Northward-convex Structure in South Fossa Magna and Collision of Izu Blocky

Abstract

The origin of the northward-convex structure in and around the South Fossa Magna, central Honshu is discussed in relation to the collision of the Izu Block on the Izu-Mariana arc with Honshu. The Izu Block has been pushing Honshu since the middle Quaternary when the collision occurred. The 15-30km contraction between the Izu Block and collided Honshu is presumed to have been consumed in the manner as follows: 1) internal deformation of the Izu Block, 2) thrusting, folding and uplift of the Neogene and Quaternary deposits in the South Fossa Magna, and 3) compressive uplift and strikeslip faulting dominant in central Japan outside the Fossa Magna.
Geological evidences suggest that the convex structure of the Neogene of this region was formed, inheriting the pre-existing bend of the pre-Miocene terrains surrounding the South Fossa Magna and that the Quaternary collision of the Izu Block contributed to the compression of the region, though it did not strengthen the northward-convex structure significantly.