From ‘source to sink’ to ‘sink to source’: a review of volcanic fluvial and lacustrine successions in Japan

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Abstract Volcaniclastic sedimentological studies in Japan have addressed Miocene–Holocene volcaniclastic fluvial and lacustrine successions. These research approaches can be categorized into: (1) the ‘from volcanic source to sink’ concept focusing on hydrological volcaniclastic sedimentation (including lahars), environmental impacts and cascading processes by explosive volcanism; and (2) the ‘from sink to volcanic source’ view, with a focus on elucidating volcanic and eruptive information such as the location of the eruption centre, eruption style and eruption age from analyses of distally deposited volcaniclastic sediments other than tephra fall deposits, despite the occasional absence of correlative eruption records in proximal areas and/or on the volcanic edifice itself. Geological records, which have a longer time span, can reveal decadal- to millennial-scale hydrological and cascading volcaniclastic sedimentation that cannot be assessed currently by direct observation. In addition, distal volcaniclastic successions in sinks have a continuous depositional record that can provide precise ages and the recurrence intervals of past eruptions and eruption-associated hydrological events. Both perspectives, beyond the borders of sedimentology and volcanology, are necessary to capture the geological record fully and to understand past volcanisms and their impacts, which will eventually lead to better prediction and preparation for future volcanic events.