Weathering and geomorphologic processes Report-1

May 2013

Submitted to: Chiaki OGUCHI

Associate Professors Research Division for Geosphere Environment

Submitted by: Nirmal Raj JOSHI

13ME135 [email protected]

Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

May 2013

Table of contents
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1
1.1 1.2 Objective of field trip ............................................................................................... 1 Structure of this report............................................................................................. 1

Geology and geomorphology of Saitama prefecture ..................................... 2

2.1 Background............................................................................................................. 2 2.2 Saitama prefecture.................................................................................................. 2 2.2.1 Chichibu belt: ................................................................................................... 4 2.2.2 Sambagawa metamorphic rocks ...................................................................... 4 2.2.3 Non Congeal sediments ................................................................................... 4 2.2.4 Shimanto belt ................................................................................................... 5

Description of observation route ..................................................................... 5

3.1 Stop 1 ..................................................................................................................... 6 3.1.1 Location ........................................................................................................... 6 3.1.2 Observations.................................................................................................... 7 3.2 Stop 2 ..................................................................................................................... 9 3.2.1 Location ........................................................................................................... 9 3.2.2 Observations.................................................................................................. 10 3.3 Stop 3 ................................................................................................................... 12 3.3.1 Location ......................................................................................................... 12 3.3.2 Observations.................................................................................................. 12 3.4 Stop 4 ................................................................................................................... 15 3.4.1 Location ......................................................................................................... 15 3.4.2 Observations.................................................................................................. 15

4 5 6

Geological problems in Chichibu area .......................................................... 17 Impression of field trip .................................................................................... 19 Reference ......................................................................................................... 19

List of Figures
Figure 1 Location of field study area ..................................................................................... 1 Figure 2 Geological map of Japan......................................................................................... 2 Figure 3 Prefectures of Japan ............................................................................................... 3 Figure 4 Topography and geology of Saitama prefecture ...................................................... 4 Figure 5 Observation route.................................................................................................... 5 Figure 6 Location of data measurement ................................................................................ 6 Figure 7 Location of stop 1 .................................................................................................... 7 Figure 8 Confluence of rivulet and Arakawa river (about 100m upstream of bridge) .............. 8 Figure 9 Aggregate deposit on the bank of Arakawa river ..................................................... 8 Figure 10 Serpentine rock ..................................................................................................... 9 Figure 11 Location of stop 2 ................................................................................................ 10 Figure 12 View of Pot hole right bank of bridge ................................................................... 11 Figure 13 Pot hole .............................................................................................................. 11 Figure 14 Location of stop 3 ................................................................................................ 12 Figure 15 Exposed bed rock in the inner bend (left bank).................................................... 13 Figure 16 Deposition of aggregates in the inner bend (left bank)......................................... 13 Figure 17 Exposed bed rock in the outer bend (Right bank) ................................................ 14 Figure 18 Close up view of Tiger rock (Right bank) ........................................................... 14 i Nirmal Raj Joshi (13ME135)

Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

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Figure 19 Location of stop 4 ................................................................................................ 15 Figure 20 Arakawa river flowing in narrow gorge ................................................................. 16 Figure 21 River becomes wide near Nagatoro .................................................................... 16 Figure 22 Projected rock outside the river ........................................................................... 17 Figure 23 Landslide warning ............................................................................................... 18 Figure 24 Hillslope protection using steel net ...................................................................... 18 Figure 25 Gabion and wooden support to check possible debris flow from landslide........... 19

List of Tables
Table 1 Distance and direction between stops ..................................................................... 6 Table 2 Measured data ......................................................................................................... 6 Table 3 Geographic coordinate of Stop 1 .............................................................................. 6 Table 4 Geographic coordinate of Stop 2 .............................................................................. 9 Table 5 Geographic coordinate of Stop 3 ............................................................................ 12 Table 6 Geographic coordinate of Stop 4 ............................................................................ 15

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Nirmal Raj Joshi (13ME135)

Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

May 2013

1 Introduction
This report incorporates the study made in field trip which was conducted by GRIS, Saitama University (SU). The field trip was made in connection with academic course offered by GRIS. The field trip was lead by Mrs. Chiaki OGUCHI, Associate Professors from Research Division for Geosphere Environment. Date of field trip Study location : 30 April 2013 : Chichibu area, along Arakawa River.

