Cosmos » Earth Sciences
Rocks from Mount Ashibetsu in Japan have revealed important information about an ancient global environmental crisis
which choked the oxygen from Earth’s oceans
The Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a) was one of the largest disruptions of the global carbon cycle and climate system in the past 200 million years
New research published in Science Advances has determined that it was triggered 119.5 million years ago and lasted for 1.1 million years
The new information helps scientists better understand how the Earth’s climate and ocean system operates and responds to stress
especially as it relates to current warming
“Ocean anoxic events occur in part as a consequence of climatic warming in a greenhouse world,” says Brad Sageman
senior author of the study from Northwestern University in the US
“If we want to make accurate predictions about what we will see in the decades ahead with human-caused warming
The best way to understand the future is to look at data from the past.”
Researchers have long thought that the most likely cause of OAE 1a was undersea volcanic eruptions
which resulted in a rapid injection of massive amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the ocean and atmosphere
This study analysed ancient strata on Japan’s northern island
formed from volcanic ash that settled and solidified over time
Volcanic activity then lifted these layers above sea level during the formation of Japan’s islands
“Magma comes out of a volcano in liquid form and then begins to cool,” Sageman says
“During this process, crystals start to form. By the time the tuff solidifies, the crystals become a tiny closed system. They lock in atoms, and some of those atoms, like uranium, start to decay, meaning they convert from one isotope to another.”
“These isotope systems provide tools for correlating the OAE1a interval between sites in Hokkaido
southern France and other sites all around the globe,” he explains
“They give us markers for instants in geologic time.”
Sageman and collaborators found an abrupt shift in carbon isotope ratios
caused by the spike in volcanic CO2 and later by the burial of excess organic matter from dead plants and animals
there was a change in osmium isotope ratios
reflecting a massive influx of volcanic material into ocean waters
The timing of these events corresponds to eruption of the Ontong Java Nui complex, a large igneous province in the southwestern Pacific Ocean
Now that researchers know it took the oceans 1.1 million years to recover from the sharp increase in CO2 from this eruption
they have more insight into how long the effects of CO2-driven warming events might last and what the associated effects
“We’re already seeing zones with low oxygen levels in the Gulf of Mexico,” Sageman says
“The main difference is that past events unfolded over tens of thousands to millions of years
We’re driving roughly similar levels of warming (or more) but doing so in less than 200 years.”
The Ultramarine project – focussing on research and innovation in our marine environments – is supported by Minderoo Foundation
Gourmet
"Gatatan" is a local delicacy from Ashibetsu City
that was featured in a Google app commercial and quickly gained attention
We will introduce you to some restaurants in Ashibetsu where you can enjoy delicious Gatatan
when the characters for "Hanto-tang" were searched on a smartphone at a Chinese restaurant
it was displayed as "Gatatan" and the dish was introduced
This triggered the name Gatatan to spread throughout the country
"Gatatan" is written in Chinese as "甘多湯" (hump soup)
which means "soup with a lot of ingredients" in Chinese
The basic style is a salty Chinese soup containing dumplings
Photo courtesy of Ashibetsu City Board of Education
Hoshi no Furu Sato Centennial Memorial Hall
The origins of gatatan can be traced back to when Murai Bungonosuke
who moved to Ashibetsu from Manchuria after the Second World War
started serving it at his Chinese restaurant
made from wheat flour or potato starch mixed with water
and the lightly salted soup is thick and warms up a cold body
it was loved by coal miners who did heavy labor
It was originally served at "Koraku"
it spread throughout Ashibetsu city as a home-cooked dish
volunteers came together to protect the local flavor and revived it
many variations of gatatan have been created
Each restaurant has its own specialty gatatan
and the fact that you can enjoy a variety of variations may be one of its charms
we will introduce some recommended restaurants where you can enjoy Gatatan in Ashibetsu City
The orthodox "Gatatan Soup" is made with dumplings made from a blend of several types of flour and plenty of ingredients
but you can still taste the deliciousness of the ingredients
The specialty here is "Gatatan Ramen"
