I. INTRODUCTION
The Unzen Volcanic Area Global
Geopark is one of four Global Geoparks in Japan. The main theme of the geopark
is the coexistence of an active volcano and human beings. The highlights of the
Geopark are the outstanding landscapes shaped by Unzen Volcano and by active
normal faults, which are unusual in Japan [2]. The highlights are not
limited to these geoscientific phenomena, however. The important historical
event known as the Shimabara Rebellion of 1637, hot springs with various properties, fertile
soil and unique agriculture produced with utilization of the blessings from
Unzen Volcano are also important assets of the Geopark. In addition to the
above mentioned highlights, I consider that local people’s experiences of
repeated volcanic disasters and the reconstructions thereafter are equally very significant, and must be shared
globally and passed on to the next generation.
II. HISTORICAL VOLCANIC DISASTERS IN THE
GEOPARK
Unzen Volcano, which is the symbol
of the Geopark, has erupted three times in historical periods and caused
serious volcanic disasters at each eruption by catastrophic pyroclastic and debris
flows, sector collapse of lava dome, and tsunamis. In the 1663 eruption, about
30 persons were killed by the debris flow gushing down from the crater [3]. In
1792, about 15,000 people were killed by sector collapse of the lava dome and
large tsunamis induced by plunging debris into sea [3]. Furthermore, in
1990-1995 eruption, 44 persons were killed by strong hot ash wind (pyroclastic
surge [1]). Though people living in Shimabara
Peninsula repeatedly
suffered volcanic disasters, they have been staying there.
III. Disaster prevention teaching by
the Geopark
Japan is located in the
circumpacific belt where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur frequently.
In other words, Japanese people must share experience of natural disasters
suffered in the past in order to prevent future loss of lives. Also, the
population living around Unzen Volcano need to be aware that volcanic eruptions
happened in the past and caused disaster. They shoud be informed to cope with
future volcanic disasters. Education for disaster prevention by the Geopark is
significant and could become an exemplary approach for people who live in
active tectonic regions like the Japanese Archipelago.
IV. THE 5TH INTERNATIONAL UNESCO CONFERENCE ON GLOBAL GEOPARKS
In May 2012, the 5th International UNESCO
Conference on Global Geoparks will be hold in Unzen Volcanic Area Global Geopark, Japan.
This conference will provide ample opportunity for participants to consider the
problematic coexistence of nature and humans.
REFERENCES
1. Nakada S., Shimizu H. and Ohta K.,
1999. Overview of the 1990-1995 eruption at Unzen Volcano. J. of Volcanology and Geothermal Res., 89 :
1-22.
2. Okada H., 1992.
Geological and tectonic setting of Unzen Volcano. In “Unzen Volcano the 1990-1992 Eruption” (Yanagi T., Okada H. and
Ohta K. eds), The Nishinippon
& Kyushu University
Press, pp. 29-33.
3. Unzen Restoration
Office, 2002. The Catastrophe in Shimabara. The 1791-92 eruption of
Unzen-Fugendake and the sector collapse of Mayu-Yama. 20 p.