JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2026

convener:Tohru Sakiyama(Institute of Geo History, Japan Geochronology Network), Kazuo Amano(Center for Spatial Information Science, The University of Tokyo ), Norihito Kawamura(School of Regional Resource Management, Graduate School, University of Hyogo)

The annual Geology and Culture session will focus on geoscientific studies of myths, legends, and folk culture. Some of the myths, legends, and folk culture are closely related to geoscientific phenomena and disasters, and geomythology is a field that discusses this relationship. In some cases, myths and legends directly reflect geoscientific phenomena, while in other cases, myths and legends emerge from past geological phenomena or the natural worldview of the time. In addition, myths and legends may later be applied to specific geological phenomena. On the other hand, easily believing myths and legends can also lead to pseudoscience. Discussing these issues, which are essentially psychological, from a geoscience perspective will help us understand the lives of people who have lived with geological disasters and blessings. The purpose of this session is to introduce geoscientific research into the myths, legends, and folk cultures that remain in various regions, and to raise awareness of their significance among many people.