Izu-Bonin Arc Research Articles

Boron isotope geochemistry of vent fluids from arc/back-arc seafloor hydrothermal systems in the western Pacific

Boron concentrations and isotopic compositions were determined for vent fluids from 11 sites in arc/back-arc seafloor hydrothermal systems. This new dataset allowed a systematic comparison of boron behavior during water–rock interaction in different geological settings. In sediment-starved hydrothermal systems (e.g., Manus Basin, Izu-Bonin Arc, Mariana Trough), end-member fluids showed large variations in boron concentration (0.53–1.52mmol/kg) and δ11B value (13.5–29.7‰), reflecting the interaction of seawater with varied types of rock that occur in arc/back-arc settings. Based on the model calculations, the boron concentration and δ11B value of the fluid are better explained by an equilibration between seawater and rock than a mixing model. The Chlorine-depleted fluids from phase-separated hydrothermal systems (e.g., North Fiji Basin) had low boron concentrations (0.44–0.55mmol/kg) and high δ11B values (34.5–36.1‰). The small fractionations of boron and boron isotopes during phase separation suggest that these characteristics were acquired during water–rock interaction rather than phase separation and segregation processes. The fluids from sediment-hosted hydrothermal systems (e.g., Okinawa Trough) are characterized by high boron concentrations (3.9–4.8mmol/kg) and low δ11B values (2.5–2.9‰). These fluids also showed high Cs/B ratios, indicating interactions with terrigenous sediments. Model calculations demonstrate that the combined evaluation of δ11B values and Cs/B ratios are useful for a quantitative estimate of sedimentary contributions in seafloor hydrothermal systems.

Evidence for Hydrothermal Activity in the Earliest Stages of Intraoceanic Arc Formation: Implications for Ophiolite-Hosted Hydrothermal Activity

Forearcs within intraoceanic arcs preserve a record of earliest arc volcanism that took place at the initiation of subduction. In this study we have investigated the submarine section of the Bonin Ridge, which forms part of the Izu-Bonin intraoceanic arc and/or forearc system. The crustal stratigraphy of this forearc is found to have many similarities with suprasubduction zone ophiolite sequences, including the occurrence of sheeted dikes overlain by depleted tholeiites and/or boninitic magmatism. We propose that the Izu-Bonin forearc is potentially analogous to suprasubduction ophiolites. Hydrothermal alteration, together with sulfide disseminations, is exposed on some of the subaerial Bonin Islands. Based on geologic observations, the hydrothermal activity appears, in general, to have been contemporaneous with the boninite and boninitic andesite host volcanics. The sulfide mineral assemblage associated with the hydrothermal alteration is dominated by pyrite accompanied by minor chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and pyrrhotite. These sulfides are mainly found as disseminations in pillow breccias and hyaloclastite, or along the margins of dikes, but are also found as sulfide nodules in hydrothermal clay-rich zones. This forearc mineral assemblage contrasts with the Pb-rich mineralization associated with the Quaternary submarine hydrothermal deposits found along the main Izu-Bonin arc. Hydrothermal alteration in the Eocene Izu-Bonin forearc represents the style of hydrothermal activity generated by magmatism immediately after the initiation of intraoceanic subduction. Similarities in the style of hydrothermal activity and in the stratigraphy of the hosting volcanic sequence imply that the Bonin Ridge can be regarded as an in situ (i.e., not obducted or dismembered) analogue for a suprasubduction ophiolite including Cyprus-type massive sulfide deposits.

Migration of a volcanic front inferred from K–Ar ages of late Miocene to Pliocene volcanic rocks in central Japan

AbstractK–Ar ages have been determined for 14 late Miocene to Pliocene volcanic rocks in the north of the Kanto Mountains, Japan, for tracking the location of the volcanic front through the time. These samples were collected from volcanoes located behind the trench–trench–trench (TTT) triple junction of the Pacific, Philippine Sea, and North American plates. This junction is the site of subduction of slabs of the Pacific and the Philippine Sea plates, both of which are thought to have influenced magmatism in this region. The stratigraphy and K–Ar ages of volcanic rocks in the study area indicate that volcanism occurred between the late Miocene and the Pliocene, and ceased before the Pleistocene. Volcanism in adjacent areas of the southern NE Japan and northern Izu–Bonin arcs also occurred during the Pliocene and ceased at around 3 Ma with the westward migration of the volcanic front, as reported previously. Combining our new age data with the existing data shows that before 3 Ma the volcanic front around the TTT junction was located about 50 km east of the preset‐day volcanic front. We suggest that northward subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate slab ended at ∼3 Ma as a result of collision between the northern margin of the plate with the surface of the Pacific Plate slab. This collision may have caused a change in the subduction vector of the Philippine Sea Plate from the original north‐directed subduction to the present‐day northwest‐directed subduction. This indicates that the post ∼3 Ma westward migration of the volcanic front was a result of this change in plate motion.

