Mount Katamuki

Mount Katamuki is at the western end of the Sobo Mountain range in Ōita Prefecture. It is now part of the Sobo, Katamuki and Okue [Biosphere Reserve].

Formation

It is believed that the foundation of the Sobo mountain range occurred in two periods of volcanic activity. The first, around 13 million years ago, was buried in the second period of volcanic activity ending about 10 million years ago leaving the landscape seen today. The extinct Katamukiyama Caldera is aligned on a NW to SE axis and was by in size with a DRE erupted volume of. From about 3 million years ago the activity of the Aso volcano caused nearby pyroclastic flow deposition.

Environment

The slopes of the mountain is covered by old-growth forest. Typical species include Japanese beech and hemlock. Going up from the lowland, the vegetation changes from evergreen forest over conifer forest halfway up the mountain, to Suzu-take and beech close to the summit.