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The Gifts of Mt.Fuji and Coexistence with a Volcano

What would our lives be like without Mt. Fuji? Without Mt. Fuji, this area would certainly have been full of steep mountains and valleys. As Mt. Fuji formed and continued to erupt, valleys were slowly filled in by mud and lava, and the surrounding terrain was leveled. Mt. Fuji also gives us gifts of clear, clean water and mineral rich soil thanks to volcanic ash deposits.



 
A 3D map of Mt. Fuji’s Southern side as seen from the air.  We can see Mt. Fuji growing outwards.  

This is what the Mt. Fuji area might look like if Mt. Fuji did not exist.  Instead of fields and plains, steep mountains and valleys cover the area.

 

 

This map, produced by Professor Masato Koyama, was made using “Cashmere” 3D software.

About Coexistence with Mt. Fuji.

Fujiyoshida City and Nishikatsura Town:

What was once the steep and narrow Katsura River valley was slowly filled in by lava and mudflows, and became the wide valley that it is today.

 

Yamanakako Village:

Lake Yamanakako was born when lava and mudflows cut off the supply of water to the Katsura River.

 

 

Oshino Village:

The Oshino area developed when a large lake resulting from lava and mudflows dried and left only fields. Ground water beneath this area gushes to the surface and forms the Oshino Hakkai (8 Springs of Oshino).

Fuji Kawaguchiko Town:

A lava flow from the Jogan Eruption in 864 cut through Senoumi Lake and divided it into the current Lake Shojiko and Lake Saiko. The same lava flow currently provides a fertile bed for the Aokigahara Forest.

 

Narusawa Village:

Weathered volcanic ash creates rich soil that fertilizes local crops, such as high plains cabbage.

 

 

Minobu Town:

Magnificent landscapes in this area, including lake Motosuko, formed thanks to lava flows.