and the delicious gatatan soup mixes with the noodles for an exquisite collaboration
as well as a wide variety of other menu items such as Gatatan Yakisoba and Gatatan Fried Rice
You can enjoy a different Gatatan depending on your mood that day
If you're looking for a new take on gatatan
we recommend "Kakikukeko," which serves "stone-grilled gatatan"
The gatatan is served piping hot and contains rice
The key point is that it contains tteokbokki
We recommend finishing off the meal by mixing the scorched rice with the soup for a crispy yet creamy texture
a specialty of Ashida that was once loved by coal miners
will warm your body and mind and make you feel happy
There are as many variations of Gatatan as there are restaurants
so try comparing the different varieties at different restaurants and find your favorite one
Team Buchi Neko has many connections to Hokkaido's tourist spots and facilities
There are many wonderful resources in Hokkaido that we take for granted when we live there
We will spread the word about the charms of this wonderful Hokkaido
[7 minutes walk from Sapporo Station] Enjoy hot springs
A comfortable stay at the 605-room "Sapporo Hotel by Granbell"
Running a "Neo Community Center" where people and things from Kushiro come together | Kotoe Kimura recommends three "special things" in Kushiro
[2025 Latest] Top 15 ramen shops in Sapporo recommended by locals
The hot soup with the aroma of dried sardines will soak in your mouth
Try the "Eifukucho-style Chinese noodles" at "Daikokuken" in Nanae-cho
Sapporo's lunch buffet (5) Not only the food
but the view and service are also top-notch
The ever-evolving classic buffet JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo Restaurant & Bar "SKY J"
It looks delicious!" Did you know that in Sapporo
you can only get "Rokkatei's fresh cakes" at their directly managed stores?
Seasonal “news” of Hokkaido can be checked by category
You can check the information of your “town” in one place
Events” held throughout the province are easy to find and can be saved
This page has been automatically translated by Google Translate service
Scientists have recently studied ancient rocks and fossils from Mount Ashibetsu in Japan and uncovered details about Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a)
which occurred approximately 119.5 million years ago
This event caused a critical lack of oxygen in the oceans and led to extensive extinctions
OAE 1a was likely triggered by massive undersea volcanic eruptions. These eruptions released vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2)
which warmed the planet and disrupted ocean oxygen levels
The combination of high CO2 and low oxygen created a hostile environment for marine life
The event lasted just over 1.1 million years
It is one of the largest ocean anoxic events recorded during the Cretaceous Period
as seen in the drastic reduction of plankton populations
The concept of ocean anoxic events emerged in the 1970s
carbon-rich shale deposits formed under low oxygen conditions
These deposits accumulated organic matter instead of decomposing
indicating the environmental stress of past eras
Researchers examined volcanic ash layers on Hokkaido Island
These layers solidified over time from ancient volcanic activity
scientists could date eruptions and correlate them with OAE 1a
They also analysed carbon and osmium isotopes to understand changes in the carbon cycle
The study linked findings from Japan with global volcanic activity. The OAE 1a event began with a rapid rise in volcanic CO2 emissions
followed by the burial of excess organic material
This aligns with eruptions from the Ontong Java Nui volcanic complex
Month: Current Affairs - December, 2024
Category: Environment Current Affairs
you might be surprised to stumble upon a little Canadian village
complete with a green-gabled house and a Victorian church
But for those who can't make the trip halfway around the world
The founders of the park were so inspired by the idyllic Prince Edward Island setting of Anne of Green Gables, they built a scale model of the Canadian seaside village in Ashibetsu
When the private theme park went bankrupt in 1997
free to visit and staffed by volunteers
though it still has all the trappings of the fictional town of Avonlea
There are full-sized Victorian-style row houses surrounding a paved roundabout lit by iron street lamps
including Anne's farmhouse with the famous green gables
authentically modeled on Montgomery's descriptions and accompanied by brief excerpts from the novel
Saccharine piano music is piped in over speakers both inside and outside buildings
An old-fashioned train runs around the pond at the center of the town
Directional signs bear the park's logo and a cartoon drawing of Anne with her signature braids and straw hat with the text "Anne of Canadian World".
