Drainage from behind the inscribed rock

Water is being pumped out from behind the inscribed rock, using the holes made during the core-sample drilling. Drainage volume is measured in milliliters per minute as it gushes out of the pumping holes each month (Fig. 9). Previously, this measurement had not been taken in winter because the water was frozen. The construction of the new shelter, however, has retained warmth and has made it possible to measure pumped water throughout the year. The new shelter has thus had a profound effect on the ability to remove the water that has long been destroying the rock.

Computer Graphic Simulation of Surface Conditions

Figure 13

The new shelter under construction.

Figure 10

Computer simulation of cave exterior.

Figure 11

Computer simulation of shelter location and environment.

Figure 12

Computer simulation of shelter interior.

Conditions of the inscribed rock surface were simulated using computer graphics software. Topographical data and information about the conditions of the road running close to the side were based on existing topographical maps on a reduced scale of 1:2500, with data on the new shelter provided by blueprints (Fig. 10). The colors of the exterior of the shelter can be easily simulated by balancing red, blue, and green color values in many different ways on the computer. Different appearances as seen from different perspectives are also possible. Decisions can be made on how to match the shelter with its surrounding environment in regard to color, shape, and a range of other factors (Fig. 11). Many different plans are possible for a shelter's interior design—including colors, displays of exhibitions, lights, preservation capsules, and so on (Fig. 12).

Earthquakes are frequent in Japan, especially Hokkaido, and many people visit the Temiya cave. For this reason, the new shelter was constructed with a steel-reinforced concrete structure (Fig. 13).

Air conditioning installation is underway. To find suitable levels of temperature and humidity, it will be necessary to observe the development of conditions at the inscribed rock face for at least one year. 13

Note