Abstract
The Ryukyu Islands present significantly valuable fields for geoparks. For instance, raised coral reefs (Pleistocene Ryukyu Limestone) have formed many caves, which produce archeological and anthropological sites as well as geoscientific fields. Shore landforms along fringing reefs, such as emerged notches, indicate tectonic processes and/or climatic (sea level) changes. Karsts with steep slopes show rapid chemical weathering under a high temperature condition in subtropical climate. Such landscapes are suitable for geoparks, while present geoparks lack any subtropical islands even in a global scale. The Ryukyu Islands must lead geotourism in the Pacific Islands.