Long-distance magma transport from arc volcanoes inferred from the submarine eruptive fissures offshore Izu-Oshima volcano, Izu–Bonin arc

Long-distance lateral magma transport away from volcanic centers in island arcs is emerging as a common phenomenon where the regional stress regime is favorable. It should also be recognized as an important factor in the construction and growth of island arcs, and a potential trigger for devastating eruptions. In this contribution, we report on recent investigations into the magma dynamics of Izu-Oshima volcano, an active basaltic volcano with an extensive fissure system.Izu-Oshima is flanked by numerous, subparallel NW–SE trending submarine ridges extending up to 22km to the NW and the SE from the central vent. During a recent submersible survey we have identified that these ridges are fissures which erupted basaltic spatter and lava flows. Furthermore, lavas are petrographically similar along each ridge, while there are noticeable differences between ridges. The subparallel ridges are observed to transect a series of seamounts – the Izu-Tobu monogenetic volcanoes – which are dispersed across this area of the rear-arc. However, there are consistent petrographic and chemical differences between these seamounts and the ridges, indicating that they have different magma sources, yet, they are essentially bounding each other in dive tracks. The most appropriate scenario for their development is one where the Izu-Tobu Volcanoes are fed by an “in-situ” underlying source, while the NW–SE ridges are fed by lateral magma transport from Izu-Oshima.Magma erupted from each ridge is of a consistent geochemistry along its length, but has experienced crystal fractionation and some plagioclase accumulation. Compositions of the ridges are also very similar to lavas from the subaerial cones that can be traced down the flanks of Izu-Oshima. This implies that pairs of subaerial cones and submarine ridges represent the locus of magma transport events away from the storage system beneath Izu-Oshima. Hence, magma from this crustal reservoir moved upward to feed the on-edifice cones, as well as laterally to supply submarine fissures and dykes to a distance of 22km.

Crustal structure in the northwestern part of the Izu collision zone in central Japan

The Izu-Bonin arc (IBA) has been colliding with the Honshu arc since the middle Miocene, which together form the active Izu arc-arc collision zone (ICZ) in central Japan. To understand the entire collisional system, we have used refraction/wide-angle reflection data to model velocity structures of the Honshu arc, northwest of the ICZ. The seismic data indicate that the upper 4-km crust of the Honshu arc consists of a horizontally homogenous layer with P wave velocity (Vp) of 5.6 to 6.0 km/s and S wave velocity (Vs) of 3.4 to 3.7 km/s. This uniformity is in contrast with the heterogeneous structure further south, where the accreted crustal blocks of the IBA are bounded by dipping collisional boundaries. These contrasting structures suggest that crustal shorting caused by the arc-arc collision has been mostly accommodated within the IBA by reverse faulting along collisional boundaries, with the Honshu arc undergoing relatively little crustal deformation. The high-velocity body of the Kofu granitic complex (KGC), generated by partial melting of the subducted IBA crust, is mostly situated at >4-km depths but shallows significantly just beneath the Kofu Basin. This structural change implies that most of the KGC magma had erupted from just beneath the Kofu Basin.

Geological properties of school facilities in the Izu-Bonin arc

Geological properties of school facilities in the Izu-Bonin arc

Species richness and community structure of benthic macrofauna and megafauna in the deep‐sea chemosynthetic ecosystems around the Japanese archipelago: an attempt to identify priority areas for conservation

