Abstract
Based on existing geological information and historical records, we discuss the hypothesis that the Atera fault zone is the source fault of the 1586 Tensho earthquake. Geological data, such as excavation survey results, show that the latest and penultimate faulting events of the fault zone occurred about 400 and 1,000 years ago, respectively. It is thought that these events do not cause a whole rupture of the Atera fault zone. We also examine new historical records on the damage by the Tensho earthquake around the Atera fault zone. However, there is still no reliable evidence that the Atera fault zone is the source fault of the earthquake. More precise historical records are necessary to conclude that the latest faulting event of the Atera fault zone corresponds to the 1586 Tensho earthquake.