Visitors to the park often find it mostly empty
which is relatively out of the way compared to most of Japan
and receives heavy snowfall in winter months
The park is boarded up during its off-season
and some predict that it's only a matter of years before it simply doesn't reopen in the spring
Japan's love for Anne Shirley is still going strong
which some speculate stemmed from a national feeling of post-war orphanhood
or "Red Haired Anne") is still widely circulated
Plenty of old carney magic still haunts this photogenic amusement park
A crumbling wizard is one of the final reminders of a roadside Middle Earth
This western-themed amusement park is host to a large number of decaying animatronic cowboys
This medieval castle was painted pink as part of a now-abandoned children's theme park
Strange beasts lurking in a garden are all that remain of a quirky
The decaying remains of a 1960s mechanical wonderland that never officially closed
An abandoned Victorian-era amusement park is rusting away amidst luxury houses
Bear attacks across Japan have mounted to the highest level since records began in 2006
marking the worst known year for bear attacks in the country
The Environment Ministry said that there were 193 bear attacks nationwide in the eight months since April
Photograph shows a road sign to beware of bears in Ashibetsu
Seventy percent of the attacks occurred in northeastern Japan
Thirty people were attacked by the animal in November
Bears usually go into hibernation from late November to December
but ministry officials warned more attacks are possible
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
Event
At music festivals and outdoor festivals held in the great outdoors of Hokkaido
Here are 15 of Hokkaido's best summer festivals
from well-known festivals to those being held for the first time this year
Why not make the best memories in Hokkaido this summer
This outdoor rock festival is one of the four biggest festivals in Japan and is representative of Hokkaido
It started in 1999 as Japan's first full-scale all-night outdoor rock festival
With a variety of stages of different sizes built across the vast land of Ishikari
and surrounded by the scenery and atmosphere of Hokkaido
It was established in 2010 as an event that combines music
Many artists will perform on a total of five indoor and outdoor stages
The food court serves gourmet food made with local ingredients from Iwamizawa and Minami Sorachi
There is also an adjacent amusement park with over 40 attractions
so you can enjoy the festival in a variety of ways
PMF (Pacific Music Festival) is a classical music festival held in various locations
from indoors in concert halls to outdoor performances on outdoor stages
This outdoor event allows you to enjoy the fantastical sea fog
There will also be live DJ performances and performances by famous artists
where you can enjoy gourmet food unique to Kushiro
and a barbecue corner where anyone can come empty-handed
The festival will be held at a venue surrounded by cliffs called Ganke
Feel," the event is packed with the charms of Shintoku Town
which was selected as Saunaer of the Year 2022
and gourmet food made with Tokachi ingredients
This is a new outdoor event in Sapporo with the theme of "CRAFT: A Boat Made by Everyone." The appeal of this event is that you can enjoy music
In addition to the individual performances of the artists
you can also enjoy special live performances that you don't usually get to see
will be hosting its first outdoor live music event
where you can enjoy music and the outdoors
Live music will be held on the stage at WIND PLAZA
and tent sites will be set up for camping in the Escon Field
Other outdoor events and SUP experiences will also be held
making it a fun event for the whole family
held for the first time at Furano Ski Resort
is based on the concept of "Resonating with the Five Senses - MIX ENTERTAINMENT -" and combines music
Artists from various genres will gather from Japan and abroad to heat up the Furano Basin
it is an event that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike
with gourmet food made with Furano ingredients
A homely festival held under the 360-degree blue sky of Sorachi
With the theme of "Festival x Picnic = Fesnic," where you can enjoy music while relaxing on the grass in the great outdoors
there will be live performances by artists as well as delicious gourmet food from Hokkaido
This year's motto is "Kodomo Odoru," and there are plans for a variety of content that can be enjoyed by both adults and children
A multi-purpose entertainment festival that makes the most of Tomakomai City's attractive location
making it a fun event for people of all ages and genders
The venue is divided into a paid area where you can enjoy live artist performances and a free area with a mini stage and food
and various content will be held in each area
An event where you can enjoy various performances such as music
The stage performances by artists gathered from all over the world
which will be held on five stages and six areas
and miscellaneous goods will also be gathered from all over the world at the venue
Don't miss the moment the sun goes down and the performances with the night view spreading out before you
The night sky of Ashibetsu will be lit up with music
there will also be live performances by musicians and stage performances by civic groups
there will also be a row of stalls selling local specialties and authentic gourmet food
A festival inviting various creators to take place in the rich nature of Lake Toya
such as food and drink stalls from inside and outside Toyako Town
Bonfires are also prepared at the campsite
so you can enjoy a relaxing camping experience
Otaru's annual summer outdoor music event
The venue is the parking lot of the Otaru Port Pier 3 Cruise Ship Terminal
where you can enjoy music while feeling the sea breeze up close
Bands that perform come from nearby areas such as Sapporo and Otaru
and they will perform a variety of music genres
This event was created with the desire to "warm up the city of Tomakomai
heating up the center of Tomakomai under the motto
"Become a beacon of pride for the city."