AbstractAimTo characterize the species richness, endemism and community structure of benthic macro‐/megafauna in the deep‐sea chemosynthetic ecosystems around the Japanese archipelago and determine the conservation priority for deep‐sea chemosynthetic habitats.LocationTwenty‐seven methane seeps from the Kuril–Japan Trench, Nankai Trough, Ryukyu Trench and Sagami Bay as well as 15 hydrothermal vents from the Izu–Bonin Arc and Okinawa Trough around the Japanese archipelago.MethodsSpecies richness and the number of endemic species from 42 vents and seeps were examined using the distributional data of 155 mollusc, annelid and arthropod species. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify groups of sites with similar assemblage composition. Complementarity analysis was performed to determine the minimum number of sites required to conserve at least one population of all species for all 42 sites and for groups of sites detected by the multivariate analyses.ResultsThe species richness of the deep‐sea chemosynthetic sites around the Japanese archipelago was higher in the Okinawa Trough and Sagami Bay where higher methane concentrations were observed. Eight distinct biogeographic regions were detected at the community level, and the community structure was classified according to the geological variables of depth and latitude. Complementarity analysis for all 42 sites indicated 21 sites for conservation, while that for each distinct biogeographic region indicated 30 sites for conservation.Main conclusionsAs unique communities exist in each geographically isolated region around the Japanese archipelago, priority areas should be identified for each type of bioregion for effective conservation. At least 30 (17 seeps and 13 vents) of 42 sites should be conserved to avoid the extinction of the local populations of deep‐sea chemosynthetic macro‐/megabenthos.

Order of magnitude increase in subducted H2O due to hydrated normal faults within the Wadati-Benioff zone

It is widely proposed that the oceanic mantle is hydrated by outer rise normal faults, and carries large amounts of water to the deep mantle. However, the extent of oceanic mantle hydration is poorly constrained by existing observations, and is a major source of uncertainty in determining the total water delivered to the mantle. Full waveform modeling of dispersed P-wave arrivals from events deep within the Wadati-Benioff zone of northern Japan shows that hydrated fault zone structures are present at intermediate depths. Analysis of the P-wave coda associated with events 5-35 km below the top of the slab gives an overall indication of the bulk hydration of the subducting oceanic mantle, and can be explained by a 40-km-thick layer that is 17%-31% serpentinized. This suggests that the top of the oceanic mantle is 2.0- 3.5 wt% hydrated, subducting 170-318 Tg/m.y. of water per meter of arc beneath northern Japan. This order-of-magnitude increase in the estimated H 2 O fl ux in this arc implies that over the age of the Earth, the equivalent of as many as 3.5 present-day oceans of water could be subducted along the Kuril and Izu-Bonin arcs alone. These results offer the fi rst direct measure of the lower lithosphere hydration at intermediate depths, and suggest that regassing of the mantle is more vigorous than has previously been proposed.

伊豆衝突帯に分布する新第三紀花崗岩質岩体の地球化学的多様性とその意義：未成熟海洋性島弧から成熟大陸地殻へ

Neogene granitoid plutons are widely exposed in the Izu Collision Zone in central Japan, where the northern tip of the Izu-Bonin arc (juvenile intra-oceanic arc) has been colliding with the Honshu arc (mature island arc) since middle Miocene. The plutons in this area are composed of various types of granitoid ranging from tonalite to trondhjemite, granodiorite, monzogranite and granite (sensu stricto). Three main granitoid plutons are distributed in this area: Tanzawa plutonic complex, Kofu granitic complex, and Kaikomagatake pluton. Tanzawa plutonic complex is characterized by low concentration of incompatible elements such as K2O and has chemical characteristics of juvenile oceanic arc. In contrast, Kaikomagatake pluton and Kofu granitic complex have chemical compositions comparable to the average upper continental crust. Previous petrogenetic studies on the plutons have been suggested that (1) the Tanzawa plutonic complex formed by lower crustal anatexis of juvenile basaltic rocks occurring in the Izu-Bonin arc, (2) the Kofu granitic complex formed by anatexis of ‘hybrid lower crust’ comprising of both basaltic rocks of the Izu-Bonin arc and metasedimentary rocks of the Honshu arc, and (3) the Kaikomagatake pluton formed by anatexis of ‘hybrid lower crust’ consisting of K-rich rear-arc crust of the Izu-Bonin arc and metasedimentary rocks of the Honshu arc. These studies suggest that the chemical diversity within the Izu Collision Zone granitoid plutons reflects the chemical variation of basaltic sources (i.e., across-arc chemical variation in the Izu-Bonin arc) as well as variable contribution of the metasedimentary component in the source region. Contrasting to the rocks of Kofu granitic complex and Kaikomagatake pluton, the intermediate to felsic igneous rocks occurring in modern oceanic arcs and the Tanzawa plutonic complex show lower concentration of incompatible elements than the average upper continental crust. Petrogenesis of the Izu Collision Zone granitoid plutons together with other oceanic arc collision-related magmatism collectively suggest that collision has played an important role in transforming juvenile oceanic arc into mature continental crust.

