Assistant Professor
　Graduate School of Science

Research Interests:

　A wide variety of geological processes take place in subduction zones such as the Japanese Islands. I am interested in reading the geological record preserved in rocks to gain a broad understanding of magmatism, metamorphism, and accretion in subduction zones, and ultimately to explore how these processes are controlled by plate motions and mantle dynamics. My particular interests include the formation of paired metamorphic belts, the emplacement and cooling of magma chambers, and the relationships between magmatism, metamorphism, and plate tectonics.
My research focuses on various types of crustal rocks, with field geology at its core, combined with approaches from petrology, geochemistry, geochronology, and numerical modeling—with generous help from many collaborators—to reconstruct the geological evolution of Japan and the surrounding regions.

Recent research topics:

• Tectonics of subduction zones
• Pluton emplacement and contact metamorphism
• Provenance analysis using accretionary complexes
• Thermal structures of metamorphic belts

Recent Publications:

• Yamaoka K., Wallis S.R., Miyake A. & Annen C. (2023) Identifying plutons associated with long-lived volcanism by thermal modeling of contact metamorphic aureoles. Geology 51: 1173–1177.
• Yamaoka K., Morohoshi T., Sato D., & Mikuni K. (2025) Ignimbrite flare-up in Late Cretaceous–Paleocene Japan empowered by hot mantle inflow. Progress in Earth and Planetary Science 12: 80.
• Yamaoka K. & Wallis S.R. (2023) Clockwise rotation of SW Japan and timing of Izanagi–Pacific ridge subduction revealed by arc migration. Progress in Earth and Planetary Science 10:62.
• Yamaoka K., Murakami D., Mori H., Morohoshi T., Iwano H., Danhara T., & Hirata T. (2025) Emplacement and cooling history of a pluton with evident laminated structure constrained by field anatomy of the Kinpusan pluton, central Japan. Island Arc 34: e70014.
• Yamaoka K. & Wallis S.R. (2022) Recognition of broad thermal anomaly around the median tectonic line in central Kii peninsula, southwest Japan: Possible heat sources. Island Arc 31: e12440.
• Wallis S.R., Yamaoka K., Mori H., Ishiwatari A., Miyazaki K. & Ueda H. (2020) The basement geology of Japan from A to Z. Island Arc 29, e12339.

Partial List of Professional Service:　

• The Geological Society of Japan
• Japan Geoscience Union (JpGU)

UPDATE: 19/07/2026