Expanding the circle of exchange in Minami-ku
a community market created by students together with the local community
[Updated for 2025] A complete guide to accessing Daiwa House Premist Dome (Sapporo Dome) and nearby hotels
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will retire its popular 30-year-old sightseeing train "Crystal Express" in September
with many train fans expected to take the chance to bid farewell to the express
The railway operator has decided to end the service due to difficulty in procuring spare parts for the train
The Crystal Express debuted in December 1989
connecting Sapporo and the Sahoro ski resort in central Hokkaido
Its route was later extended around Japan's northern main island
the train has been running between Sapporo and Furano as the "Furano Lavender Express." It has wide windows that offer passengers an uninterrupted view of the scenery
as well as cozy lounges furnished with tables and chairs
says it has yet to decide what to do with the train after its retirement
one roundtrip will be made on each of the two days
All 156 seats will be for reservation only
Tickets cost 4,810 yen for a one-way trip between Sapporo and Furano
and 7,540 yen for a roundtrip after a special discount
The Hokkaido Shimbun Press
Killing of bear relieves Sapporo residents but draws flak outside Hokkaido
Male orangutan in Hokkaido zoo raises sister after loss of mother
Sushi restaurant starts 8-month chef training amid lack of young entrants
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Chisom Michael
Chisom Michael
Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay
with diverse experience in the media industry
He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China
profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers
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Japanese version
Event
The season of fireworks festivals that brighten up Hokkaido's summer is coming
Here we will introduce you to all the information about the fireworks festivals that will create summer memories
This sea festival is held on Kamome Island
a beautiful small island beloved by many people as a symbol of Esashi
In addition to the usual stage events such as singing shows and traditional performing arts
there are also booths where you can enjoy the flavors of Esashi
Source: T×TGARAGE 12th Makomanai Fireworks Festival Official Website
This year marks the 12th anniversary of the event
and 22,000 fireworks will be launched into the sky along with a mix of fireworks
The fireworks launched by the nationally famous "Nihonbashi Marutamaya" and "Beniya Aoki Fireworks" are a wonderful light art that will brighten up the summer
To commemorate the Fighters' 50th anniversary
over 6,000 fireworks will be set off to accompany the entrance music and footage of legendary players
The fireworks can be viewed from inside the ESCON Field after the game ends
and the atmosphere will be livened up by the special 50th anniversary production
This is a major event held in Hamatonbetsu Town with the aim of connecting people with nature at Lake Kutcharo
the northernmost wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention in Japan
where many migratory birds come to rest their wings
It is a water log crossing race and various other events
The beautiful fireworks that light up the lake are also popular
You can enjoy fireworks and food in the natural surroundings of the National Takino Suzuran Hillside Park on the outskirts of Sapporo
there are also many stage events and raffles
so you can camp while enjoying the fireworks
The third annual Memurocho Fireworks Festival "Kanon" was launched by volunteers who wanted to revive the local fireworks festival that had disappeared and to create memories for children
Food and drink booths will be set up at the venue
The eve of the festival will also feature a beer garden and karaoke competition
which began in commemoration of the establishment of Marine Day
is now one of the three major fireworks festivals in Hakodate
and is a popular fireworks festival that heralds the arrival of summer in Hakodate
This year's theme is "Cinema under the Stars." Hakodate Port will be transformed into a giant movie theater
and various performances will liven up the venue
there will be a junior concert and the traditional "Sennin Odori" dance that parades through the city
there will be a "boat rowing race" that you can enjoy
The nighttime fireworks display will color the finale of Nemuro's short summer and the festival