Crustal structure of the Izu collision zone in central Japan from seismic refraction data

AbstractThe Izu‐Bonin arc (IBA) has been colliding with the more northerly Honshu arc since the middle Miocene, forming a globally unique active Izu arc‐arc collision zone (ICZ) in central Japan. To determine crustal structure of the ICZ, we constrain P and S wave velocities from active source refraction data. The velocity structures reveal that the style of collisions of the Misaka, Tanzawa, and Izu blocks, which were derived from the IBA, has been controlled by subduction of the IBA. High‐velocity rocks (Vp > 6.2 km/s) observed in the ICZ continuously extend to deeper crust, suggesting that plutonic rocks, formed by partial melting of the subducted IBA crust, intruded into the Honshu arc crust and the accreted crustal blocks of the IBA. The northernmost major fault in the ICZ dips southeastward, which is in clear contrast with other major northwestward dipping faults farther southeast. In the northernmost part of the ICZ, the upper 5 km crust of the Misaka block was delaminated from its lower part and obducted onto the Honshu arc. The Tanzawa block, southeast of the Misaka block, is bounded by northwestward dipping faults and is characterized by crustal stacking. A low‐velocity sedimentary layer between the Tanzawa and Izu blocks dips northwestward along the collisional boundary and reaches ~5 km depth, suggesting that the Izu block underthrust beneath the Tanzawa block. The overall geometry of the collisional boundaries exhibits a doubly vergent system, which is characterized by inward‐dipping thrust faults on both sides.

Emplacement processes of submarine volcaniclastic deposits (IODP Site C0011, Nankai Trough)

During IODP NanTroSEIZE Expedition 322, four packages of tuffaceous sandstones (TST 1, 2, 3a, 3b) were recovered within a moderately lithified and bioturbated silty claystone succession in the Late Miocene (> 7.6 to ~ 9.1 Ma) upper part of the middle Shikoku Basin deposits. To assess the emplacement processes of the tuffaceous sandstones we investigate modal and geochemical compositions of 24 thin sections that reveal systematic vertical changes within each bed. TST 1, 2 and 3b are single beds whereas TST 3a is composed of at least two beds suggesting several rapidly succeeding sedimentation events. The beds are density-graded such that low-density pyroclasts including pumice lapilli are enriched at the top whereas dense lithic components and minerals are enriched at the bottom. The volcanic glass particles (pumice and shards) that are the dominant modal constituents of each sandstone bed have homogeneous geochemical compositions in each bed. Moreover, TST 1, 2, and 3a glass compositions overlap completely but TST 3b glass has a different composition, as is analogously observed for the mineral compositions. This unique multistage approach of sedimentological and geochemical methods facilitated the detailed investigation of distal volcano-derived, probably tsunamogenic, turbidites in order to contribute to the distinction between primary and secondary induced mass flows. We interpret that all tuffaceous sandstones were emplaced by turbidity currents that were formed during major explosive volcanic eruptions. However, while TST 1, 2, and 3a turbidity currents formed by the entry into the ocean of voluminous pyroclastic flows erupted at a volcano on mainland Japan, TST 3b was emplaced by a turbidity current formed by a shallow submarine or subaerial volcanic eruption at the Izu–Bonin arc where it collided with Japan. These results regarding distal turbidites encourage the revisiting of older marine deposits in the scope of hazard evaluation through past events, especially in regions near to volcanic sources. • Four packages of tuffaceous sandstones in Site C0011 Nankai Trough • Homogeneous geochemical compositions of juvenile components within each sandstone • Juvenile components (57–82 vol.%) and clastic particles show gravity segregation. • Emplacement by volumetrically large, high-energy, turbidity currents • Generated by major primary explosive on land or submarine volcanic eruptions

Univariate data analysis system: deciphering mean compositions of island and continental arc magmas, and influence of the underlying crust

