Geology and development of the Yakushima island: a world heritage site

Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity, features a unique geological foundation distinct from typical oceanic islands. Unlike most volcanic islands, Yakushima's bedrock consists of Shikoku Basin sedimentary rocks and the Yakushima Granite, which forms its high mountain terrain. This study reveals that the granite's intrusion mechanism was analyzed through observations of orthoclase megacrysts' directional alignment, dike distribution, deformation of host rocks, and contact metamorphism. Additionally, it examines the sequence of development in Shikoku Basin strata, pillow basalts, compaction, mélange structures, and liquefaction features caused by earthquakes within the accretionary complex. The research also explores the depositional patterns of pyroclastic flow sediments from the Kikai Caldera eruption and the seismic liquefaction triggered by volcanic eruptions, providing insights into potential underwater explosive eruption hazards.

Anma, R., Yamamoto, Y., Geshi, N., Nanayama, F., & Nakagawa, S. (2014). 世界遺産の島・屋久島の地質と成り立ち. The Journal of the Geological Society of Japan, 120(Supplement), S101–S125. https://doi.org/10.5575/geosoc.2014.0026