Researchers from Kyushu University said Saturday they have started a survey of subterranean lava passages beneath Mount Unzen in Nagasaki Prefecture.
The researchers will use specialized technology to simulate earthquakes and determine the size and site of the magma passages to learn more about volcanoes' behavior.
They will use the data to identify the lava flow and help conduct a drilling survey in fiscal 2002, which begins in April, the researchers said.
The university has taken part in joint international surveys on Mount Unzen with a number of organizations and research institutes from Japan and other countries.