The study was done in the Chichibu basin along the Arakawa River. The study location is about 95km from Tokyo and about 75km from SU towards North West direction (Figure 1).

Chichibu area (location of field trip)

Tokyo Saitama University

Figure 1 Location of field study area

1.1 Objective of field trip

The main objective of the field trip was to understand the geomorphology and geology mainly on river terraces and metamorphic rocks.

1.2 Structure of this report

This report is based on the questionnaires provided by Mrs. Oguchi in the day of field trip. The major part of this report includes following topics: a) Brief description of geology and geomorphology of Saitama prefecture b) The area where the team studied geological features (four number of stops) c) Geological problem observed in Chichibu area d) A brief summary of the article written by Suzuki T., Nakanishi A. and Tsurukai T. titled A quantitative empirical model of slope evolution through geological time, inferred from changes in height-ratios and angle of segment of fluvial terrace scarps in the Chichibu Basin, Japan . 1 Nirmal Raj Joshi (13ME135)

Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

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2 Geology and geomorphology of Saitama prefecture

2.1 Background
About 15 million years ago, Japan was part of the continental edge of Eurasia. The palaeomagnetic data showed that the Japanese landmasses had occupied positions parallel to the continental edge and had only rotated outwards into their current positions between 19 and 15 million years ago. Like any other land mass, the major rock types found in Japan land are sedimentary rock, volcanic rock, plutonic rock and metamorphic rock. Figure 2 show the distribution of various rock types in Japan.

Figure 2 Geological map of Japan (Source:http://www.marscigrp.org/japan.jpg)

2.2 Saitama prefecture

Saitama Prefecture (also referred as Saitama-ken) is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. This prefecture is located in the Kant region of Honshu Island. Saitama Prefecture is bordered by Tokyo, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Nagano, and Yamanashi (Figure 3). Arakawa River, Tama River, and Fuefuki River are the major rivers of this prefecture.

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

May 2013

Figure 3 Prefectures of Japan (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Regions_and_Prefectures_of_Japan_2.svg) The eastern side of prefecture is lowlands and plateaus. The western side of the prefecture belongs to the Kant Mountain Range with Chichibu Basin located in its center. The area to the west of the basin has high peaks like Mount Sanp (2,483 m) and Mount Kbushi (2,475 m). These mountains are also the source of Arakawa River. The area to east of the basin consists of relatively low mountains. The Arakawa River The Arakawa River is one of the principal rivers flowing through Tokyo, the capital city of Japan. The point of origin is on Mount Kobushi in Saitama Prefectur. The length of this river is about 173 kilometers. The drainage basin covers 2,940 square kilometers. The widest section of the river ranges 2,537 meters at around Gonari Bridge and ranks number one in the nation.

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

May 2013

Figure 4 Topography and geology of Saitama prefecture (Source: Lecture handouts) The landmass of Saitama prefecture consists of rocks at higher altitude while sediment deposits at the lowlands. As shown in Figure 4, Saitama basin consists of following major geological features: 2.2.1 Chichibu belt: The Chichibu belt was formed in Paleozoic and Mesozoic 1 era. This belt comprises of three tectono-stratographic units: the northern sub-belt, the Kurosegawa terrane, and the southern sub-belt. The region has dominance of metamorphic rocks and some sedimentary rocks. The rocks of this belt suffered low grade metamorphism in Paleozioc era. During Mesozoic era, they were subjected to marine transgressions from the ocean side. The folding and thrusting of this belt occurred2 during Cretaceous era. 2.2.2 Sambagawa metamorphic rocks The Sambagawa metamorphic rock dates back to Paleozoic era. This rock complex extends from central Japan to Kyushu region in the South East region. The metamorphic complex is composed of schists, metagabbroic rocks, ultramafic rocks, etc. 2.2.3 Non Congeal sediments In the eastern and south eastern region of Saitama prefecture lies the Non congeal deposits of Holocene and late Pleistocene to early Pleiocene era. This region extends from Kumagaya in the north to Torozawa in the south.
1 2

About 200-400 million years ago Reference-The geological development of Japanse Island, pp 128.

