Specialized Groups(15 groups)
Petrology / Stratigraphy / Quaternary geology / Marine geology/
Geoinformatics/ Structural geology / Paleontology /
Environmental geology / Sedimentary geology / Ongoing geological process /
Engineering geology / Volcanology / Regional geology /
Environmental changes in deep time / Mineral resources
Petrology
(→Japanese web site)
The Petrology Group investigates a wide range of topics related to petrology, mineralogy, and related fields, including studies on igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks in various tectonic settings (continents, oceans, subduction zones, etc.). Metamorphic and igneous rocks, and water–rock interactions, are a particular focus of our group. We also exchange novel ideas on mathematical, chemical, and physical models to investigate Earth processes from the viewpoint of petrology.
Activities of the Petrology Group include information exchange and communication on the latest research topics, field excursions, and social activities. The group hosts an annual luncheon at the Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of Japan.
The Petrology Group is open to anyone with an interest in petrology. We exchange information with our members via a mailing list. Please send us an e-mail or visit our social networking sites:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GansekiBukai
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GansekiBukai
The Specialized Group on Stratigraphy aims to construct an up-to-date stratigraphic scheme that incorporates new survey methods, measurement technologies, and research results for sedimentary bodies. For this purpose, we hold research meetings and special symposia and scientific sessions at annual meetings; we have also published special papers and have made recommendations regarding candidates for JGS awards.
Quaternary geology
(→Japanese web site)
The Quaternary Geology group promotes advancements in research and professional development on topics related to Quaternary geology and geography. The Quaternary geology of the Japanese islands is characterized by active crustal movements, including faulting, volcanism, uplift, and basin formation. Sediments in the region have formed under conditions of monsoon activity at the boundary of the Pacific and Eurasian plates during most of the Quaternary. Under these conditions, thick sedimentary sequences in local basins can be precisely correlated based on widely distributed tephra marker beds. The group promotes comprehensive studies in the fields of tephrochronology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, volcanology, active-fault research, paleontology, paleobotany, geoarcheology, and paleoclimatology, as related to phenomena occurring during the Quaternary Period.
Marine geology
The marine geology group promotes the advancement of research on the geology of oceanic basins and coastal regions. The group supports and encourages the development of young scientists, as well as on-going collaborative research on international projects. The role of our section has expanded in recent years because of the enactment of the Basic Act on Ocean Policy and the operations of the Deep Sea Drilling Vessel Chikyu. Our section provides members with valuable information on the latest research results, cruise schedules, and discussions related to future research plans, all available in a dedicated office space. We also exchange information with our members via a mailing list.
The Geoinformatics Group promotes the advancement of research on geological information processing. Geoinformatics, which was born in the 1970s at the intersection of geology and informatics, has made many contributions to the processing of geological information, according to developments in the information sciences. In relation to research in the geosciences, the scope of geoinformatics is generally considered to be broader than that of mathematical geology, which focuses on mathematical modelling techniques. The Geoinformatics Group seeks to contribute to further developments in the geosciences by expanding its objectives and methods in response to rapid developments in the information environment.
Structural geology
(→Japanese web site)
The Structural Geology Group promotes the investigation of deformation and geodynamic processes on Earth at all scales, from crystalline to planetary. We use multiple modalities and approaches, including geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical analyses, experimental methods, and theoretical and numerical modeling. We exchange information with our members at sessions of the annual meetings of the JGS and the Japan Geoscience Union, and by mailing list.
Paleontology
The Paleontology Group fosters and promotes the study of all aspects of ancient life. Paleontology occupies a special place in the sciences at the confluence of geology and biology. The Earth, the planet of life, has supported the evolution of organisms for several billion years; thus, paleontology is a critical component of geological studies in many areas. Paleontology is, at heart, the study of fossils, the prehistoric remains or traces of organisms preserved in strata. Fossils inform us about what kinds of creatures existed in deep time, and also provide information about the geological ages of rock layers. The fossil record also provides evidence for theories of continental drift and plate tectonics, and in Japan, has assisted in the understanding of the geological history of the Japanese Islands. Modern paleontology has formed interdisciplinary partnerships with allied sciences, such as paleoclimatology and evolutionary biology. Our division aims to be a hub of communication amongst all geologists interested in the biosphere; we welcome biological and biogeochemical approaches to the understanding of the history of our planet. We encourage students to develop an interest in the evolutionary history of life on Earth and in the relationships between life forms and their environment. We strive to forge a path into the future of life on Earth, including that of human beings, based on lessons learned from the geologic past.
