Sea are strongly affected by the shallow Yamato Rise. The predicted arrival time and amplitude distribution generally agree with the observations from an actual tsunami. Since the computation can be made very quickly, the method is useful for preliminary analysis of tsunami propagation, such as in an operational warning system or in the determination of computational area for finite-difference computation.