Okinawa (Ishigaki Island) Field Trip (14−16 April, 2010; optional)

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Coral boulders deposited by the 1771 Meiwa Earthquake Tsunami (Miyara Bay, Ishigaki Island)

Numerous tsunami boulders deposited along the eastern coast.

A largest Porites boulder of 1771 Meiwa Tsunami origin.

A large tsunami boulder that was split into two pieces at the center.

Theme:

• Historical and geological relics of the 1771 Meiwa Tsunami
• What can we see in Ishigaki Island? Please check this article.

Leaders:

• Kazuhisa Goto (Tohoku Univ.)
• Koji Minoura (Tohoku Univ.)
• Toshio Kawana ((former) Univ. Ryukyus)

Key Words:

• The AD 1771 Meiwa Earthquake Tsunami
• Tsunami boulders and storm deposits

Related Topics:

• Impact on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
• Sedimentology
• Geomorphology

Description:

At Ishigaki Island, numerous large pieces of coral and reef boulders are scattered along the coast. These boulders might have been transported by the 1771 Meiwa Tsunami (approx. 30 m in maximum runup height), according to historical documents and scientific evidence. Alternatively, some boulders at Ishigaki Island might have been deposited on the reef by storm waves of one or more of the many typhoons that attack the island every year. Participants in this trip will observe boulders deposited at Ishigaki Island and study different tsunami and storm wave influences on boulder displacement. Participants will also visit historical monuments associated with the 1771 Meiwa Tsunami.

Maximum number of participants: 20 persons

Costs: 130,000 JPY (including one-way railway fare from Sendai (or Shin-Hanamaki) to Haneda Airport (Tokyo) (13 April), round trip fare between Haneda Airpor and Ishigaki Airport, accommodations (3 nights), 2 lunches (15−16 April), 2 dinners (14−15 April), bus, field guide).

Schedule:

• 13 April: Leave Sendai Station (or Shin-Hanamaki Station for participants of the Sanriku trip) (early evening), transit to Haneda Airport (stay near Haneda Airport).
• 14 April: Leave Haneda Airport (morning), arrive at Ishigaki Island via Naha (Okinawa) Airport, half-day field trip (stay at Ishigaki Island).
• 15 April: Field trip on Ishigaki Island (stay on Ishigaki Island)
• 16 April: Half-day field trip, leave Ishigaki Island and arrive at Haneda Airport

Note:

• We will part at Haneda Airport on 16 April (we will not return to Sendai). Haneda Airport is approx. 1.5 hr by bus from Narita International Airport or 2 hr by train.
• April monthly average, highest, and lowest temperatures in Ishigaki are, respectively, 23.2, 25.8 and 21.0 °C.