The Geological Development of the North Okinawa Trough Area from Neogene Times to Recent

Abstract

An interpretation is presented of the Neogene to Recent geological development of an offshore area, located at the northeast end of the Okinawa Trough. The interpretation is based on geophysical and well data obtained by Nishi Nihon and Shin Nishi Nihon Sekiyu Kaihatsu K.K. during exploration in their Tokara/Amami concession area.
Basin development, accompanied by widespread volcanism and strongly influenced by Pre-Tertiary basement structures, commenced in Late Neogene Times with the formation of the Okinawa Basin. Toward the end of the Neogene a further phase of basin formation and volcanism occurred which led to the development of the present day physiography.