Our aim is to determine the mean compositions of modern island and continental arcs, along with dispersion estimates, and use them to evaluate their similarities and differences in such subduction settings. First, following the conventional approach, the statistical parameters of mean, median, and standard deviation were simply calculated from the available combined data from all island or continental arcs. However, it is mandatory to ascertain from significance tests that all island or continental arcs used for these estimates are statistically similar in their compositions before combining the data from different arcs and calculating the mean values and their uncertainties for the chemical parameters of interest. A new computer program, Univariate Data Analysis System (UDASYS), was developed for this purpose because the available programs are not efficient for applying the significance test of analysis of variance (ANOVA) to large numbers of sample groups, as in the present work. Compositional data for 16 island and 12 continental arcs around the world were compiled and processed in UDASYS. The best compositional estimates for all three types of magmas (basic, intermediate, and acid) from island and continental arcs were statistically evaluated to document, for the first time, significant differences for 64–94% of the geochemical parameters under study. These differences in large-ion lithophile elements, light rare earth elements, high-field strength elements, and numerous log-ratios are likely caused by different types of underlying crust beneath island and continental arcs. More specifically, the examination of two nearby arcs, Izu-Bonin (island) arc and Japan (continental) arc, confirmed that about 65–77% of the parameters showed significant differences, which may be related to the different types of crusts beneath these spatially close areas. The differences between the log-ratios of island and continental arc basic magmas further indicate that new multi-dimensional discrimination diagrams can certainly be proposed in future to discriminate such basic magmas from these two very similar tectonic settings, which at present is possible only from diagrams for intermediate and acid magmas.

Age and geochemistry of volcanic clasts from DSDP Site 445, Daito Ridge and relationship to Minami-Daito Basin and early Izu-Bonin arc magmatism

The age and character of volcanism on the Daito Ridge is important for understanding the tectonic evolution of the Philippine Sea plate and the initiation of subduction that formed the Izu-Bonin-Mariana Island arc at about 50Ma. We report new major, trace element and Nd, Sr, Pb and Hf isotope data for basaltic clasts from volcaniclastic sediments drilled at DSDP Site 445 on the Daito Ridge, and new Ar–Ar ages for minerals from the same location. Ages indicate that volcanic material in the core is as young as 47–49Ma, similar in age to OIB-like basaltic sills from the adjacent Minami-Daito Basin and similar in age to the earliest volcanic rocks from the Izu-Bonin-Mariana (IBM) Island arc. The basaltic clasts have the major and trace element character of subduction-related rocks from mature island arc settings, and are unlike boninites or other rocks formed in proposed arc initiation sequences. Isotopic compositions are consistent with melting of mantle wedge with an Indian Ocean signature (i.e., elevated 208Pb/204Pb relative to 206Pb/204Pb and 177Hf/176Hf relative to 143Nd/144Nd), containing subduction components derived from seawater altered Pacific Ocean MORB. Isotopic compositions overlap with those for boninites from the early northern IBM arc, suggesting that extraction of arc magma during Cretaceous–Eocene magmatism on the Daito Ridge and adjacent remnant arcs in the northern Philippine Sea, formed part of the depleted mantle wedge that was remelted during the initiation of IBM arc magmatism. Based on tectonic models, the Daito arc mantle wedge was probably isolated and cut-off from volatile replenishment by the initiation of subduction along the orthogonal trend of the proto-IBM arc. Collision of the Oki Daito Ridge may also have contributed to the waning of arc volcanism on the Daito Ridge and the contemporaneous eruption of OIB-like basalts in the Minami-Daito Basin.

Segmentation of the Izu-Bonin and Mariana slabs based on the analysis of the Benioff seismicity distribution and regional tomography results

Abstract. We present a new model of P and S velocity anomalies in the mantle down to a depth of 1300 km beneath the Izu-Bonin and Mariana (IBM) arcs. This model is derived based on tomographic inversion of global travel time data from the revised ISC catalogue. The results of inversion are thoroughly verified using a series of different tests. The obtained model is generally consistent with previous studies by different authors. We also present the distribution of relocated deep events projected to the vertical surface along the IBM arc system. Unexpectedly, the seismicity forms elongated vertical clusters instead of horizontal zones indicating phase transitions in the slab. We propose that these vertical seismicity zones mark zones of intense deformation and boundaries between semi-autonomous segments of the subducting plate. The P and S seismic tomography models consistently display the slab as prominent high-velocity anomalies coinciding with the distribution of deep seismicity. We can distinguish at least four segments which subduct differently. The northernmost segment of the Izu-Bonin arc has the gentlest angle of dipping which is explained by backward displacement of the trench. In the second segment, the trench stayed at the same location, and we observe the accumulation of the slab material in the transition zone and its further descending to the lower mantle. In the third segment, the trench is moving forward causing the steepening of the slab. Finally, for the Mariana segment, despite the backward displacement of the arc, the subducting slab is nearly vertical. Between the Izu-Bonin and Mariana arcs we clearly observe a gap which can be traced down to about 400 km in depth. Based on joint consideration of the tomography results and the seismicity distribution, we propose two different scenarios of the subduction evolution in the IBM zone during the recent time, depending on the reference frame of plate displacements. In the first case, we consider the movements in respect to the Philippine Plate, and explain the different styles of the subduction by the relative backward and forward migrations of the trench. In the second case, all the elements of the subduction system move westward in respect to the stable Asia. Different subduction styles are explained by the "anchoring" of selected segments of the slab, different physical properties of the subducting plate and the existence of buoyant rigid blocks related to sea mount and igneous provinces.