The Ebetsu Fireworks are characterized by a competition between Japanese fireworks makers
You can watch the fireworks from up close from the venue seats
There are also plans for stage events and food trucks to open at the venue
This is one of the fireworks festivals representing the Furano area
with around 7,000 fireworks launched into the sky
The fireworks seen in the setting of the lavender fields in full bloom have a beauty unlike any other fireworks festival
and the impact is even more intense when viewed from the slopes of the surrounding hills
"Kuki" refers to the large schools of herring that come to spawn
and this festival is held to commemorate the past when the area prospered from herring fishing
There is also a taste corner where you can enjoy local seafood
and events you can participate in such as "All-you-can-eat sea urchins and scallops," and the fireworks you can watch while looking out over Benten Island on the coast are very impressive
and the fireworks reflecting off the black
mirror-like surface of the sea brightly light up the summer night sky
This fireworks festival held in a seaside town is also recommended as a combination with swimming and camping
In addition to the usual all-you-can-eat shijimi clams
the Teshio River will be lit up with fireworks
This event is held as the finale of the historic "Hidaka Tree Spirit Festival," which gives thanks to the trees of the forest and the legendary dragon as its guardian
Approximately 2,500 fireworks will be launched into the sky
beautifully lighting up the summer night as the festival continues
This fireworks festival is popular among Sapporo residents as a seasonal event that heralds the arrival of summer in Sapporo
The fireworks launched from Toyohira River are divided into three parts
including star mines and elaborate creative fireworks
You can also watch the fireworks up close from the fishing port
and experience the powerful sound and light of over 700 fireworks
a seasonal event that colors the summer in Chitose
will be renovated this year and the venue will be changed to the Ground Self-Defense Force Kita-Chitose Garrison
which are larger and more expansive than usual
are scheduled to be launched in four parts
was started as an opportunity to pass on Otaru's history and culture to the next generation and to pray for the development of Otaru
The city center is lively with the "Ushio Furekomi" (dance parade) and stalls
and the main fireworks display attracts many local residents and tourists
This is the biggest event in Shintotsukawa where the whole town enjoys the short summer
The popular event is the Mud Bridge Championship
where participants slide along a roller conveyor used for sorting agricultural produce and compete to see who can get closest to a pool of mud
The fireworks display is held on the eve of the festival
began as a memorial service for those who drowned in the lake
It is bustling with events and outdoor stalls
and the "Memorial Lantern Floating" event
The fireworks are reflected on the lake's surface like large flowers
and the beauty of the event is captivating
located about two hours by ferry from Wakkanai
but the fireworks display is held in conjunction with the Oniwaki area
and the surface of the sea is vividly colored
A large-scale festival held in Tomakomai every summer
a citizen dance parade through the city center
and a marching festival liven up the city of Tomakomai
The "Tomamin Tomakomai Centennial Fireworks"
and the fireworks launched against the backdrop of the pitch-black sea are a spectacular sight
Fresh seafood that can only be found in a port town is lined up
and there are also character shows and various stage events
It is a summer festival that can be enjoyed by both adults and children
which is like a "wave," and the fireworks display will heat up the summer in Iwanai Town
Nakatonbetsu Town is popular for its "45th Degree Latitude Shibare Festival" held in the winter
but this festival is what gets the whole town excited in the summer
Events include the All-Japan Water Balloon Catching Championship
and the excitement reaches a climax with a fireworks display
This festival started with hand-held fireworks by volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
and is now a summer event in Niseko Town where about 1,500 fireworks are set off
There is time for children to enjoy hand-held fireworks as well
making it a fireworks festival that can be enjoyed by both adults and children
while retaining the flavor of a small hometown