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2.2.4 Shimanto belt The Shimanto major belt lies in southwest Japan. This belt was developed during Mesozoic and Palaeozoic era.

3 Description of observation route

The university student team reached the study location via. Oyahana station. From there, the team trekked along the point of interests under the guidance of Mrs. Oguchi. The team stopped at four locations to make detailed observations. After making observation at the last stop (i.e. stop 4), the team reached Nagatoro station from where the team boarded the train and returned back to SU. A map showing the study area and the stops where the team made detailed observations is shown in Figure 5. The distance between these stops is given in Table 1. In total, about 4 km stretch of Arakawa River was observed. Additionally, while travelling along the route, the team also took some geological measurement (i.e. strike, dip and rebound value). These value are presented in Table 2.

Figure 5 Observation route

Nirmal Raj Joshi (13ME135)

Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1) Table 1 Distance and direction between stops SN From To Walking distance (m) 1 Stop 1 Stop 2 1750 2 Stop 2 Stop 3 1480 3 Stop 3 Stop 4 1000 Total 4230 **Refer Figure 5.

May 2013

Arial distance (m) In direction 1130 East 1030 North East 970 North West

Figure 6 Location of data measurement Table 2 Measured data SN Location 36 5'12.95"N 1 139 7'5.50"E 36 5'23.87"N 2 139 7'0.20"E 36 5'28.21"N 3 139 7'0.67"E

Strike direction N 5 W N 4 W N 10 W

Dip amount 9 S 8 S 12 S

The following paragraphs describe the observation made at each of the stops (from 1 to 4).

3.1 Stop 1
3.1.1 Location The first stop (i.e. Stop 1) lies at the left bank of the Arakawa River near bridge located at Kunikami area of Minano city. The geographic coordinate of this location is given in table below. Table 3 Geographic coordinate of Stop 1 Latitude (DMS) Longitude (DMS) o 36 04 47 139o 05 46

Altitude (meters amsl) 154

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

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Stop 1

Figure 7 Location of stop 1 3.1.2 Observations Following features were observed at this location: a) It was seen that the river carried aggregates ranging from fine sand to boulders. The deposit was seen on the bank of river. The observation was made from the bridge. (Figure 8 and Figure 9) b) A small rivulet was also seen about 100m upstream of bridge location. An island shaped alluvial deposit was seen at the confluence. (Figure 8) c) The hill of Stop 1 was composed of metamorphic rock. The major rock type was greenish colored Serpentine3. The rock was in weathered condition. (Figure 10) d) Due to presence to weak rock, large scale deformation was seen in the area. The toe of the hill composed of weathered deposit of the native rock.

Serpentine rock is a kind of ultra-mafic rock, green in color and composed of talc, calcite or brucite. These rock has lower silica content (less than 45%) while magniesium, calcium and iron oxides are relatively high. These are coarse grained and often banded rock and has scaly apperance. Antigolitem, Lizardilite and Chrisotile are the mineral of Seprntinite group of rock.