Characteristics of Microbial Communities in Crustal Fluids in a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Field of the Suiyo Seamount

To directly access the sub-seafloor microbial communities, seafloor drilling has been done in a deep-sea hydrothermal field of the Suiyo Seamount, Izu-Bonin Arc, Western Pacific. In the present study, crustal fluids were collected from the boreholes, and the bacterial and archaeal communities in the fluids were investigated by culture-independent molecular analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. Bottom seawater, sands, rocks, sulfide mound, and chimneys were also collected around the boreholes and analyzed for comparisons. Comprehensive analysis revealed the characteristics of the microbial community composition in the crustal fluids. Phylotypes closely related to cultured species, e.g., Alteromonas, Halomonas, Marinobacter, were relatively abundant in some crustal fluid samples, whereas the phylotypes related to Pelagibacter and the SUP05-group were relatively abundant in the seawater samples. Phylotypes related to other uncultured environmental clones in Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were relatively abundant in the sand, rock, sulfide mound, and chimney samples. Furthermore, comparative analysis with previous studies of the Suiyo Seamount crustal fluids indicates the change in the microbial community composition for 3 years. Our results provide novel insights into the characteristics of the microbial communities in crustal fluids beneath a deep-sea hydrothermal field.

On the Relative Effect of Magnitude and Depth of Earthquakes in the Generation of Seismo-Ionospheric Perturbations at Middle Latitudes as Based on the Analysis of Subionospheric Propagation Data of JJY (40 kHz)-Kamchatka Path

The relative importance of magnitude and depth of an earthquake (EQ) in the generation of seismo-ionospheric perturbations at middle latitudes is investigated by using the EQs near the propagation path from the Japanese LF transmitter, JJY (at Fukushima) to a receiving station at Petropavsk-Kamchatsky (PTK) in Russia during a three-year period of 2005-2007. It is then found that the depth (down to 100km) is an extremely unimportant factor as compared with the magnitude in inducing seismo-ionospheric perturbations at middle latitudes. This result for sea EQs in the Izu-Bonin and Kurile-Kamchatka arcs is found to be in sharp contrast with our previous result for Japanese EQs mainly of the fault-type. We try to interpret this difference in the context of the lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere coupling mechanism.

Composition of the northern Izu-Bonin arc crust

Composition of the northern Izu-Bonin arc crust

Geology and tectonics of Japanese islands: A review – The key to understanding the geology of Asia

