Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
7217180 
Journal Article 
Mount Fuji: The Volcano, the Heritage, and the Mountain 
Chakraborty, A; Jones, TE; , 
2018 
SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING AG 
CHAM 
NATURAL HERITAGE OF JAPAN: GEOLOGICAL, GEOMORPHOLOGICAL, AND ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS 
167-175 
WOS:000448722400018 
This chapter describes Mount Fuji, which at 3776 m asl forms the highest point in Japan, as a composite heritage. Fuji was registered in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 2013 as a Cultural Property, but the mountain and its surrounding landscapes also represent a significant natural heritage. The steep, conically shaped mountain we see today almost wholly comprises volcanic products from the newest phase of Fuji volcanism, and a volcanic complex of three older volcanoes is buried under the ejecta from this new phase. Past eruptions of the mountain posed significant dangers for the densely populated Kanto plain; different landforms and ecosystems were formed out of those events that further underscore the mountain's value as a composite natural heritage. While Fuji is an exceptionally vigorous stratovolcano, many landforms in this area are formed by active denudation forces. Apart from the mountain, the surrounding areas offer a rich diversity of landforms such as artesian spring rivers, lava tunnels, and lakes. Tourism at Mount Fuji has changed significantly from its pilgrimage roots, and this transformation has put considerable pressure on the landscape. The natural heritage of this area urgently needs holistic planning and conservation measures to control the footprint of tourism and urban development. 
Chakraborty, A; Mokudai, K; Cooper, M; Watanabe, M; Chakraborty, S; 
978-3-319-61895-1