Nirmal Raj Joshi (13ME135)

Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

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Sediment deposit confluence

at

Figure 8 Confluence of rivulet and Arakawa river (about 100m upstream of bridge)

Figure 9 Aggregate deposit on the bank of Arakawa river

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

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Figure 10 Serpentine rock

3.2 Stop 2
3.2.1 Location The second stop (i.e. Stop 2) lies at the right bank of the Arakawa River near bridge located at Kanasaki. The geographic coordinate of this location is given in table below. Table 4 Geographic coordinate of Stop 2 Latitude (DMS) Longitude (DMS) o 36 04 52 139o 06 31

Altitude (amsl) 141

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

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Stop 2

Figure 11 Location of stop 2 3.2.2 Observations Following features were observed at this location: a) A rock mass composed of Piemontite4 was seen at this location. (Figure 12) b) A pot hole was seen in the rock mass. This post hole is supposed to be made by continual swirling motion of sand, gravel and pebbles trapped in the hollow portion of rock which is then flushed by river water when flow was high.(Figure 13)

Piemontite is a pink colored metamorphic rock formed in lowtemperature hydrothermal veins of volcanic rocks. It is source of manganese. This rock was first time reported by Prof. Bunjiro KOTO in 1888.

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

May 2013

Pot hole

Arakawa River

Figure 12 View of Pot hole right bank of bridge

Figure 13 Pot hole 11 Nirmal Raj Joshi (13ME135)

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3.3 Stop 3
3.3.1 Location The third stop (i.e. Stop 3) lies at the left bank of the Arakawa River about 300m east of Kaminagatoro train station. The geographic coordinate of this location is given in table below. Table 5 Geographic coordinate of Stop 3 Latitude (DMS) Longitude (DMS) o 36 05 11 139o 07 05

Altitude (amsl) 144

Stop 3

Figure 14 Location of stop 3 3.3.2 Observations Following features were observed at this location: a) A rock mass composed of Chlorite schist5 and Stilpnomelane schist was seen at this location. The Chlorite schist is characterized by its light green color (Figure 15 and Figure 16). Similarly, Stilpnomelane6 schist is characterized by its band of brown and white layers. (Figure 18) b) Deposit consisting of sand, gravel and boulder was seen in the inner bend of the river. This is due to decrease in velocity at inner bend. c) The outer bend was directly hit by the river (Figure 17). Due to stable rock at the bend, the river does not seem to have changed its course.

Chlorite schist is a kind of metamorphic rock with high chlorite content. The greenish color in this rock is imparted due to presence of clay mineral. The green colored schist are called Epidote schist. 6 Stilpnomelane is a kind of metamorphic rock which is commonly called Tiger rock die tp nanded layer of brown and white color. Feldspar and quartz are the main mineral of this rock.

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

May 2013

Figure 15 Exposed bed rock in the inner bend (left bank)

Figure 16 Deposition of aggregates in the inner bend (Left bank)

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

May 2013

Arakawa River

Figure 17 Exposed bed rock in the outer bend (Right bank)

Figure 18 Close up view of Tiger rock

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

May 2013

3.4 Stop 4
3.4.1 Location The forth stop (i.e. Stop 4) lies in the left bank of the Arakawa River about 280m east of Nagatoro train station. This place lies in a Nagatorotamayodo National Park and is one of the famous touristic destinations of Japan. The geographic coordinate of this location is given in table below. Table 6 Geographic coordinate of Stop 4 Latitude (DMS) Longitude (DMS) 36o 05 42 139o 06 55

Altitude (amsl) 139

Stop 4

Figure 19 Location of stop 4 3.4.2 Observations Following features were observed at this location: a) River has cut deep gorge in this location and then it flares large angle near Nagatoro. (Figure 20 and Figure 21) b) The Nagatoro area is composed of mica rich Sambagawa crystalline schist 7.

Schist are formed when thick deposit of sediment (sand/gravel/clay) are metamorphosed under high pressure and high temperature (300-500C).

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

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Arakawa River

Figure 20 Arakawa river flowing in narrow gorge

Arakawa River

Figure 21 River becomes wide near Nagatoro

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

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Figure 22 Projected rock outside the river

4 Geological problems in Chichibu area

The Chichibu area is formed by variety of rock type and soil deposits. Among various rock types, the serpentine shows the weakest mechanical properties. Due to its weak behavior, large scale deformation was seen in the area. At Stop-1, the slide zone was easily visible. The trees were seen bended at the base, indicating recent movement of top soil in this area. To prevent slope failure, hills were netted with steel wire mesh (Figure 24). Similarly, toe protection was also done near the road to prevent blockage due to slide (Figure 25).