the "village where stars fall," where you can enjoy events and gourmet food
and the venue is enveloped in a fantastical space
This is a major event that colors the short summer in the northernmost city
The first icebreaker used in the Antarctic observation in the homeland of the Sakhalin Huskies Taro and Jiro was the "Sōya"
and the festival has continued since its name was associated with the Antarctic
the festival is livened up by two dances that represent Wakkanai: the "Hokkai Teppen Odori" and the "Antarctic Odori"
is a vast park where you can also enjoy camping
It also has hot spring accommodation and an observatory
The fireworks you can enjoy at this scenic spot
This festival is held in Higashikagura Town
and is unique to the "town of flowers." There are many flower-related events
such as a giveaway of flower seedlings on a first-come
and a flower parade in which townspeople march to the tune of the "Hana no Machi Ondo." There are also outdoor stalls
a "townspeople musical performance," a face-in sign competition
fireworks and laser shows light up the night sky with flowers
This is the largest fireworks festival in the northern Hokkaido area
In addition to events such as stage attractions
the fireworks can be seen up close in the water and the beautiful fireworks reflected on the sea surface are dynamic
After enjoying the sunset over the Sea of Japan
which has been selected as one of the "100 Best Sunsets in Japan," you can enjoy the fireworks festival
It is also popular as Hokkaido's largest fireworks festival
the traditional Nishiki Kamuro fireworks fill the night sky
bringing the festival to a fantastic close
This is the largest festival in Shikabe Town
and everyone from children to adults can enjoy games and stage shows
The fireworks display that marks the climax of the festival is the largest in southern Hokkaido
and the fireworks launched near the fishing port are spectacular
Approximately 3,400 star mines and special fireworks will paint the night sky in a spectacular display
This fireworks display will be held during the "Fighters Super Summer Festival" event
over 6,000 fireworks will light up the night sky with the roof open
The dynamic production and music synchronized with the fireworks will turn the field into a dance floor-like space
The night view from Otaru's Tenguyama is popular as one of the "Three Great Night Views of Hokkaido," and the fireworks that unfold along with the night view from the mountaintop are spectacular
so access is good and you can easily enjoy the luxurious scenery of the night view and fireworks
previously known as the "Hokkaido Moerenuma Artistic Fireworks"
will be renamed the "Hokkaido Artistic Fireworks"
set off by the country's best fireworks artists
elevating traditional fireworks festivals to the level of art
You can enjoy world-class fireworks entertainment
This will be the first fireworks display to be held at the Sapporo Dome
a fireworks manufacturer that won the top prize at the 2022 National Fireworks Competition
is scheduled to display star mines and other fireworks
Approximately 18,000 fireworks will be launched in time with music from the outdoor seating area that can accommodate 16,000 people
This is the biggest event in Kushiro city
and it brings the end of summer to a spectacular start
"Donpaku" was named after the "don" sound of the fireworks and the act of eating delicious food
The highlight of the event is not only the delicious food stalls and events
but also the largest fireworks display in Hokkaido
This year marks the 43rd anniversary of the fireworks festival
The fireworks are set off on boats moving around the lake
so you can see the whole of Toyako Onsen town
Enjoying the fireworks while soaking in the hot springs is a unique experience at Toyako Onsen
This fireworks display is held in Jigokudani
The highlight is the spectacular sight of the "Yukijin" hot spring gods living in Jigokudani unleashing powerful demon fireworks into the night sky like an eruption
which are meant to pray for the happiness of all people and protection from disaster
drawing roars of excitement from the crowd
A fireworks festival is held during the summer vacation period at Rusutsu Resort
a popular amusement park and a variety of activities to enjoy
1,200 fireworks are set off in time with music
creating a fantastical and dynamic collaboration of sound and light that is very popular
*Each event may be subject to change or cancellation
so please check the official website before participating