Sedimentary geology
(→Japanese web site)
The goals of the Sedimentary Geology Group are to promote the investigation of sedimentary processes and mechanisms, the properties of sedimentary deposits and rocks, and related sedimentary phenomena, and to support the publication of research findings. Research targets include sedimentary processes and systems, depositional sequences of siliciclastic and carbonate rocks, petrofacies analysis, properties of sedimentary textures, geochemical characteristics of sedimentary rocks, diagenetic processes, organic geochemistry as related to oil and gas exploration, and an understanding of the modern global environment and its evolution. In addition, we study modern event deposits, such as tsunami deposits, and apply these findings to the study of ancient sediments.
Ongoing geological process
The Geological Society of Japan’s Ongoing Geological Processes Group fosters interactions among earth scientists related to current geological phenomena, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, sedimentation, and landslides. Our division facilitates presentations and discussions on topical and timely issues, and fosters communications with scientists in other fields. We promote the dissemination of information related to ongoing geological phenomena to a broad audience.
The Engineering Geology Group is open to members of the Geological Society of Japan; the group includes many geological engineers and those with an interest in geological engineering. The purpose of the group is to support and promote interdisciplinary and comprehensive research in the field of engineering geology, and to thereby contribute to the activities and mission of the Geological Society.
Volcanology (in Japanese)
(→Japanese web site)
Our group specializes in volcanic geology and volcanic petrology. The group, under the current leadership of Akihiko Fujinawa, Ibaraki University, has over 150 members. Teruki Oikawa, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), is in charge of contacts and news, and Takeshi Hasegawa, Ibaraki University, organizes the annual meeting. We regularly propose several sessions at the Annual Meeting of the Japan Geological Society (JGS), such as “Plutonic Rocks, Volcanic Rocks, and Magmatic Processes” (jointly with the Petrology Group) and “Eruption, Evolution, and Products of Volcanic Processes”. Recently, we organized a topic session and special issue of the Journal of the JGS titled “Evaluation of Long-Term Activity of Active Volcanoes in Northeast Japan” (July 2013, Volume 119, Issue 7). We also provide information on the recent activity of Japanese volcanoes, such as Mt. Ontake volcano (e.g., JGS News, Volume 17, No. 10). We plan to continue and to develop our activities collaborating with other groups within the JGS as well as with other academic societies, such as the Volcanological Society of Japan and the Japan Association of Mineralogical Sciences. Our group is open to anyone with an interest in volcanoes. For more information, please see http://www.volcano.geosociety.jp/.
Regional geology
The mission of the Regional Geology Specialized Group is to develop and promote research in regional geology, which is the most basic and essential fields of geology. We propose to organize sessions at annual
meetings of the JGS and the Japan Geoscience Union (JpGU) on issues related to regional
geology, geoparks, geoinfomatics and its applications, and so on. We also organize symposiums and lead excursions in cooperation with regional branches of the JGS. We recommend researchers conducting outstanding research in the field of regional geology, for example in the construction of geologic maps and stratigraphic columns, for JGS awards. We welcome and encourage researchers from all fields of geology to join the group.
Environmental changes in deep time
Geological materials provide a unique record of climate change on Earth on various timescales. Geological studies can answer fundamental questions about the factors that initiate climate change, how such changes are propagated through the environment, the circumstances that amplify (or reduce) climatic effects, and the processes that bring about changes in the Earth’s environment. This group aims to contribute to the promotion, growth, and development of this field of science. Our goal is to provide a forum for encouraging discussion and the exchange of information, and for recognizing the achievements of members.
In recent years, exploration for new potential mineral resources, including those in the deep sea (e.g., muds rich in rare-earth elements and yttrium; i.e., REY-rich mud), has received considerable attention. Clarification of the mechanisms of ore genesis has been critical in the exploration and development of mineral resources. Recent progress in the geosciences and related fields, including geochemistry and geophysics, as well as dramatic developments in new analytical techniques, have provided us new paradigms for studies of the Earth (e.g., whole mantle dynamics and geofluid behavior within the crust). In turn, these paradigms lead to new insights into ore genesis and the geological origins of mineral resources. The mission of the Mineral Resources Group is to promote studies on various types of mineral resources based on these new paradigms. We also aim to provide opportunities for the exchange and transmission of information and ideas concerning research on mineral resource topics.