Educational programs using topographic models for understanding the geology and land use at the volcanic area in San-in Kaigan Geopark, Japan -Creation of Communicating Geology

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS USING TOPOGRAPHIC MODELS FOR UNDERSTANDING THE GEOLOGY AND LAND USE OF THE VOLCANIC AREA IN SAN-IN KAIGAN GEOPARK, JAPAN: COMMUNICATING GEOLOGY

TOHRU SAKIYAMA^1,2, NORITAKA MATSUBARA¹

¹Hyogo Prefectural Homeland for the Oriental White Stork. 128 Shounji, Toyooka, Hyogo 668-0814, Japan

²Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo. 6 Yayoigaoka, Sanda, Hyogo 669-1546, Japan.

Abstract: Biodiversity and cultural diversity are closely related to Geodiversity. Especially land use depends on local geological and topographical characteristics. Therefore, comparison between land use and geology is effective to create understanding by and design communication to the community. There are many monogenetic volcanoes in Kannabe Highland which is one of geo-heritages in the San’in Kaigan Geopark, Japan. Their relevance is clearly shown by comparison of the land use maps, topographical maps and geological maps. Topographical maps and geological maps are useful tools to understand and explain the geodiversity of the area for geologists. However, it is not easy for the general public to read such maps and understand the topography and geology of the area, because these maps are not familiar for them. We carried out an experimental program during the San’in Kaigan Geopark Festival using the model of a scoria cone and made the geological relief maps as a continuous educational program of the museum in order to understand the relevance between geology and land use at the Kannabe Highland.