The age of the major geological units in Japan ranges from Cambrian to Quaternary. Precambrian basement is, however, expected, as the provenance of by detrital clasts of conglomerate, detrital zircons of metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, and as metamorphic rocks intruded by 500Ma granites. Although rocks of Paleozoic age are not widely distributed, rocks and formations of late Mesozoic to Cenozoic can be found easily throughout Japan. Rocks of Jurassic age occur mainly in the Jurassic accretionary complexes, which comprise the backbone of the Japanese archipelago. The western part of Japan is composed mainly of Cretaceous to Paleogene felsic volcanic and plutonic rocks and accretionary complexes. The eastern part of the country is covered extensively by Neogene sedimentary and volcanic rocks. During the Quaternary, volcanoes erupted in various parts of Japan, and alluvial plains were formed along the coastlines of the Japanese Islands. These geological units are divided by age and origin: i.e. Paleozoic continental margin; Paleozoic island arc; Paleozoic accretionary complexes; Mesozoic to Paleogene accretionary complexes and Cenozoic island arcs. These are further subdivided into the following tectonic units, e.g. Hida; Oki; Unazuki; Hida Gaien; Higo; Hitachi; Kurosegawa; South Kitakami; Nagato-Renge; Nedamo; Akiyoshi; Ultra-Tamba; Suo; Maizuru; Mino-Tamba; Chichibu; Chizu; Ryoke; Sanbagawa and Shimanto belts.The geological history of Japan commenced with the breakup of the Rodinia super continent, at about 750Ma. At about 500Ma, the Paleo-Pacific oceanic plate began to be subducted beneath the continental margin of the South China Block. Since then, Proto-Japan has been located on the convergent margin of East Asia for about 500Ma. In this tectonic setting, the most significant tectonic events recorded in the geology of Japan are subduction–accretion, paired metamorphism, arc volcanism, back-arc spreading and arc–arc collision. The major accretionary complexes in the Japanese Islands are of Permian, Jurassic and Cretaceous–Paleogene age. These accretionary complexes became altered locally to low-temperature and high-pressure metamorphic, or high-temperature and low-pressure metamorphic rocks. Medium-pressure metamorphic rocks are limited to the Unazuki and Higo belts. Major plutonism occurred in Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic time. Early Paleozoic Cambrian igneous activity is recorded as granites in the South Kitakami Belt. Late Paleozoic igneous activity is recognized in the Hida Belt. During Cretaceous to Paleogene time, extensive igneous activity occurred in Japan. The youngest granite in Japan is the Takidani Granite intruded at about 1–2Ma. During Cenozoic time, the most important geologic events are back-arc opening and arc–arc collision. The major back-arc basins are the Sea of Japan and the Shikoku and Chishima basins. Arc–arc collision occurred between the Honshu and Izu-Bonin arcs, and the Honshu and Chishima arcs.

Seismotectonics in the Tanzawa Mountains area in the Izu-Honshu collision zone of central Japan, as revealed by precisely determined hypocenters and focal mechanisms

We investigate the detailed distribution of hypocenters and focal mechanisms beneath the Tanzawa Mountains, central Japan, where the Izu-Bonin arc has collided into the central part of the Honshu arc. Remarkable differences are found to exist between the hypocenter distributions in the western and eastern parts. The hypocenters of earthquakes in the eastern part tend to be distributed in a horizontal zone, whereas those in the western part are distributed in a volume. The focal mechanisms in the eastern part are right-lateral reverse faulting mechanisms, and one of the nodal planes is consistent with the geometry of the Philippine Sea (PHS) plate in the region. These results suggest that most earthquakes in the eastern part occur along the upper surface of the subducting PHS plate. In contrast, the focal mechanisms in the western part, especially deep in the western part, exhibit a different feature. The stress states in these two regions are found to be significantly different. The maximum and minimum principal stress axes in the eastern part are slightly inclined, whereas those in the western part are oriented in approximately the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. The stress field in the eastern part may be caused by a slab pull force induced from the deeper part of the subducted plate.

Distribution and phylogenetic diversity of cbbM genes encoding RubisCO form II in a deep-sea hydrothermal field revealed by newly designed PCR primers

To investigate the phylogenetic diversity of putative chemolithoautotrophs possessing the RubisCO form II gene (cbbM) in various environments, we designed a new PCR primer set targeting this gene. The primer set was designed to cover more diverse and longer sequences of cbbM genes than those reported previously. We analyzed various samples (i.e., benthic sands, basement rocks, sulfide chimneys, vent fluids and overlying bottom seawater) collected in a deep-sea hydrothermal field of the Suiyo Seamount, Izu-Bonin Arc, Western Pacific, by PCR-based analysis using the designed primer set. Most of the cbbM phylotypes recovered from the liquid samples were related to those of the SUP05 group that belongs to the Gammaproteobacteria and includes putative sulfide-oxidizing chemolithoautotrophs. In contrast, the cbbM phylotypes recovered from the solid samples were related to environmental clones with low similarity (74-90%) and not closely related to the SUP05 group (69-74%). The cbbM phylotypes recovered from the liquid samples were different from those of the solid samples. Furthermore, the cbbM phylotypes recovered from the solid samples were different from each other. Our results expand knowledge of the phylogenetic diversity and distribution of putative chemolithoautotrophs possessing RubisCO form II cbbM genes in deep-sea hydrothermal fields.