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

May 2013

Figure 23 Landslide warning

Figure 24 Hillslope protection using steel net

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

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Figure 25 Gabion and wooden support to check possible debris flow from landslide

5 Impression of field trip

In this field trip we got some basic idea of geomorphology of Chichibu area. The geological problem (mainly landslide) that has been occurring in this area due to weak rock formation was also identified. We saw some new rock types like Serpentine, Piemontitie, Stilpnomelane schist (Tiger rocks) etc during the field trip. Similarly, we also observed the river morphology of Arakawa River and its sediment carrying behavior. Besides observation of geological features, we also learned to use geological compass to measure strike and dip and Schmitts rebound hammer to get rebound value.

6 Reference
Lecture hands out; Chiaki OGUCHI Origins of the Japanese Islands: The New Big Picture ; Gina L. BARNES; University of Durham, Durham, England, United Kingdom The Geological Development Of The Japanese Island; Association for Geological Collaboration of Japan Websites:
http://www.misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp/symposium/sympofy01/2ndcircular/sambagawa.html wikipedia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/saitama_prefecture maps.google.com

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

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Summary of the article written by Suzuki T., Nakanishi A. and Tsurukai T. titiled : A quantitative empirical model of slope evolution through geological time, inferred from changes in height-ratios and angle of segment of fluvial terrace scarps in the Chichibu Basin, Japan. The article written by Suzuki T., Nakanishi A. and Tsurukai T. titiled A quantitative empirical model of slope evolution through geological time, inferred from changes in height-ratios and angle of segment of fluvial terrace scarps in the Chichibu Basin, Japan studies the slope profile of Chichibu basin along the Arakawa River. The author has developed two different models for prediction of (a) height ratio of hill slope and (b) angel of the slope for any given arbitrary time. For the study, the author has used field data from 152 sites with 16 time history measurement from each site. A brief introduction of each of this model is described following paragraphs.

Illustration of parameters used to develop models for height ratio and slope angle a) Height ratio model i) For infacing scarps

ii)

For outfacing scraps

b) Angle model

a) Model to predict height ratio The vertical height is divided into three parts, viz. crestal convex, middle straight and basal concave as shown in figure above. The figure also shows the relationship between various height ratio parameters. The data series was plotted against time and least square method

Paper Review

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Weathering and geomorphologic processes (Report-1)

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was employed to get a logarithmic relationship between the height ratio and time. The relation is shown in figure above. b) Model to predict slope angle The height ratio and angle of each segment are considered to be independent of each other and therefore, model to predict the slope angle was developed separately. The independent nature to these two parameters was verified by plotting both parameters which showed that there is no definite pattern in their relationship. The relationship is shown in figure above. Limitations of model The model developed by the author has following limitations: a) The time series taken for analysis is mentioned to be 30ka B.P. to 0.5 ka B.P. (which means 30,000 years to 500 years before present). It is very unlikely that the actual measured data was available and the data seems to be just a prediction and based on the research done previously by other authors. b) It is mentioned in the article that, some field survey has been done with instrument called slope profiler. But no data has been given on the accuracy of this measurement device or the methodology adopted for measurement c) The model omits prediction for the gravel-scraps due to heterogeneity in the material properties. d) The model ignores the environmental phenomenon like climate change, tectonic deformation etc. e) The model ignores the properties of rock mass and its mechanical and physical behavior. Conclusion The model developed by the author tries to predict the time dependence of height ratio and slope angle (hill slope) of Chichibu Basin along the Arakawa River. The model has forecasted that the straight reach of the height ratio parameter will disappear by 450 Ka. Despite the shortcomings of this model, it has given a tool to estimate the properties of hill slopes of Chichibu basin. This will help to study various geological and engineering features of this area like long term stability problems, prediction of river course, etc.

Paper Reveiw

Nirmal Raj Joshi (13ME135)