On the Kanto Loam Bed and Topography of Musashino Upland, Kanto Plain

Abstract

This thesis was written of the topography and volcanic ash layers (the so-called Kanto Loam) of the Musashino upland extending over the western region of Tokyo Metropolis. The results are summarized as follows:1) The geomorphic surfaces of the Musashino upland may be divided into Yodobashi, Narimasu, Akabane, Nakadai and Tachikawa terraces from older to younger in order. These terraces are covered with the volcanic ash layers. It was found that the older terraces are covered with the thicker volcanic ash layers, compared with the younger terraces.2) In classifying Yodobashi and Narimasu terraces, two pumice beds, namely SIP and Pm-1 found in the volcanic ash layers are used as key beds. In the case of Akabane and Nakadai terraces, TP would be used as key bed.3) Beneath the sediments of Yodobashi and Akabane terraces, observed are drowned valley features. Those valleys are filled up with marine sediments representing each of the transgression periods. The amounts of transgression are estimated several ten meters with Yodobashi terrace, and several meters with Akabane.