AIST:Geological Survey of Japan

Understanding and living with the Earth

Geological information is essential for a country like Japan, located at a tectonically active area, to ensure a safe and secure society. The Geological Survey of Japan gathers, compiles, and provides geological information and promotes its wider use. We also develop technologies to overcome various difficulties related to global environment protection, exploration of minerals and energy resources, and natural disaster mitigation, and coordinate international cooperation as a national representative.

・Research Topics
・Geological Survey of Japan

New Research Results

Unraveling the Mystery of Crustal Deformation of the Japanese Islands

Thought experiments in combination with analogue models have elucidated the cause of the east-west contraction and crustal deformation of the Japanese islands in the Quaternary Period. It was concluded that the cause of the east-west contraction is not movement of the Pacific Plate itself, as conventionally thought, but rather movement of the Philippine Sea Plate.

Conceptual diagram of the dynamic framework in crustal deformation of the Japanese islands

Aiming to Probe for Buried Vehicles Using a Drone After Landslides

AIST has developed a system to probe from the air for vehicles buried by landslides. The system consists of a drone and an electromagnetic prospecting sensor. It is capable of both comprehensive probing in automatic flight and precise probing in manual flight. AIST conducted verification tests on an experiment site where vehicles were actually buried, and succeeded in identifying the position of a buried vehicle.

Aerial measurements using drone-suspended electromagnetic prospecting system (left) and sensors (right)

Research Unit

Research Institute of Earthquake and Volcano Geology

Research Institute for Geo-Resources and Environment

Research Institute of Geology and Geoinformation

Geoinformation Service Center

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