Iwami Plateau

This plateau stretches across the western part of Shimane Prefecture, in the northwest of the Chugoku Mountains. Some parts have been dissected by rivers that flow into the Sea of ​​Japan, such as the Shizuma River, Gonokawa River, Hamada River, and Sufu River, creating gorges, but the plateau is also dotted with numerous small basins. Settlements are located on the river terraces and the plateau, and are connected by gorge tracks. There are many remains of tatara ironworks in the basins. The plateau is covered with red pine and broadleaf trees, and is a source of pulpwood. It was once a major producer of charcoal. It is a depopulated area with a high rate of population outflow.

[Akifumi Nomoto]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

中国山地の北西部、島根県西部に広がる高原。静間川、江の川(ごうのかわ)、浜田川、周布(すふ)川などの日本海に注ぐ河川により一部は開析され渓峡谷をつくるが、高原上は数多くの小盆地が分布する。集落は河岸段丘と高原上に立地し、その間は羊腸路で連絡する。盆地にはたたら製鉄跡が多い。高原は赤松と広葉樹で覆われ、パルプ材供給地。かつては木炭の主産地であった。人口流出が多く過疎地域である。

［野本晃史］

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