Research for submarine ruins off Yonaguni, Japan.
| Accession number;01A1038947 |
| Title;Research for submarine ruins off Yonaguni, Japan. |
| Author;KIMURA M(Univ. Ryukyus, Okinawa, Jpn) NAKAMURA T(Nagoya Univ., Natoya, Jpn) KOBAYASHI K(Univ. Tokyo, Tokyo, Jpn) YAGI H(Univ. Ryukyus, Okinawa, Jpn) ISHIKAWA Y(Univ. Ryukyus, Okinawa, Jpn) UEDA M(Univ. Ryukyus, Okinawa, Jpn) SAKAMOTO M(Univ. Ryukyus, Okinawa, Jpn) CHIHARA T(Univ. Ryukyus, Okinawa, Jpn) |
Journal Title;Bulletin of the College of Science, University of the Ryukyus
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Journal Code:S0995A
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ISSN:0286-9640
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VOL.;NO.72;PAGE.49-72(2001)
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| Figure&Table&Reference;FIG.13, TBL.2, REF.20 |
| Pub. Country;Japan |
| Language;English |
| Abstract;Submarine research surveys using SCUBA and sonic surveys reveal detailed topography similar to submarine, pyramidal features looking like a stepped pyramid off Yonaguni in Okinawa, Japan. The site is called Iseki Point(ruins site) as a leisure diving spot. Yonaguni Submarine Pyramid(YSP) is the major structure that stands under approximately 25 meters of ocean. Essentially, it has a cliff face like the side of a stepped pyramid, and dimensions of about 290m(length) by 120m(width) by 26m(height). Flat terraces, straight walls and its surface structure of walls with scars of tool marks driven in by a wedge on the structure are identified to be artificially fabricated. Appearance and size of YSP are similar to the biggest, ancient castles such as Shuri and Nakagusuku Castles in Okinawa Island, where they are called 'gusuku'. Roads associated with drainage canals were recognized, surrounding YSP, and that a retaining wall was found along a road. The southern point of the wall is composed of huge rock fragments. Stone tools and other artifacts were discovered from the sea bottom. Those evidence strongly shows that the YSP has not been manufactured by nature. It is identifie to be man-made. The formation age is estimated to be about 10,000 years ago based on 14C and 10Be age determinations. (author abst.) |
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