Abstract
This study investigated a prominent landslide in Mizore (ML), Gifu Prefecture, central Japan. Previous research has suggested that the 1586CE (18 January) Tensho Earthquake (est. M＝7.8±0.1) might have triggered this landslide, based on analysis of historical documents and local folklore. However, there has been a lack of comprehensive geological investigation into this theory. We performed geomorphic interpretation, field geological surveys, and radiocarbon dating (14C) to determine the precise timing of the landslide event and its potential connection with the Tensho Earthquake. Our findings confirmed the presence of specific landforms and fracture structures characteristic of large-scale landslide phenomena. The initial volume of the landslide was estimated at 2.6×107m3 classifying it as a large-scale mass movement. The calibrated 14C ages and their modelled estimates fell within the 16th to 17th Centuries, including 1586CE. Based on this evidence, we concluded that the 1586CE Tensho Earthquake was a strong candidate of this landslide. Another earthquake is also reported to have occurred in Toyama Prefecture, located north of Gifu Prefecture, on January 16. The relationship between this preceding earthquake and ML formation needs to be further examined.
